Ford Michigan MPP 2020

[shrishti]

For all those waiting it out

[prokem]

Hey @shrishti, thanks for starting this thread! I'm also applying to Ford, with the intention of doing a joint MS at SEAS. What're your stats/background?

I'm a current senior at a top 40 LAS studying environmental analysis and public policy. High GPA, good GRE verbal and AW, but weak quant. I have a good amount of relevant experience (local government agency focused on climate change, climate policy think tank, env policy advocacy group) and some leadership experience too. I like to think my recs are strong and my essays are as well! My major weaknesses are semi-limited quant background/low quant GRE and the fact that I'm an undergrad. Hoping that admissions will look past that! I'm also applying to HKS (my reach), Yale FES (another reach), and UPenn. 

 

How about you?

[spnfiim]

Programs applied (fall 2020): MPA-ID (HKS), MPA (WWS), MPA (SIPA), MPP (Ford)

Undergraduate (2004-07): University of Delhi, India (among top academic institutions in India)

Grade: No grades for this course; I underperformed in my undergrad becase of compelling financial constraints- 53% marks in absolute.

Undergrad Major: Economics Honours (entire course was focused on Economics only; we did not study anything else)

Graduation (2010-12): MBA from India's best MBA brand-IIM

GPA- 8.4/10 (Goldmedalist)

GRE Quant: 169

GRE Verbal: 155

GRE AW- 4.0

TOEFL: 110 (R-29, L-28, W-27, S-26)

Recipient of Foreign Fulbright Fellowship

Exp: Working with the Reserve Bank of India (Federal bank) for the last 7+ years; Joined as Manager- worked extensively in Financial Inclusion and Development planning. I played an instrumental role in bringing millions of underprivileged Indians in the fold of financial inclusion. I have highlighted this in my 'leadership' essay in HKS application. 

Besides, I also run my venture in reforming school-education in rural pockets of India, since 2015. Donated more than 60% of my salary for this cause and invested about 50000 USD to reform the education. I was invited as TEDx speaker for this initiative. My State Government requested RBI Governor to send me on deputation as Director (Education). During six months under this assignment, I have submitted 50-points reform agenda for the State of Uttar Pradesh which has population of 230 million people and more than 100000 schools.

I also founded a social responsibility club in IIM (MBA days) to fund the education of tribal children.

I have also worked extensively for polio-prevention and bringing vulnerable sex-workers into mainstream society. 

Strengths: Fulbright Fellow; Good academic record except undergrad (was state topper during school-days, and goldmedalist in MBA); Good quant score in GRE; Rich diversity in experience; Strong commitment for serving the humanity at large

LOR: Two references from Chief General Managers (respectably senior positions) in RBI and one recommendation from Director of my MBA college.

Edited December 5, 2019 by spnfiim

[knut6133]

Just got an email w/ a video from the Dean saying I'm in!! No details on funding, seems there will be an official email/letter sent out later today. As a note - the email was in my Promotions folder.

[prokem]

In at Ford! just got an email with a video from the dean

[Policy_Applicant2020]

I got in as well ?

[prokem]

Just want to bump this thread so other admitted students might see it. 

 

Did anyone attend their webinar today?

[prokem]

Now that Ford is mostly done with their slate of virtual admitted students events, does anyone have any impressions, know their final decision, etc?

[MPPNYC]

Did any of you end up at Ford? What are you thoughts after a year in the program?