Need advice on my profile and chances of admission...

[policy_wonk_18]

Hello everyone,

Wondering if you can offer some feedback on my profile. I'm an older applicant (33) in search of a quality midcareer program. My stats are mixed and somewhat problematic, as follows:

- undergrad degree in poli sci and econ from Berkeley. Terrible GPA -- 2.85 overall, 3.35 in major.

- 10 years of progressive responsibility in energy and communications policy: state and federal policymaking, including wholesale and retail markets and regulatory framework design, broadband policy, cost modeling, database work, mergers and aquisitions, energy procurement planning, renewable portfolios, climate change regulatory strategies.

- Roles: policy analyst, advocate, expert witness (rate design, mergers), academic consultant (energy markets), Senior energy and communications advisor to a major political appointee/decisionmaker.

- Notable work product: policy strategy papers, evaluation of policy proposals, testimony, decisions, speeches, resolutions, etc.

- LORs: from two political appointees in high profile positions, and a former director of visible organization.

The undergrad record isn't attractive, particularly in some of the heavier quant courses. I had to work ridiculous hours back then, but also needed a swift kick in the rear! But I think the experience is pretty deep and of a good quality.

- Decent volunteer work - tutoring, campaign work, food bank. Well traveled.

- No GRE scores yet. Want to apply this fall.

I'd like to burnish credentials to move into a higher level advisory position at the federal level or incubate and lobby for cleantech energy concepts.

Do I stand a chance at a top midcareer program, ie Columbia, HKS, or other programs? Any suggestions on programs that seem feasible for someone with my background?

[Putoots]

I think you are an excellent candidate for a top MPA or other mid-career program. You have quite a long list of very relevant experience, which is not common for someone of your age (as many people spend a number of years doing random things -- or nothing -- after college). Your background definitely projects an image of someone dedicated to policy issues.

I wouldn't get hung up on your grades. 10 years ago is a long time and more than enough time for personal and professional growth. However, since many programs base funding offers on the numbers, you should make sure to get a good GRE score -- at least 75% percentile in each section. (Especially in the quantitative section, which should make up for a less-than-stellar undergraduate performance.)

As many people have said before, don't get too hung up on the brand names of HKS and Columbia. Despite the fact that these are top-flight schools, there are many other great schools that may offer you better financial packages. The University of Michigan -- known for its rigorous policy analysis curriculum -- has an MPA program designed for mid-career professionals, as does USC and Syracuse.

[policy_wonk_18]

Thanks so much for your response, much appreciated!

I have a couple of follow up questions. First, do schools typically award money solely on the basis of numbers (GRE/GPA), or does work experience get factored in? In other words, would somebody with expertise in a particular field be viewed as valuable enough to warrant some funding?

Second, what is your general sense of the value of midcareer programs at some of the better schools? Obviously HKS, Columbia, Michigan, and SPPD are well regarded and recognized, but what about executive or MPA programs at University of Pennsylvania, Washington (Evans), NYU, etc? Any international one year program options?

Finally, do you think a part time/executive MBA makes better sense in light of my experience and goals? Would it add more value to the resume? They're just so darn expensive, and I'm not necessarily looking to change careers (but would certainly like a bigger salary down the line).

Thanks so much in advance for any feedback you can offer?

[alrosy]

With that level of work experience, you should seriously consider getting an MBA. Get yourself a decent GRE/GMAT score, some great LORs and write a heck of an admissions essay and you may have a chance at a top business school.

In either case, I think you have a great shot at the Midcareer MPA or the MPA2 at HKS; for sure. Apply to both top MBA and MPA programs.... Aim high and good luck!!

[adaptations]

Thanks so much for your response, much appreciated!

I have a couple of follow up questions. First, do schools typically award money solely on the basis of numbers (GRE/GPA), or does work experience get factored in? In other words, would somebody with expertise in a particular field be viewed as valuable enough to warrant some funding?

Second, what is your general sense of the value of midcareer programs at some of the better schools? Obviously HKS, Columbia, Michigan, and SPPD are well regarded and recognized, but what about executive or MPA programs at University of Pennsylvania, Washington (Evans), NYU, etc? Any international one year program options?

Finally, do you think a part time/executive MBA makes better sense in light of my experience and goals? Would it add more value to the resume? They're just so darn expensive, and I'm not necessarily looking to change careers (but would certainly like a bigger salary down the line).

Thanks so much in advance for any feedback you can offer?

I'll try to respond to a few of your questions. First, schools do not just award money based on GRE/GPA. To my knowledge they look at the overall strength of their applicants, which will be evaluated differently at each school depending on what they are looking for.

As to the difference between part time and full time programs, that seems like something you have to figure out for yourself. If you are purely looking to have the credential of having a masters, perhaps name of school and type of program doesn't matter so much. Given that some jobs give you a pay raise for a degree, regardless of where it came from, that may be something to consider. That said, if you are looking to really learn new skills, build stronger credentials, and strive for a notably different track than you are currently on, the specifics of the program and name of school will probably matter more.

[policy_wonk_18]

Thanks for all of your responses -- really very helpful! I appreciate the insight and the votes of confidence. Adding some MBA options to the mix makes it a bit more complicated (and expensive, as my employer can't offer much in the way of financial support in this economy). But I guess it's an ROI issue at the end of the day. In any event, I need to get moving on the GRE/GMAT.

Are any of you current students or graduates of HKS? If so, any sense of how much funding is available there? How do you like it? Are there a lot of career changers there?

I was looking at one year programs elsewhere, like Woody Woo. Seems like you have to be an international diplomat, five star general, speak 8 languages, and have worked on development projects in multiple countries to even get consideration there.