Law & MPP/MPA

[madbillain]

So, I'm currently a 0L waiting to start at Columbia in the fall. But I was thinking about possibly also applying to MPP or MPA programs, specifically either WWS or HKS. Columbia has an established dual-degree program with WWS and has made it work with HKS in the past.

I'm not sure I'd be qualified to get into those schools though. I had a good-ish undergrad GPA (3.6) from a top school, I have 3 years of work experience, 2 with a nationally known consulting firm and 1 teaching English abroad in China, and I have strong test scores (770 GMAT, 177 LSAT, confident I could crack 700 on the GRE, if that's necessary - i know HKS at least takes the GMAT). My issue is that I don't have a lot of public interest work experience. I did a fair amount of community service in undergrad, but not an exceptional amount. I also led several community service efforts while I was at the consulting firm. Aside from that though, I really have zilch. Theoretically, I would do a public interest internship during my 1L summer and apply then, so that might help.

I guess the best narrative I could put together would be that I've always had an interest in public service but that studying policy to some extent in law as well as seeing the effects of a radically different form of government and policy while in China really ignited a professional interest in public policy.

Do the posters here think that dog would hunt?

[tursion]

So, I'm currently a 0L waiting to start at Columbia in the fall. But I was thinking about possibly also applying to MPP or MPA programs, specifically either WWS or HKS. Columbia has an established dual-degree program with WWS and has made it work with HKS in the past.

I'm not sure I'd be qualified to get into those schools though. I had a good-ish undergrad GPA (3.6) from a top school, I have 3 years of work experience, 2 with a nationally known consulting firm and 1 teaching English abroad in China, and I have strong test scores (770 GMAT, 177 LSAT, confident I could crack 700 on the GRE, if that's necessary - i know HKS at least takes the GMAT). My issue is that I don't have a lot of public interest work experience. I did a fair amount of community service in undergrad, but not an exceptional amount. I also led several community service efforts while I was at the consulting firm. Aside from that though, I really have zilch. Theoretically, I would do a public interest internship during my 1L summer and apply then, so that might help.

I guess the best narrative I could put together would be that I've always had an interest in public service but that studying policy to some extent in law as well as seeing the effects of a radically different form of government and policy while in China really ignited a professional interest in public policy.

Do the posters here think that dog would hunt?

It's totally possible! I'm actually doing a joint JD/MPP with Boalt and HKS. I'll be starting the HKS portion this year, then two years at Boalt, and finally a semester at each my final year. Your numbers are superb, the internship experience and work experience you've had thus far gives you a fighting chance, at the very least. So, if you really think the MPP/A is something you are interested in, give it your best shot. Again, it's totally possible

[madbillain]

It's totally possible! I'm actually doing a joint JD/MPP with Boalt and HKS. I'll be starting the HKS portion this year, then two years at Boalt, and finally a semester at each my final year. Your numbers are superb, the internship experience and work experience you've had thus far gives you a fighting chance, at the very least. So, if you really think the MPP/A is something you are interested in, give it your best shot. Again, it's totally possible

Thanks, much appreciated.

[adidwani]

I'm quite curious about how such joint/concurrent degrees work as well. I'm a recent Stanford GSB admit for their MBA program and have deferred my matriculation by two years to apply for their concurrent program with HKS. I know that the GSB's concurrent degree with HKS is fairly popular and I happen to know a bunch of alums who have taken up this option with HKS. From their viewpoint, it appears that since you've essentially made it through a relatively more selective school (e.g. Columbia Law/Stanford GSB), HKS shouldn't be as hard. Can anyone else confirm this hunch as well?

Tursion - Congratulations on your admit! Do you think you could lend insight on your financial aid from HKS? Is it fairly common for them to award it for joint/concurrent program admits, considering the fact that they're already in an expensive program? I'm a little worried about financing my MPP/MPA along with an MBA (provided I do get through to a policy school!)