madbillain Posted June 23, 2011 Share Posted June 23, 2011 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tursion Posted June 27, 2011 Share Posted June 27, 2011 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madbillain Posted June 27, 2011 Author Share Posted June 27, 2011 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adidwani Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 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!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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