MPP/MPA 2011 Applicants

[yeahgradschool!]

New cycle, new round of applications!

I was looking at last year's posting about the application cycle and thought it was really helpful! So why not start one for this round?

Let's use the following format and continue to update throughout the cycle:

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.):

Schools Applied To:

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution:

Undergraduate GPA:

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable):

Undergraduate Major:

GRE Quantitative Score:

GRE Verbal Score:

GRE AW Score:

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):

Years of Work Experience:

Describe Relevant Work Experience:

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc):

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc):

Other:

[yeahgradschool!]

Okay, I might as well start us off!

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP

Schools Applied To: Carnegie-Mellon Heinz (DC or 3-semester track, still deciding), Michigan Ford, Duke Sanford, UPenn Fels, USC Policy, Planning and Development

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Large public research

Undergraduate GPA: 3.84

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.9ish

Undergraduate Major: Political Science (with a concentration in Public Law) and Psychology

GRE Quantitative Score: 770 (87%)

GRE Verbal Score: 620 (89%)

GRE AW Score: 5 (84%)

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4.5 (by Fall 2011)

Years of Work Experience: 4.5

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Currently serving 2 years in the Peace Corps (finish next June) as a Tourism and Education Consultant in Panama; 2 1/2 years as a corporate paralegal at a large firm in NYC; Internship as a Criminal Investigator at the PD's office in D.C.; Multiple summer teaching jobs; Research Assistant for a book on International NGOs; Computer Technician throughout college

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Still working it out but it's coming along. Mostly about my passion for education reform and social policy. It's not too exciting but I think it conveys what I want to do with my life pretty well.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two professional, one from Peace Corps and one from the law firm I worked at (the latter is sure to be stellar, the Peace Corps one should be good though maybe not super detailed) and one academic from a professor that I did research for and also had class with, however it's going on 5 years since I was in school so I'm hoping the rec isn't too vague. He was the only professor I even sort of keeped in touch with.

Other: I struggled on narrowing down my list of schools. I ended up only applying to schools that had fellowships through the Peace Corps (they aren't full fellowships, though, some are only 5-6 grand a year) but if I applied to Berkeley or Harvard, on the off chance I got into either (surely without any funding) I probably wouldn't be able to pass either of them up, but since $$ is my #1 priority, I thought it best to cut them out all together. Sigh. #1 choice is Carnegie-Mellon because of the DC-track (though I'm still up in the air about applying to the 3-semester track, 1 less semester of tuition?! wishing I could apply to both), then Michigan, then the other 3 would just depend on how much $ I get offered.

Good luck to everyone!

[intlpolicy10]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I can't wait to get this forum started this season, so here I go!

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA, MPP, MA, MALD, etc

Schools Applied To: SAIS, SIPA, Fletcher, WWS, HKS, Georgetown, GW, SIS

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Top 50 private

Undergraduate GPA: 3.45

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.7

Undergraduate Major: Political Science (international relations) and East Asian Studies

GRE Quantitative Score: 550

GRE Verbal Score: 750

GRE AW Score: 5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4

Years of Work Experience: 3

Describe Relevant Work Experience: I was an RA during college and interned during the summers for various campaigns. I interned for a advocacy organization for a year out of school. I currently work at a think tank in New York, and split my time as an RA working on US policy toward Asia and as a Program Assistant for outreach.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): To be honest, I'm struggling. I know I need to have an outstanding SOP to counterbalance my GPA and GRE scores. I'm hoping to highlight my work experience as much as possible. It's early in the process, so I hope that I can have a great SOP by the time applications go in.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I'm feeling confident with my LORs. One is from a Professor I did research with and took several of his classes, another is from the Senior Fellow I currently work with, and the other is the head of outreach at the think tank.

Other: I'm crossing my fingers that I get in this season! I know I'm applying to very competitive programs, and everyone on this forum has really strong backgrounds and applications.

[suhasnans]

Program Applied To: MPP, MA, MIA

 

Schools Applied To: HKS MPP, SIPA MIA, maybe SAIS MA

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

 

Undergraduate institution: Upper ranked French Grande Ecole

Undergraduate GPA: 3.5

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): ...

Undergraduate Major: International business

 

GMAT:580

TOEFL IBT: 110

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable):2 years

Years of Work Experience: 1 year and half

Describe Relevant Work Experience: founded a successful company in a foreign country in South America, working as vice-president of an NGO of 1000 volunteers that run large scale social projects in African, external consultant for The World Bank

 

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): studied in 5 different countries (France, Chile, Spain, US, UK), have a master in international business, initiator of two social communication projects, some volunteering experiences for UNDP, Ashoka, and a youth organization, has experienced poverty in Paraguay, India, Nigeria, Morocco, Brazil, Kenya), good academic records in economics, finalist of two business plan competition, currently starting two new ventures in a poor country. Those are my strengths. > But I have some weaknesses like a low GMAT, and low GPA during one year when I was exchange student because I couldn't understand the professors, and a very crazy CV that may not fit into the standards.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): 1. I am asking to my international business professor from US since it is my major (I was a good student and I won some cases but I am not sure he know me personally), 2. The chairman of the board of advisor of my NGO (famous guy), 3. probably my business associate or someone who used to train me.

 

Other: Speak fluently French, English, Spanish, right now I don't have a lot of money so I hope my brother will pay the application fees. About the likeliness of being admitted, I don't really know what will be the outcome.I am just trying to focus on my application.

[mcgov36]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR in Security Studies

Schools Applied To: Fletcher, Georgetown Peace & Security Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Princeton WWS, GWU Elliot, American SIS

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Top-25 private

Undergraduate GPA: 3.63

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.8

Undergraduate Major: Double-major in History and Slavic Studies

GRE Quantitative Score: 720

GRE Verbal Score: 750

GRE AW Score: 5.5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2

Years of Work Experience: 2ish

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Currently a Fulbright Fellow in Bulgaria, teaching and doing research on IMRO as an insurgent organization. Worked for 6 months at a state museum. Have done volunteer work with NGOs in Bosnia-Herzegovina (an entire summer) and Bulgaria as well.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I have a pretty clear idea of what I want to study (sub-state ethnic violence and responses, with a particular focus on the Balkans), so that's helped me form a pretty good SOP. I started early and have tweaked it little by little. I think it's really a strength of my application.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Letters of recommendation are kind of killing me. I have one professor with whom I'm very close, and then the Fulbright commission here in Bulgaria. Trying to find a third is difficult though. I doubt many professors remember me. In the end it will probably come from my supervisor with the NGO in Bosnia.

Other: Aside from the Fulbright grant, I also played a season of professional ice hockey in Europe and studied abroad in Ireland for a year. I also was published in my school's research journal with a paper on military history. I speak and read Bulgarian and the Macedonian dialect at a high level and can comprehend and be comprehended in Serbo-Croatian and Russian. Princeton is kind of a longshot for me and I have a slight lack of relevant work experience for security studies, but I think I will be okay. All else being equal, I'd really like to go to either Fletcher or Georgetown.

[yeahgradschool!]

I can't figure out how to just edit my original post!

Added the Maxwell School to my list. The considerable amount of money I'd be saving (as it's a 12-month program) was a huge factor. I'm not super keen on living in Syracuse (grew up 45 minutes away) but I figure I can handle it for a year. Anyone know the GPA/GRE stats of admitted students? Their website says "we like to see minimum GPA’s at or above a 3.0 (4.0 scale), minimum GRE test scores at the median (mid 500’s on both levels and 4.5 on the analytic)" which isn't very helpful. As one of the top programs in the country, I have to imagine the actual scores of admitted students are higher than that. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Okay, I might as well start us off!

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP

Schools Applied To: Carnegie-Mellon Heinz (DC or 3-semester track, still deciding), Michigan Ford, Duke Sanford, UPenn Fels, USC Policy, Planning and Development, Syracuse Maxwell

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Large public research

Undergraduate GPA: 3.84

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.9ish

Undergraduate Major: Political Science (with a concentration in Public Law) and Psychology

GRE Quantitative Score: 770 (87%)

GRE Verbal Score: 620 (89%)

GRE AW Score: 5 (84%)

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4.5 (by Fall 2011)

Years of Work Experience: 4.5

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Currently serving 2 years in the Peace Corps (finish next June) as a Tourism and Education Consultant in Panama; 2 1/2 years as a corporate paralegal at a large firm in NYC; Internship as a Criminal Investigator at the PD's office in D.C.; Multiple summer teaching jobs; Research Assistant for a book on International NGOs; Computer Technician throughout college

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Still working it out but it's coming along. Mostly about my passion for education reform and social policy. It's not too exciting but I think it conveys what I want to do with my life pretty well.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two professional, one from Peace Corps and one from the law firm I worked at (the latter is sure to be stellar, the Peace Corps one should be good though maybe not super detailed) and one academic from a professor that I did research for and also had class with, however it's going on 5 years since I was in school so I'm hoping the rec isn't too vague. He was the only professor I even sort of keeped in touch with.

Other: I struggled on narrowing down my list of schools. I ended up only applying to schools that had fellowships through the Peace Corps (they aren't full fellowships, though, some are only 5-6 grand a year) but if I applied to Berkeley or Harvard, on the off chance I got into either (surely without any funding) I probably wouldn't be able to pass either of them up, but since $ is my #1 priority, I thought it best to cut them out all together. Sigh. #1 choice is Carnegie-Mellon because of the DC-track (though I'm still up in the air about applying to the 3-semester track, 1 less semester of tuition?! wishing I could apply to both), then Michigan, then the other 3 would just depend on how much $ I get offered.

Good luck to everyone!

[Nimesis]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP, MPA

Schools Applied To: Berkeley (GSPP), USC (SPPD), UCLA, University of Washington (Evans), and University of Oregon (PPPM)

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Small private university

Undergraduate GPA: 3.78

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.85

Undergraduate Major: Political Science (minor in History)

GRE Quantitative Score: 730 (77%)

GRE Verbal Score: 640 (92%)

GRE AW Score: 6 (99%)

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5

Years of Work Experience: 3.5

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Interned at American Red Cross and Mental Health Association of San Francisco after coming out of college. Spent a year and a half working for a small medical billing company and most recently spent a year working at a non-profit organization called the Foundation for Health Coverage Education as a research associate.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Work in progress. Focusing mainly on how my various work experiences have provided valuable exposure to various aspects of the healthcare system and how that would benefit me in a health policy career.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two academic references from professors who will write pretty strong references and one professional from my most recent boss.

Other: I am focusing mainly on applying to schools on the West Coast since I live in the Bay Area and for health reasons I am somewhat limited and have to stay in state. With my average GRE scores and relative little work experience I know Berkeley is probably a long shot, but that's my number one choice. I wouldn't mind going down to either USC or UCLA, but I'm wondering if I am applying to enough schools.

[UrbanWonk]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPP/MUP

Schools Applied To: Brown, CMU, Harvard, Pitt, Birmingham, Univ Coll London (these are for sure, also potentially Columbia, GWU, NYU, RIT)

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Medium private university, known for social sciences in graduate programs

Undergraduate GPA: 3.91

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 4.0

Undergraduate Major: Economics, Policy Studies

GRE Quantitative Score: 800

GRE Verbal Score: 680

GRE AW Score: 5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 0

Years of Work Experience: Essentially 2

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked for 2 summers and 1 year at local government think tank; have also done a fair amount of undergrad research (1 publication)

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Sort of a strange format of anecdotes/snapshots of research/the things that motivated me towards urban policy...I polished it for the Marshall so it should be pretty solid.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two from professors I've done research with/TAed for, one from my boss at said think tank, one from a staff member who knows me very well through ECs and leadership

Other: I applied for the Marshall scholarship to study in the UK--that's why UCL and Birmingham are on there (and I love the schools). It's a long shot for me so I'm looking back in the U.S...I really like Providence and Pittsburgh as case studies in Urban Policy so I guess they're top for that, but then there's Harvard, which is just...Harvard. Not sure about the strength of my application since my undergrad isn't a top-tier school, so I guess we'll see! Feel free to suggest any other match schools--I'm a bit clueless about this whole thing!

Edited November 1, 2010 by UrbanWonk

[yeahgradschool!]

*Bump!* There must be some other applicants out there for the 2011 cycle! You know you want to post. Just do it already.

[CalSeeker]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): IR (international econ/trade)
Schools Applied To: GWU, Georgetown, SAIS, American
Schools Admitted To:
Schools Rejected From:
Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Large public university
Undergraduate GPA: 3.91
Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable):
Undergraduate Major: International Relations and Russian

GRE Quantitative Score: Not taken yet... hoping for 1400 overall, but so far my practice tests are not there...
GRE Verbal Score:
GRE AW Score:

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4.5
Years of Work Experience: 4.5
Describe Relevant Work Experience: I work for an international trade consulting firm. I mostly do research on international trade issues, foreign regulations and product standards, free trade agreements and negotiations, WTO notifications, etc. During my undergrad I was also a research assistant periodically.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I have not started yet... I think it will turn out pretty well. I'll likely focus on my interest in pursuing a career in trade policy in the federal government or international organizations.
Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Not sure yet. Having been out of school for a few years, it is harder to find academic references. One will hopefully be a professor I worked for as a research assistant, though I unfortunately have not kept in touch too well. Two of the other professors I took several classes with have unfortunately passed away... A second letter will come from one of my bosses. I am deciding whether to have another professor or a second boss to write a third letter for the schools that need it.

Other: I am interested in relocating from the West Coast to DC, so that is where I am applying. I will likely need to find a job and go to school part-time, so GWU and American are more likely options. I would love to go to SAIS or Georgetown if I get in and can figure out how to pay for it.
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[Ahab]

Program Applied To Asian Studies/Security Studies

Schools Applied To: GWU, American, Pitt, Others?

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Small Public Liberal Arts University

Undergraduate GPA: 3.89

Undergraduate Major: Pol. Science

GRE Quantitative Score: 690

GRE Verbal Score: 700

GRE AW Score: 5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 1

Years of Work Experience: 2

Describe Relevant Work Experience: I had a number of relevant internships during college. This year, I'm on a Fulbright fellowship in Asia.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): It's not groundbreaking. I played it pretty safe because there just isn't much you can do with 500 words. I'm interesting in the research of a few particular professors, so I mentioned their work and I plan on contacting them in the next few weeks.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I feel really good about my LORs. All three are from professors that know me well and one is from a Asian politics expert with considerable clout.

Other: The wait begins...

[Cdot]

Program Applied To MPA, MPP, IR, MEM (Focus on environmental economics with an interest in development)

Schools Applied To: Fletcher, SAIS, Yale FES, SIPA, HKS, WWS, Science-Po, Goteborg Univ

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Well regarded European research university

Undergraduate GPA: ~ 3.5-6ish (in US-terms)

Undergraduate Major: Environmental Science

GRE Quantitative Score: 800

GRE Verbal Score: 430 (TOEFL is quite good and I hope the GRE verbal won't diminish all my chances)

GRE AW Score: 4.0

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2

Years of Work Experience: close to 2

Describe Relevant Work Experience: worked before college as a civil servant and after graduation worked for an environmental NGO and a development IFI

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Got much better with time, but was probably not the most inspirational read to start with. Nevertheless I am quite happy with it as I could express my interests in the programs and link them to my career goals quite well.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Two professor which both know my work well and at least one of them (showed me the letter) is very enthusiastic and supportive. Other one from my current boss who is very supportive, but let's say keeps it in an analytical and moderate tone.

Other: I have a lot of international experience which might help for the IR schools. Studied/ did research in 3 countries and worked in 3 different ones.

[julia9109]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA, MIA

Schools Applied To: SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, Goldman, WWS

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: top 20 liberal arts college

Undergraduate GPA: 3.4

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.7

Undergraduate Major: Political Science

GRE Quantitative Score: 700

GRE Verbal Score: 660

GRE AW Score: 4.5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5

Years of Work Experience: 3.5

Describe Relevant Work Experience: During college, two summer internships with international sustainable development think tanks. Immediately after school I spent two years at a management consulting company. I then moved to China where I interned with an environmental NGO, doing clean tech market research, while also freelancing as an environmental policy analyst. I now work full time as an environmental analyst, focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation policy with variety of clients, mainly governments or development agencies like the African Development Bank and UNDP.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I've been working on them for a while (since August!) so I think they've gotten pretty decent. I have a compelling personal reason for why I'm interested in my field of study (climate change/ development) and I talk about some interesting work experiences and professors I want to work with. However, I'm not quite sure how to explain those two years I spent in a job that was completely unrelated to my policy interests so that might hurt me, particularly with WWS. In terms of the process, writing the SOP was the hardest part of the application process for me and I'm really glad that I gave myself a lot of time to do it.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I have letters from a professor, the founder of the ngo i worked with in China, and my old boss. The process was easy, I emailed them all in the summer to give them a heads up and then again a few weeks ago I told them which programs I'm interested in and why. I tried to give them as much guidance about what the schools are looking for in a rec letter as I could. The first two letters are great, the last one from my old boss is flattering but not very thoughtful or in depth. Not sure how useful that will be.

Other: Fluent in French. Basic Mandarin. Did a semester in Strasbourg, France during which I also interned for a human rights ngo. Grew up in Morocco, have experience living in rural impoverished regions which relates well to my sustainable development focus.

Honestly, I'm stressing out over this whole process! I don't think I have a chance at WWS, Goldman or SAIS due to my weak quant background and average gpa/gre but I think Fletcher and SIPA are possible. I guess I'll give it a shot and if I don't get in somewhere, just spend next year taking classes, doing the GRE and try again.

Edited November 18, 2010 by julia9109

[Siya210]

Doesn't SIPA ask for a separate Quant CV? I am not planning to apply to SIPA for exactly that purpose. Though I have an 800 in quant on the GRE, my statistics grades from grad school are not very competitive.

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): MPA, MIA

Schools Applied To: SAIS, Fletcher, SIPA, Goldman, WWS

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: top 20 liberal arts college

Undergraduate GPA: 3.4

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.7

Undergraduate Major: Political Science

GRE Quantitative Score: 700

GRE Verbal Score: 660

GRE AW Score: 4.5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 3.5

Years of Work Experience: 3.5

Describe Relevant Work Experience: During college, two summer internships with international sustainable development think tanks. Immediately after school I spent two years at a management consulting company. I then moved to China where I interned with an environmental NGO, doing clean tech market research, while also freelancing as an environmental policy analyst. I now work full time as an environmental analyst, focusing on climate change adaptation and mitigation policy with variety of clients, mainly governments or development agencies like the African Development Bank and UNDP.

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): I've been working on them for a while (since August!) so I think they've gotten pretty decent. I have a compelling personal reason for why I'm interested in my field of study (climate change/ development) and I talk about some interesting work experiences and professors I want to work with. However, I'm not quite sure how to explain those two years I spent in a job that was completely unrelated to my policy interests so that might hurt me, particularly with WWS. In terms of the process, writing the SOP was the hardest part of the application process for me and I'm really glad that I gave myself a lot of time to do it.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): I have letters from a professor, the founder of the ngo i worked with in China, and my old boss. The process was easy, I emailed them all in the summer to give them a heads up and then again a few weeks ago I told them which programs I'm interested in and why. I tried to give them as much guidance about what the schools are looking for in a rec letter as I could. The first two letters are great, the last one from my old boss is flattering but not very thoughtful or in depth. Not sure how useful that will be.

Other: Fluent in French. Basic Mandarin. Did a semester in Strasbourg, France during which I also interned for a human rights ngo. Grew up in Morocco, have experience living in rural impoverished regions which relates well to my sustainable development focus.

Honestly, I'm stressing out over this whole process! I don't think I have a chance at WWS, Goldman or SAIS due to my weak quant background and average gpa/gre but I think Fletcher and SIPA are possible. I guess I'll give it a shot and if I don't get in somewhere, just spend next year taking classes, doing the GRE and try again.

[julia9109]

Doesn't SIPA ask for a separate Quant CV? I am not planning to apply to SIPA for exactly that purpose. Though I have an 800 in quant on the GRE, my statistics grades from grad school are not very competitive.

Yep, they do require a quant/language CV. I think the importance of your quant background will depend on what field you're interested in....i was talking to an admissions guy who said they don't pay as much attention to it for people who are going for say Human Rights. For someone like me, it's probably more important to have a strong quant background so who knows if I have a chance. I've heard of people getting in with weaker stats than mine but I also think more ppl are applying to grad school these days so they are probably more selective now. (i read somewhere that their admissions rate was 40% a few years ago, just talked to someone in admissions and now its below 20%)

Also, I've only just started filling out the online applications but I noticed that although certain schools, like Goldman, don't require a supplemental quant cv, they do ask for that information on the application form itself.

[Siya210]

I was planning to apply to Goldman till yesterday. I changed my mind because I feel the curriculum is very US specific, and not as international in nature as I would have preferred.

I think it is only logical that they would examine your quantitative abilities in the context of your long range goals. However, as you also agree, the process is just so competitive now that unless the basic qualifications exist AND you are able to demonstrate uniqueness, it is difficult to be sure of anything.

In any case, my GRE scores are the same as yours, except for Quantitative ability. But as I mentioned, my stats from grad is nothing to brag about. We are on a similar sized boat and I wish you the very best of luck

Yep, they do require a quant/language CV. I think the importance of your quant background will depend on what field you're interested in....i was talking to an admissions guy who said they don't pay as much attention to it for people who are going for say Human Rights. For someone like me, it's probably more important to have a strong quant background so who knows if I have a chance. I've heard of people getting in with weaker stats than mine but I also think more ppl are applying to grad school these days so they are probably more selective now. (i read somewhere that their admissions rate was 40% a few years ago, just talked to someone in admissions and now its below 20%)

Also, I've only just started filling out the online applications but I noticed that although certain schools, like Goldman, don't require a supplemental quant cv, they do ask for that information on the application form itself.

[SubjectNotebook]

Program Applied To MPP, MPA

Schools Applied To: HKS, SIPA, Wagner, SAIS, LSE

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting: all of them!

Undergraduate institution: premier Indian university

Undergraduate GPA: 5/7 (class top 15%)

Undergraduate Major: Law

GMAT Score: 740

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 4

Years of Work Experience: 4

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Social enterprise work in India

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Diverse expereinces. 3 years of public service/social enterprsie experience. Consulting and venture capital experience.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): All professional recommendations,could not get an academic recommender. All positive,and testify to leadership and potential. Quant is a concern for me, and a couple of the references speak of that.

[Nimesis]

Wanted to bump this topic and ask people how their applications are doing. I submitted Berkeley's yesterday (kind of late I know) and I'll start trying to finish up USC and UCLA next week along with LBJ and Evans. How is everyone else doing? There has to be more people posting on this topic because we've got more views on this forum than on any other forum on GradCafe.

[kwhitegocubs]

Program Applied To (MPA, MPP, IR, etc.): JD/MPA (Am already doing my JD at William and Mary, and want to get a better MPA than the TJ school at W&M.

Schools Applied To: Princeton MPA (Done), Penn Fels MGA (TBA), Syracuse Maxwell (Maybe)

Schools Admitted To:

Schools Rejected From:

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate institution: Western Illinois University

Undergraduate GPA: 3.75 (Cum Laude)

Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): 3.95

Undergraduate Major: English

GRE Quantitative Score: 800

GRE Verbal Score: 650

GRE AW Score: 5.5

Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): 2-4 (Long Story)

Years of Work Experience: 2

Describe Relevant Work Experience: Rare Coin Grader, Authenticator, Appraiser

Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Pretty Decent. It's a modified version of my law school SOP.

Strength of LOR (be honest, describe the process, etc): Academic Recs will be awesome, Professional rec is probably only decent.

Other: I have no idea if I have any shot, because my undergrad record is entirely lacking in relevant subject matter. Even with the 800 Quant, I only took one intro math course in 2003, took no econ courses, and passed my Poly Sci requirement with a proficiency exam. So I'm really relying on my policy memo (which I think was rather good), my GRE, and my GPA alone. If anyone has any idea what my realistic chances at any of the schools are, I'd welcome predictions.

[yeahgradschool!]

Wanted to bump this topic and ask people how their applications are doing. I submitted Berkeley's yesterday (kind of late I know) and I'll start trying to finish up USC and UCLA next week along with LBJ and Evans. How is everyone else doing? There has to be more people posting on this topic because we've got more views on this forum than on any other forum on GradCafe.

I'm also wondering where the other applicants are at?? Maybe they're too busy perfecting their applications to have time to stalk these boards.

I've submitted 4/6 apps so far: USC, Duke, Carnegie Mellon and UPenn. Waiting on a fee waiver from Michigan and have to deal with a 500 word personal statement for Syracuse when the rest have been 1,000 or 1,500. Not even totally sure about applying to Syracuse. Does anyone have anything good/bad to say about the Maxwell School? They don't get much air time around here so I don't have too much to go on. The main appeal was the fact that it was a 1-yr program and would save me some money but other than that...?

How's the process going for everyone? I had one recommender who asked if she could skip the standard form and just send in the personal letter of recommendation because she felt she wasn't able to accurately judge me in that context. Bad sign???? ha. I'm currently in the Peace Corps and they literally have no idea what we do on a day to day basis so I'm slightly worried about her rec. Either way, she got all of them finished along with one of my other recommenders so I'm just waiting on one more! The last one should be a stellar rec but knowing how busy she is, they are sure to be submitted riiight under the wire. Eek!

Hope everyone is hangin in there!

[Nimesis]

I'm also wondering where the other applicants are at?? Maybe they're too busy perfecting their applications to have time to stalk these boards.

I've submitted 4/6 apps so far: USC, Duke, Carnegie Mellon and UPenn. Waiting on a fee waiver from Michigan and have to deal with a 500 word personal statement for Syracuse when the rest have been 1,000 or 1,500. Not even totally sure about applying to Syracuse. Does anyone have anything good/bad to say about the Maxwell School? They don't get much air time around here so I don't have too much to go on. The main appeal was the fact that it was a 1-yr program and would save me some money but other than that...?

How's the process going for everyone? I had one recommender who asked if she could skip the standard form and just send in the personal letter of recommendation because she felt she wasn't able to accurately judge me in that context. Bad sign???? ha. I'm currently in the Peace Corps and they literally have no idea what we do on a day to day basis so I'm slightly worried about her rec. Either way, she got all of them finished along with one of my other recommenders so I'm just waiting on one more! The last one should be a stellar rec but knowing how busy she is, they are sure to be submitted riiight under the wire. Eek!

Hope everyone is hangin in there!

Which program did you apply to at SPPD? I'm probably going to apply to the MPP program, but I'm not sure about it because I know the MPA program is the larger of the two. It seems like there's a lot of overlap between the two degrees in terms of curriculum, with the MPA having more flexibility as far as electives. I'd probably lean towards the MPP because the quantitative skills you get from it would make you a better job candidate.

[yeahgradschool!]

Which program did you apply to at SPPD? I'm probably going to apply to the MPP program, but I'm not sure about it because I know the MPA program is the larger of the two. It seems like there's a lot of overlap between the two degrees in terms of curriculum, with the MPA having more flexibility as far as electives. I'd probably lean towards the MPP because the quantitative skills you get from it would make you a better job candidate.

MPP - I'm interested in education reform (for now, ha) and the MPP has a policy area specialization in education policy whereas the MPA specialization would simply be Public Policy and then I suppose within that I would take classes focused on Education Policy. It just didn't make any sense to apply to the MPA program. I think it comes down to whether you're more interested in policy or management. In the end, you could probably take most of the same courses in either one, but the MPP also has the Policy Analysis Practicum which I think will be super beneficial.

I wouldn't be worried about the size; 90 vs. 61 for the previous class. I think 61 sounds like a good size. You also have to assume less people are applying for the MPP, though I could be totally wrong on that one. Either way, with a smaller class size we'll get more individualized attention. If you are interested in policy analysis there's no reason you shouldn't apply to the MPP. Good luck with the decision, let me know what you decide!

[Nimesis]

MPP - I'm interested in education reform (for now, ha) and the MPP has a policy area specialization in education policy whereas the MPA specialization would simply be Public Policy and then I suppose within that I would take classes focused on Education Policy. It just didn't make any sense to apply to the MPA program. I think it comes down to whether you're more interested in policy or management. In the end, you could probably take most of the same courses in either one, but the MPP also has the Policy Analysis Practicum which I think will be super beneficial.

I wouldn't be worried about the size; 90 vs. 61 for the previous class. I think 61 sounds like a good size. You also have to assume less people are applying for the MPP, though I could be totally wrong on that one. Either way, with a smaller class size we'll get more individualized attention. If you are interested in policy analysis there's no reason you shouldn't apply to the MPP. Good luck with the decision, let me know what you decide!

Yeah I'm almost positive I'm going to be applying for the MPP as well because like you I have a specific area of interest and you're right the MPA doesn't allow for policy area specialization. The small class size is a good thing in terms of actually being in the program. I was referring to it as a negative in the application process because it seems like they would take a lot less applicants for that program than for the MPA program if the MPA is the larger of the two. Have you finished submitting your application?

[yeahgradschool!]

Yeah I'm almost positive I'm going to be applying for the MPP as well because like you I have a specific area of interest and you're right the MPA doesn't allow for policy area specialization. The small class size is a good thing in terms of actually being in the program. I was referring to it as a negative in the application process because it seems like they would take a lot less applicants for that program than for the MPA program if the MPA is the larger of the two. Have you finished submitting your application?

It depends on how many people are applying to each program! The admittance rate could possibly be higher for the MPP if less people are applying. Though I'm not sure if they have a set number they take every year since I just saw the stats for last year's class. The total for the MPP was 125 for 2010 which would mean there were 64 in the previous class (transfers/dropouts could be messing that number up a bit). But I wouldn't even worry about it! I saw your stats, they were great.

I submitted my app a few days ago. Just waiting on one of my recommenders! Sooo tired of stressing over this stuff. Let it be March already!

[Nimesis]

I noticed you're applying to a lot of great schools. How come you didn't apply to Goldman?