How do I make myself more competitive?

[aspiringmaster]

All,

I am looking to apply to MPA/MPP programs for Fall 2011. I'm in Americorps and my year of service will conclude on August 27th.

I want to make myself more competitive between the end of August and the time that applications are due in Jan/Feb so I've considered the following:

1. Taking classes as a non-matriculated student for a semester to prove that I can excel in grad level courses (and then transferring in the credits)

2. Volunteering for a political campaign and/or local community non profits to demonstrate my commitment to public service

3. Studying hard and retaking the GRE's (I did poorly the first time around - 1080 cumulative)

4. Any other suggestions on how to maximize my time between Aug and Jan/Feb?

A couple of things about me -

I got a 3.5 GPA from a state school in NY.

Been out of school since 2007.

Low GRE score

Since graduating, have worked on a presidential campaign and done a year of service with Americorps

SU's Maxwell School is my dream school...but I think my GRE scores alone will preclude me from getting in.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[Nibor6000]

Yes, retake the GRE.

If you take classes, will your grades be in before your applications are due?

[aspiringmaster]

I would hope so. If not, will it still look good that I've started taking graduate level courses? Or do institutions not really care about work from outside places (aside from pre reqs)?

Yes, retake the GRE.

If you take classes, will your grades be in before your applications are due?

Edited July 12, 2010 by jfornof

[aspiringmaster]

anyone?

[American in Beijing]

anyone?

I would take a class. In my opinion, you've shown your commitment to public service already through your previous work. I think it would be really helpful to show that you can excel academically as well. However, getting a good GRE score is far more important, and if you feel the coursework will in any way hinder you from studying for the GRE, I wouldn't bother. The GRE can be studied for, and a bad score, like you said, could preclude you from even being considered for a top program.

[aspiringmaster]

I would take a class. In my opinion, you've shown your commitment to public service already through your previous work. I think it would be really helpful to show that you can excel academically as well. However, getting a good GRE score is far more important, and if you feel the coursework will in any way hinder you from studying for the GRE, I wouldn't bother. The GRE can be studied for, and a bad score, like you said, could preclude you from even being considered for a top program.

Thanks for your opinion. It seems that you think that a good GRE score can offset an application deficiency more so than getting good grades in relevant grad classes, correct?

I feel like if I can do well in a few classes, I can prove to them that I will be successful in their program, regardless of what my GRE score says. Am I wrong?

Also, do you agree that a 1080 will keep me out of Maxwell, regardless of the rest of my application?

Edited July 14, 2010 by jfornof

[American in Beijing]

Thanks for your opinion. It seems that you think that a good GRE score can offset an application deficiency more so than getting good grades in relevant grad classes, correct?

I feel like if I can do well in a few classes, I can prove to them that I will be successful in their program, regardless of what my GRE score says. Am I wrong?

Also, do you agree that a 1080 will keep me out of Maxwell, regardless of the rest of my application?

To be honest, I don't know very much about MPA/MPP programs. However, I was in a similar situation as you when I was applying. My GRE AW score was absolutely awful the first time I took it (in the 30th percentile . . . yikes!). At first, I thought it would be better not to waste my time and money retaking the test when the other aspects of my application were relatively strong. However, I was encouraged by several of my professors to retake the test and attempt to raise my score. One informed me that some schools (especially the ones with competitive programs) use a set formula to decide which applications to look at. They will look at quantifiable factors, such as GPA, rank of undergraduate institution, and GRE scores, plug these factors into a formula. Those applications that don't make the cut are put into the "reject pile" without ever being read.

This system, while a bit cruel and unfair, does make sense. Many programs get 400+ applications per season. If you were a professor on the adcom, would you honestly carefully read each and every application? No. You would sort through them to try to find the most promising applicants. GRE scores and GPAs are quick and easy indicators.

Maybe Maxwell is the exception to the rule and they really take the time to read each and every application. But do you really want to take that chance? You have PLENTY of time before you have to hand in your applications. Why not spend 2 - 3 months studying for the GRE and improve your score?

[DrFaustus666]

This system, while a bit cruel and unfair, does make sense. Many programs get 400+ applications per season. If you were a professor on the adcom, would you honestly carefully read each and every application? No. You would sort through them to try to find the most promising applicants. GRE scores and GPAs are quick and easy indicators.

The situation may be even worse than the above snippet indicates.

There was a poster on this site some time ago, maybe six months ago, who had worked in the admissions office of a big university -- that person stated that it was HER job, as a student-secretary-person, to make the first cut (i.e., look at GPA, GRE, class rank, etc., and split the applications into two piles: one for further review, one for "rejection letters"---which will be sent out, oh, four or five months hence.).

My point is, some part-time student worker may be able to eliminate your application from consideration. Of course it's not that way at all universities or in all programs, but do you want to take that chance?

Edited July 14, 2010 by DrFaustus666

[Nibor6000]

I was asking about whether or not your grades would be posted because some schools have rolling admissions and admit before the deadline. Thus, the early bird, worm, etc. Also, some schools are VERY picky about which classes they will let transfer. You might have already taken stats, but they'll want you to take *their* stats class.

Many schools do use the GRE * GPA formula to help weed out the less desirable candidates. My vote is for the GRE improvement plan. Good luck.

[fadeindreams]

I vote all three that you outlined with priority going in this order: GRE retake (>75 percentile in each section is key, I think), non-matriculated/non-degree classes (even undergrad level can help if you do not have basic ECON or STAT from your first degree; Calculus and advanced mathematics also could aid you), volunteering.

Lastly, go ahead and start writing that SOP now. Write it, put it aside and revisit it periodically over the next few months. Make a real effort to turn in an impressive application. Line up your recommendations and provide them with your resume. There's no reason you can't be finished with your application by the time the universities post them.