MPP/MPA Campus Visits

[xnormajeanx]

All right, my visit to Georgetown has definitely not helped me make a decision at all. I was so sure about Chicago, but then I visited GTown, and after meeting people there I feel like I might be happier going there. If it weren't for the fact that I have a prior commitment until Sept 15, I think I would definitely choose GTown. I'm not sure what to do, because GTown's classes start so early... and I can't leave the Chicago area till mid-September. AHHH

That was probably a bit incoherent.

[erin85]

All right, my visit to Georgetown has definitely not helped me make a decision at all. I was so sure about Chicago, but then I visited GTown, and after meeting people there I feel like I might be happier going there. If it weren't for the fact that I have a prior commitment until Sept 15, I think I would definitely choose GTown. I'm not sure what to do, because GTown's classes start so early... and I can't leave the Chicago area till mid-September. AHHH

That was probably a bit incoherent.

:laughs: Chicago did the same thing to me! I really liked it there.

I will be honest, I cant tell until tomorrow when the final call is made, but I think I am going to GT. They are strong quant focused, and I think some of the things harris offers I can take at other classes through that Washington consortium (eg further into program evaluation). GT requires an extra stats and finance course, which to me will likely be more valuable than an extra econ course at the Harris school.

I just spoke to a 2nd year student on the phone who reassured me they are strongly quant focused, and one of the most in D.C...Plus people this year were already hired at offices and places I wanted to work (along with a faculty member or two currently there if not heading the organization up).

Ugh, these decisions suck!

[erin85]

So here is my take on Chicago:

The visit day was VERY long, 8am-9pm if you stayed for the whole dinner and reception. Maggie DiCarlo (director of admissions)was quite entertaining , a real character with lots of energy, and a fun host. I really thought she ran things very well, and if you spoke to her one on one she gave some good insight. She's also a student in the program (part time) so she knows it better than many directors I've seen.

They stressed the quantitative focus of the program heavily all day, it almost all presentations/panels. But all of the students and staff say it is "do-able" if you prep for math before you arrive.

The program also stresses a more intellectual and academic focus (v.s. practical and skills based). The professors are research-based professors, who write and do professor-type things. This means less "Real world experience" and more theory from their and the students take on the matter. This is unlike a school like Georgetown for example that has many of its electives taught by policy-professionals that actually do work in the field, not just researching and teaching. This can be good or bad, mattering your take on the matter. I found the faculty overall boring, and not clear with their answers when students asked questions. Also none showed up to the reception which put me off a little.

When compared to other schools their career services is virtually identical, their strength being what appears to be more on-campus recruiting than other programs.

The other students at admitted students day were quite similar to what I saw at Georgetown: most had prior work experience, most came from very well known universities. All seemed professional, and like-able. Most also had no idea where they actually would be going for grad school. There were some that were positive about chicago, but I met ALOT of Georgetown/Chicago undecided (and I was def. not the only one leaning towards GT), some were considering the Ford School, some Berkley, others Duke or GWU. So a good mix, and everyone had their thoughts on the pro's and con's of each program.

The building was dark, but not too dreary I felt. It had security which concerned me at first, but it was due to the IT department being upstairs (and not the overall safety of the neighborhood). It was open 24/7 though which is a good thing for those with bad computers. Classrooms were nice, not old or outdated by any means.

The "swag-bag" at the end was really nice too. They gave everyone a cool khaki messenger bag that could fit a laptop (although you'd need a padded case), or alot of textbooks mattering your needs, a "tool kit" (screwdriver set), baseball cap and popcorn. The bag really was pretty awesome, and I will use it alot. The Saturday city of Chicago tour was also neat.

Overall I was impressed, they provided some good info, and have a great program...

But my previous message still holds