2020 Results

[ehallwyo]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA
Schools Applied To:  Columbia (SIPA), American (SPA), George Washington (Trachtenberg), Cornell (CIPA)
Schools Admitted To:  American (40% of tuition covered, incl a part-time GAship), Cornell (60% of tuition covered)
Schools Rejected From:  None yet
Still Waiting:  Columbia, George Washington
Undergraduate Institution:  Ivy
Undergraduate GPA:  3.66
Undergraduate Major:  Education Studies
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  156/164/5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  3.5
Years of Work Experience:  3.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  Two years in New Delhi doing large scale high-impact projects with an education-oriented foundation; currently at a state-run therapeutic/educational/residential program for teenage girls who have gotten into trouble with the law
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I'm not sure how to assess this, but I felt confident about what I submitted. My essays were straightforward and discussed big-picture goals and ideals, how my prior experience has positioned me for success, and how an MPA will help me moving forward.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Haven't read any of them, but I think strong. One from a prof that taught three of my undergrad classes (both lecture and seminar), one from the founder of the organization where I worked in Delhi, one from the superintendent of the residential program where I now work. They know me quite well.

Other: I loved the vibe of American best, but Cornell has offered me a better deal (not to mention a significantly lower cost of living). The flip side is, DC is DC. I am going to see if American is willing to increase their offer, given my offer from Cornell. I will be interested to see if either GW or Columbia come close in the funding department (my hopes aren't high for Columbia!). Big decisions ahead!

[GoCParis]

11 hours ago, ehallwyo said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA
Schools Applied To:  Columbia (SIPA), American (SPA), George Washington (Trachtenberg), Cornell (CIPA)
Schools Admitted To:  American (40% of tuition covered, incl a part-time GAship), Cornell (60% of tuition covered)
Schools Rejected From:  None yet
Still Waiting:  Columbia, George Washington
Undergraduate Institution:  Ivy
Undergraduate GPA:  3.66
Undergraduate Major:  Education Studies
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  156/164/5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  3.5
Years of Work Experience:  3.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  Two years in New Delhi doing large scale high-impact projects with an education-oriented foundation; currently at a state-run therapeutic/educational/residential program for teenage girls who have gotten into trouble with the law
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I'm not sure how to assess this, but I felt confident about what I submitted. My essays were straightforward and discussed big-picture goals and ideals, how my prior experience has positioned me for success, and how an MPA will help me moving forward.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Haven't read any of them, but I think strong. One from a prof that taught three of my undergrad classes (both lecture and seminar), one from the founder of the organization where I worked in Delhi, one from the superintendent of the residential program where I now work. They know me quite well.

Other: I loved the vibe of American best, but Cornell has offered me a better deal (not to mention a significantly lower cost of living). The flip side is, DC is DC. I am going to see if American is willing to increase their offer, given my offer from Cornell. I will be interested to see if either GW or Columbia come close in the funding department (my hopes aren't high for Columbia!). Big decisions ahead!

Congrats on your acceptances! Did you apply early to American? I was accepted two weeks ago but still haven’t received any info regarding scholarship offers. 

[GradSchoolGrad]

Chances are that you will probably get into McCourt with funding, but I would take Harris acceptance assuming your interest is international development. At the end of the day know one really cares if you are an MPP or MAIDP. They just know you are a grad student from a really esteemed institution. 

[PP2020]

20 hours ago, rcarvano said:

For anyone who applied to GW for MPA or MPP when are you expecting to hear back? I think I made a good case for myself (2nd post is my criteria) just getting nervous! 

I got a notification 02/04 that it would take 4-6 weeks so, mid-march I guess? 

[amichael]

From what I have gathered, I think it is likely that those that applied early should find out next week. Probably either 3/4 or 3/5. 

[jmc0902]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP
Schools Applied To:  SAIS, ESIA
Schools Admitted To:  ESIA
Schools Rejected From:  None yet
Still Waiting:  SAIS
Undergraduate Institution:  Private Institution
Undergraduate GPA:  3.14
Undergraduate Major:  Allied Health
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  Not Required/Necessary
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  9
Years of Work Experience:  9
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  I have been in the Army a total of 15 years, six Enlisted and nine as an Officer. I have been an AD Civil Affairs Officer for the last four. I have three deployments to Africa as a CA Officer. I have been selected to become a Africa Foreign Area Officer which is why I am applying to Grad School
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I think the path I have chosen in the military thus far has set me up to be a strong candidate based off of my experiences working in every level from tactical (Iraq/AFG) to strategic (USEMB Gabon).
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  I used a current supervisor who is the BN Operations Officer and one from a person within the DAO who I worked with while deployed.

 

[jmc0902]

On 2/26/2020 at 3:31 AM, PupCakes said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.):  IR - MA, MSFS
Schools Applied To:  Georgetown MSFS, GWU Elliott, Johns Hopkins SAIS, American SIS
Schools Admitted To:  American, GWU
Schools Rejected From:  
Still Waiting:  Georgetown, Johns Hopkins
Undergraduate Institution:  University of Florida
Undergraduate GPA:   3.46
Undergraduate Major:  Anthropology
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  Didn't Submit/Weren't Required (rocked the verbal, quant, not so much, lol)
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  2 months
Years of Work Experience:  7-9 depending on what you think counts.
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  Over 9 years in the US Navy working within the government as foreign language and intelligence analyst with ~ 2 of those years spent acquiring two different foreign languages.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Fairly strong, I think. Described why I thought I would be a good fit and what I could contribute to the programs. Focused on where I've been, where I am now, and where I want to be in terms of IR. Had two mentors look over and give feedback on multiple revisions.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Strong. One academic and two profressional, though one of the pros has seen me in academic settings multiple times over the course of many years. All of my recommenders know me very well. I waived my right to see them, but one sent me an overwhelmingly positive draft.
Other:

GO GATORS! Good Luck with SAIS!

[sgr2020]

On 2/7/2020 at 11:12 AM, sgr2020 said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.):  MPP/MPA/MPAff/MA
Schools Applied To:  Brown Watson, Cornell CIPA, UT Austin LBJ, A&M Bush, Carnegie Heinz, Georgetown McCourt, Johns Hopkins SAIS
Schools Admitted To:  Brown ($), Cornell ($$$), LBJ, CMU ($$)
Schools Rejected From:  n/a
Still Waiting:  A&M, Georgetown, Hopkins 
Undergraduate Institution:  Large flagship state university 
Undergraduate GPA: 3.8  
Undergraduate Major:  Political Science and Economics 
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  157/168/4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  n/a
Years of Work Experience:  3
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 3 years of research experience in international affairs/conflict, Dept. of Treasury internship, House campaign internship  
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Strong, I had all of my statements reviewed by peers, mentors, and the university writing center.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Strong, letters from an assistant secretary in the department I worked for, the professor I did research with, and the campaign manager I worked for. 
Other: Strong extra-curricular and volunteer work related to national affairs and human rights. Undergrad research developed strong quant skills (programming in R, STATA, and Python). 

Updated to include LBJ and CMU Heinz 

[PupCakes]

2 hours ago, jmc0902 said:

GO GATORS! Good Luck with SAIS!

Chomp Chomp! Thanks, and good luck to you as well! 

Go Navy! Beat Army! ?

[ehallwyo]

13 hours ago, GoCParis said:

Congrats on your acceptances! Did you apply early to American? I was accepted two weeks ago but still haven’t received any info regarding scholarship offers. 

Thanks! I submitted my materials about a month early, and my last letter got submitted two weeks early. I was accepted on 2/11 and heard about funding on 2/25. They are probably rolling out funding emails in waves? Fingers crossed for you!

[educationmatters]

On 2/7/2020 at 10:23 PM, educationmatters said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA, MPP in nonprofit/education 
Schools Applied To:  IU, Brown, Duke, ASU, U Minn, U Mich, NYU, Northwestern, USC, UCB, UCLA, UCR, Georgetown, Cornell, USC.
Schools Admitted To:  ASU, U Minn.
Schools Rejected From:  n/a but didn't get into Brown early action, they put me back into the normal pool.
Still Waiting:  IU, Brown, Duke, U Mich, NYU, Northwestern, USC, UCB, UCLA, UCR, Georgetown, Cornell, USC.
Undergraduate Institution:  LMU University of Munich (top 30 school worldwide)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.7  
Undergraduate Major: American Studies, Law Minor 
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  147/157/4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  n/a
Years of Work Experience:  4
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  3 years of education work in government, currently a house intern, helped found a nonprofit in college where I footed the financial/legal work.
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Pretty strong, had professor input but some are stronger than others.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Very strong, worked for many professors and had good relationships.
Other: Originally from the US, studied almost totally in German (a little unique), worked for school system in US and Germany. Very active in extracurriculars and working part time in administrative and education positions. Difficult upbringing which ties together an interest in education/nonprofit work.

 

Accepted by Duke and waitlisted by Chicago so far...

[polapp20]

48 minutes ago, educationmatters said:

Accepted by Duke and waitlisted by Chicago so far...

When did you hear from Duke ?? 

[chande_]

On 2/10/2020 at 10:27 AM, chande_ said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR, MIA, Latin American Studies
Schools Applied To:  Georgetown MA Latin American Studies, Columbia SIPA, Johns Hopkins SAIS MIA, GWU Latin American Studies MA, U Chicago CIR, American University SIS MA, UT Austin LBJ GPS-DC, UC San Diego GPS
Schools Admitted To:  American, LBJ, UCSD, Georgetown ($), GWU ($$)
Schools Rejected From:  none yet
Still Waiting:  SIPA, SAIS, CIR
Undergraduate Institution:  Flagship State School (UW-Madison)
Undergraduate GPA: 3.67
Undergraduate Major: International Studies & Spanish, Environmental Studies Minor
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  157/163/4.5
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  2
Years of Work Experience:  4
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  6 months journalism internship in Argentina, 1 year teaching english in Spain, currently serving in AmeriCorps in El Paso, TX. During undergrad I worked for a year as an intern for a State Rep
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  I think they are pretty strong, there is a clear narrative and focused research/career goals. Spent about 20 hours writing them.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Two strong, one meh. A professor with whom I worked closely and the State Rep for whom I interned who is now the WI Secretary of Revenue.
Other: Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Studied, interned, and worked abroad for a total of two years in Spanish-speaking countries. Lots and lots of volunteer experience working with immigrants and refugees, directly relating to my career goals and desired degree focus.

Updating to include new acceptances!

[LazarusRises]

On 2/7/2020 at 12:04 PM, LazarusRises said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): Duke Nicholas School Masters of Environmental Management, Columbia SIPA MPA-DP, Berkeley MDP
Schools Admitted To:  Duke Nicholas, UC Berkeley
Schools Rejected From:  None yet!
Still Waiting:  Columbia SIPA
Undergraduate Institution: UC Berkeley
Undergraduate GPA:   3.71
Undergraduate Major:  Environmental Policy
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  160/169/6.0
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  4
Years of Work Experience:  4
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  Worked in nonprofit environmental conservation in college, AmeriCorps fellowship in energy efficiency policy after undergrad, currently working with a utility-scale solar & storage developer
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  I'm very passionate about my field & career, and I'm also an experienced writer (demonstrated in part by my verbal & AW GRE scores). I had several trusted friends and advisors read it over, including a couple of professional editors, and did several drafts to refine. I'm confident that it reads well and demonstrates my dedication to sustainable development & environmental stewardship.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Current supervisor (Director-level), former supervisor at the same job who left (Executive-level), undergrad thesis advisor who is a Nobel laureate & author of the IPCC. All submitted their letters promptly and seemed very willing to write them. 
Other: Fulbright India 2016 semifinalist in Energy; walked the Camino de Santiago (20 miles a day for a month); long-distance runner. The last two are on my "15 Random Things" essay for Duke. Had an informal interview with the head of the Energy & Environment concentration at the Nic School MEM, he said (and I quote) "Your background is perfect for this position." 

Same

[rcarvano]

On 2/27/2020 at 3:41 PM, amichael said:

From what I have gathered, I think it is likely that those that applied early should find out next week. Probably either 3/4 or 3/5. 

Yeah I had all materials in by January 15th. I updated my resume and transcript before it was sent over. Could not convey how nervous I am. 

[rjain]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA and MPP
Schools Applied To:  Syracuse Maxwell (MPP), CMU Heinz (MSPPM-DA), Washington Evans (MPA), UCSD GPS (MPP), U Chicago Harris (MPP), Indiana O'Neil (MPA), Georgetown McCourt (MS DSPP), GW Trachtenburg (MPP), UIC (MPP)
Schools Admitted To:  Syracuse Maxwell (MPP), UCSD GPS (MPP), UIC (MPP)
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting:  CMU Heinz (MSPPM-DA), Washington Evans (MPA), U Chicago Harris (MPP), Indiana O'Neil (MPA), Georgetown McCourt (MS DSPP), GW Trachtenburg (MPP)
Undergraduate Institution:  Visvesvaraya Technological University (India)
Undergraduate GPA:   3.45
Undergraduate Major:  Computer Science
GMAT Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  V-27, Q-42, AW-5.0, IR-8
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  3.5 years
Years of Work Experience:  3 years
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  3 years in IT Industry in the domain of program management and software development; 2 volunteering work with National NGOs
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Cannot comment on the strength of SOP as no reference point to compare from. Reviewed by peers, family and undergraduate friends.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  3 LORs - Undergraduate University Professor, Current Supervisor, NGO Co-Founder
Other:  As of date, I am awaiting funding communication from all the universities. The best shot seems to be Syracuse Maxwell for now. Based on future acceptances and funding options will make the final decision.

I have one doubt, based on past trend I have noticed that not many students apply to Syracuse Maxwell though it is #1 as per US News Rankings. Can someone please provide reasoning for the same.

[GradSchoolGrad]

Because it is in Syracuse, New York... location location location

[scotabroad]

Anyone heard from Georgetown Mccourt yet who applied by the January 15 priority deadline? I applied for the MPP and MIDP. Looking at last year's thread, it seems that decisions were released this first week of March. 

[scotabroad]

4 hours ago, scotabroad said:

Anyone heard from Georgetown Mccourt yet who applied by the January 15 priority deadline? I applied for the MPP and MIDP. Looking at last year's thread, it seems that decisions were released this first week of March. 

Spoke too soon - just got admitted to the McCourt MPP with information about graduate merit aid to follow! Good luck everyone!

[GradSchoolGrad]

I recommend you think really hard before taking the McCourt MPP acceptance!!! Happy to talk more about it.

[GradSchoolGrad]

4 hours ago, scotabroad said:

Spoke too soon - just got admitted to the McCourt MPP with information about graduate merit aid to follow! Good luck everyone!

You might want to read this 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccourt-school-of-public-policy-washington?osq=mccourt+school

[policywonk12]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, MPA, MDP, MS Social Policy
Schools Applied To:  HKS MPP, WWS MPA, SIPA MPA-DP, Harris MPP, UC Berkeley MDP, Heinz MSPPM-DA, QMSS@Columbia, UPenn SP2 MSSP-DA, Fletcher MALD, SAIS JHU MA-I DEV
Schools Admitted To: SIPA MPA-DP, Harris MPP ($$), Fletcher MALD
Schools Rejected From: None yet
Still Waiting: HKS MPP, WWS MPA, UC Berkeley MDP, Heinz MSPPM-DA, QMSS@Columbia, UPenn SP2 MSSP-DA, SAIS JHU MA-I DEV
Undergraduate Institution:  Top 20 Indian University 
Undergraduate GPA:  3.2
Undergraduate Major:  Business
GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  158/156/4
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  2.5
Years of Work Experience:  2.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience: 5 months RAship with a well-known DevEcon organization + 18 months qualitative field research with a well-known US university + have been working with a multilateral for the last 5 months as a Sr. RA. Consistent thematic area across all 3 projects, more or less (which I highlighted in SoP)
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Strong - reviewed by past successful applicants
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Two law school professors I worked with as a research assistant for 18 months + an internship supervisor whose organization I've interned with twice
Other: Though I've not yet received an admit from a STEM program, would like to know the experience of international students (or those who know int'l students to make the same decision) on pros and cons of opting for a non-STEM better-ranked school v/s not so well-known STEM degree. I intend to work in the States for a couple of years before returning to my home country. Also open to the possibility of a PhD in public policy but haven't yet decided

[rjain]

18 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Because it is in Syracuse, New York... location location location

Thanks for addressing my query @GradSchoolGrad.

Apart from the location, do you see any other problems? I don't have problem with the remote location and extreme weather conditions.

I want to know about the school's industrial reputation and career outcomes of graduates (if aware of).

[rjain]

On 3/3/2020 at 9:47 AM, rjain said:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA and MPP
Schools Applied To:  Syracuse Maxwell (MPP), CMU Heinz (MSPPM-DA), U Wash Evans (MPA), UCSD GPS (MPP), U Chicago Harris (MPP), Indiana O'Neil (MPA), Georgetown McCourt (MS DSPP), GW Trachtenburg (MPP), UIC (MPP)
Schools Admitted To:  Syracuse Maxwell (MPP), UCSD GPS (MPP), UIC (MPP)
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting:  CMU Heinz (MSPPM-DA), U Wash Evans (MPA), U Chicago Harris (MPP), Indiana O'Neil (MPA), Georgetown McCourt (MS DSPP), GW Trachtenburg (MPP)
Undergraduate Institution:  Visvesvaraya Technological University (India)
Undergraduate GPA:   3.45
Undergraduate Major:  Computer Science
GMAT Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores:  V-27, Q-42, AW-5.0, IR-8
Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):  3.5 years
Years of Work Experience:  3 years
Describe Relevant Work Experience:  3 years in IT Industry in the domain of program management and software development; 2 volunteering work with National NGOs
Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):  Cannot comment on the strength of SOP as no reference point to compare from. Reviewed by peers, family and undergraduate friends.
Strength of LOR's (be honest, describe the process, etc):  3 LORs - Undergraduate University Professor, Current Supervisor, NGO Co-Founder
Other:  As of date, I am awaiting funding communication from all the universities. The best shot seems to be Syracuse Maxwell for now. Based on future acceptances and funding options will make the final decision.

I have one doubt, based on past trend I have noticed that not many students apply to Syracuse Maxwell though it is #1 as per US News Rankings. Can someone please provide reasoning for the same.

Acceptance update.

Today I received acceptances from Georgetown University and Indiana University, Bloomginton. Awaiting funding letter from all the universities as of date.

I am in a tough spot choosing between Syracuse Maxwell and McCourt Georgetown. As an international student, attending Georgetown will give me the benefit of STEM program, however I am confused if I should choose that over the quality and ranking of Maxwell School.

Requesting all the forum members to help me on this. 

[GradSchoolGrad]

2 hours ago, rjain said:

Acceptance update.

Today I received acceptances from Georgetown University and Indiana University, Bloomginton. Awaiting funding letter from all the universities as of date.

I am in a tough spot choosing between Syracuse Maxwell and McCourt Georgetown. As an international student, attending Georgetown will give me the benefit of STEM program, however I am confused if I should choose that over the quality and ranking of Maxwell School.

Requesting all the forum members to help me on this. 

I also think you are in a tough spot, and you are gambling no matter what. 

I think this is what you have to gamble between.

1. Going into a STEM field where you are in demand (and easier to work authorization), but it is still a new program trying to figure itself out. You'll also be in a city whereby there will be lots of other international students to connect with (beyond Georgetown).

2. Going to honestly a much better professional environment that can truly empower you, BUT you are going in a program that granted is the most prestigious A: At the end of the day doesn't truly distinguish you that much from the pack (lots of MPPs out there given demand) and B: and you will be in Syracuse, New York.