Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) MC/MPA / MPP / MPAID / MPA Class of 2027 Admissions + Fellowships

[mastercat]

Hey everyone!

I thought it would be helpful to start a thread for those of us applying to the MC/MPA / MPP / MPAID / MPA this cycle (class of 2027 / 2028). It’s always a bit nerve-wracking waiting for updates, so let’s use this space to share experiences—whether it’s about interviews, fellowships, or final decisions.

Feel free to drop in with:

• Your general background (domestic (US)/international, sector experience, etc.)
• If you got an interview or decision update
• Fellowship news (Mason, Gleitsman, etc.)
• Any insights from past applicants or admitted students

Hopefully, this helps us all stay connected and informed. Wishing everyone the best of luck! Looking forward to hearing from you all. 😊

Profile:

• International applicant from Southeast Asia with extensive international experience (lived/worked abroad for several years).
• Graduated from a top business-focused university with an MBA with a strong academic record
• Leadership experience includes mentoring, civic engagement, and professional coaching. Co-founded an initiative for equitable access to public transportation.
• Significant public sector consulting experience, focusing on economic policy, governance, and social impact projects. Spent ~8 years in corporate before moving to public sector consulting
• Over 10 years of post-grad experience across consulting, corporate strategy, and public sector work.
• LORs from a mix of academic, senior professional, and executive-level colleagues.
• Passion for economic policy, governance, and institutional reforms, with a regional focus on Southeast Asia.
• Applied to HKS only - hoping for a Hail Mary.

Would love to connect with other applicants and hear about your experiences!

[invictuS21]

Hey MasterCat!

Thanks for starting this thread. It's definitely been a nerve-wracking stretch waiting for updates. Looking forward to connecting and sharing experiences (interviews, fellowships, decisions, etc.).

About Me:

• International applicant from Southeast Asia also with over a decade of experience in media.

• Founder/leader of a private-sector organization operating in a highly regulated environment, focused on public information ecosystems and long-term institutional reform.

• Professional background spans entrepreneurship, public sector engagement, and policy-adjacent work.

• Academic background includes graduate study abroad with a strong interest in governance systems, media-policy intersections, and institutional resilience.

• LORs from senior academic and professional leaders.

• Applied primarily to the MC/MPA track, specifically the Mason program.

• Recently interviewed for a the CPL-fellowship (Feb 25), very hopeful!

 

Would love to connect online with others or anyone navigating fellowship interviews and this waiting period. Happy to exchange thoughts and perspectives.

Wishing everyone steady nerves over the next few weeks.