The 'Am I competitive' thread - READ ME BEFORE POSTING

[2711383]

21 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

I think it is interesting a lot people from Policy side of IDEV (not so much IR side) want to get into J-PAL (and many talk about it like the holy grail of post MPP for IDEV). However, the people I encountered from J-Pal professionally and leaving it to go to grad school highlighted that it was interesting work but a pretty awful work environment (high stress personalities and not a collaborative work environment --> maybe I randomly talked to wrong people / the few that had terrible experiences. I will say that the 1 person I know personally really that went to J-PAL is not someone I want to work with or for. 

If anyone has any other commentary to give a more rounded perspective, that would be greatly appreciated. 

I think that it's the sort of place where you go to cut your teeth. Kinda like how working at McKinsey sucks due to workload/hours but then once you're done you'll have McK in your resume and that'll open doors for you.

[GradSchoolGrad]

3 minutes ago, 2711383 said:

I think that it's the sort of place where you go to cut your teeth. Kinda like how working at McKinsey sucks due to workload/hours but then once you're done you'll have McK in your resume and that'll open doors for you.

Yes. Its one thing to say that your work experienced sucked for long hours, but learned awesome skills (true for both), but the McK people actually talk highly about the people (in terms of culture, professionalness, and overall awesomeness). The J-Pal folks I know mention how awesome people are in terms of prestige and interesting work, but rather negatively so in terms of culture and professional development. 

*Comparing mental notes among my McK friends and J-Pal people I have met randomly

Edited December 7, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[2711383]

3 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Yes. Its one thing to say that your work experienced sucked for long hours, but learned awesome skills (true for both), but the McK people actually talk highly about the people (in terms of culture, professionalness, and overall awesomeness). The J-Pal folks I know mention how awesome people are in terms of prestige and interesting work, but rather negatively so in terms of culture and professional development. 

*Comparing mental notes among my McK friends and J-Pal people I have met randomly

To be completely honest, the people I've met that work at McK always make it sound like a cult so I tend to take their ravings about the company with a grain of salt. 

I don't know anyone at J-Pal, though. I'm guessing the academic nature of the org has something to do with these issues as it has all the suckiness of academic professions.

[GradSchoolGrad]

6 minutes ago, 2711383 said:

To be completely honest, the people I've met that work at McK always make it sound like a cult so I tend to take their ravings about the company with a grain of salt. 

I don't know anyone at J-Pal, though. I'm guessing the academic nature of the org has something to do with these issues as it has all the suckiness of academic professions.

So I actually don't know any current McK folks among my friends. I know former McK who are close friends who and happy to get real with me. Long story made short... the cultness might be a bit too much at times, but you are legitimately in a very collegial and supportive culture (though you are under the gun) + a great professional learning environment. 

Edited December 7, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[undergoat88]

Hey everyone - 

Really just suffering from impostor's syndrome and hoping for some guidance on...me. What better place to go to than the internet. Need to know if I'm crazy with my reaches and whether or not I can get any funding at all. 

I'm interested in social policy. While I like urban policy and development, my interests are so scattered that social policy feels like a better umbrella. Really want to hone in my quant skills in grad school, which is why I'm going for more quant-focused MPP programs, despite my general weakness in the area. I'm also partial to international everything given my background. 

Applying to: Harris MPP, GWU MPP, Batten MPP, GM MPP, Ford MPP, Wagner MPA, American MA International Policy

Undergrad Institution: Mid-tier private school in the midwest

Undergrad Major: IR

Years out of undergrad: 4

GPA: 3.8/4.0

GRE: Didn't take it because of COVID and other circumstances. 

Quant Background: Not a lot. In undergrad I took micro, macro, and international political economy but that's it course-wise. On the bright side I work in M&E and have a bit of experience with data there. Otherwise, I'm pretty weak.

Relevant Work Experience: 2 years in M&E in International Development, over a year in a nonprofit think tank, worked abroad in multiple countries for various stints all under a year. My CV shines where international stuff, journalism, project management, and community development are concerned. Volunteering in a leadership position at a DC-based nonprofit remotely since early Fall. I have a couple government-funded scholarships I can point to in my CV I got during undergrad. 

Languages: Native English. Some Turkish. Intermediate German.

Strength of LOR: All strong from a professor and two supervisors. 

Edited December 10, 2020 by undergoat88

[GradSchoolGrad]

1 hour ago, undergoat88 said:

Hey everyone - 

Really just suffering from impostor's syndrome and hoping for some guidance on...me. What better place to go to than the internet. Need to know if I'm crazy with my reaches and whether or not I can get any funding at all. 

I'm interested in social policy. While I like urban policy and development, my interests are so scattered that social policy feels like a better umbrella. Really want to hone in my quant skills in grad school, which is why I'm going for more quant-focused MPP programs, despite my general weakness in the area. I'm also partial to international everything given my background. 

Applying to: Harris MPP, GWU MPP, Batten MPP, GM MPP, Ford MPP, Wagner MPA, American MA International Policy

Undergrad Institution: Mid-tier private school in the midwest

Undergrad Major: IR

Years out of undergrad: 4

GPA: 3.8/4.0

GRE: Didn't take it because of COVID and other circumstances. 

Quant Background: Not a lot. In undergrad I took micro, macro, and international political economy but that's it course-wise. On the bright side I work in M&E and have a bit of experience with data there. Otherwise, I'm pretty weak.

Relevant Work Experience: 2 years in M&E in International Development, over a year in a nonprofit think tank, worked abroad in multiple countries for various stints all under a year. My CV shines where international stuff, journalism, project management, and community development are concerned. Volunteering in a leadership position at a DC-based nonprofit remotely since early Fall. I have a couple government-funded scholarships I can point to in my CV I got during undergrad. 

Languages: Native English. Some Turkish. Intermediate German.

Strength of LOR: All strong from a professor and two supervisors. 

So on paper you a decently strong candidate to get in. Funding could get interesting. With so many programs having financial issues and a surge in applicants + expect funding to lower end ($10K ballpark per year) to none. 

I think you need to appreciate where your weaknesses are:

- Not taking the GRE. Bottom line, if your clone applied with a 85 percentile GRE or above and compete for one seat, that person would get in and not you. The GRE is simply confidence of your academic performance. 

- Pure speculation here (and I could be totally wrong) --> but I'm assuming you my have struggled to clearly and concisely explain what policy area you are interested in. Usually when someone says socially policy broadly without highlighting an area of interest (Education/Housing/Food/Healthcare/and etc.) that to me is an indictor that your essay may have you all over the place. Admissions offices like to brand someone so they know what diversity or policy area bucket to place people in the interest of "building a class". Being difficult to bucket, can create problems for that system.

Schools In Particular: 

1. U. Chicago and Ford are the most quant challenging programs here. If you have Calculus and/or Econometrics in your transcript with a B+ or higher, you should be fine. If you don't have Calculus or Econometrics, you are in a more challenging place. Chicago will take risks on people with interesting background since they have a robust summer school program. You might fit that bill though. However, I really hope you like doing calc based econometrics (in my opinion it is a moot point in today's era of software) with these schools.

2. UVA Batten MPP - I love this program a lot. Just keep in mind that there is a noticeable cohort straight from undergrad. Historically, they have also been open to giving scholarships as well. 

3. George Mason MPP? - WHY? So this program has some cool professors that do research in really obscure yet interesting areas. However... the program experience is sub par + has major brand and career struggles. I actually knew people who went to this program just so they wouldn't have to socialize with their peers, knowing that have a non-existent community experience.

4. GWU MPP - this is an interesting program because they strongly emphasize doing internships in DC while you go to school. Helps with building your resume and dilutes the community experience.

5. NYU Wagner - great program - also struggles with community since NYC people generally have their own NYC lives. When I do the grad school talk with any Wagner person, biggest gripe is how there is little school alumni/peer support. 

6. American SIS - I wrote extensively about SIS before.

 

2. Schools I recommend you also consider

a. Duke Terry Sanford

b. UNC MPP (if you need an ultimate safety that is still respectable)

c. USC Price (if you have any interests in going out west)

d. Syracuse Maxwell 

Edited December 10, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[undergoat88]

2 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

So on paper you a decently strong candidate to get in. Funding could get interesting. With so many programs having financial issues and a surge in applicants + expect funding to lower end ($10K ballpark per year) to none. 

I think you need to appreciate where your weaknesses are:

- Not taking the GRE. Bottom line, if your clone applied with a 85 percentile GRE or above and compete for one seat, that person would get in and not you. The GRE is simply confidence of your academic performance. 

- Pure speculation here (and I could be totally wrong) --> but I'm assuming you my have struggled to clearly and concisely explain what policy area you are interested in. Usually when someone says socially policy broadly without highlighting an area of interest (Education/Housing/Food/Healthcare/and etc.) that to me is an indictor that your essay may have you all over the place. Admissions offices like to brand someone so they know what diversity or policy area bucket to place people in the interest of "building a class". Being difficult to bucket, can create problems for that system.

Schools In Particular: 

1. U. Chicago and Ford are the most quant challenging programs here. If you have Calculus and/or Econometrics in your transcript with a B+ or higher, you should be fine. If you don't have Calculus or Econometrics, you are in a more challenging place. Chicago will take risks on people with interesting background since they have a robust summer school program. You might fit that bill though. However, I really hope you like doing calc based econometrics (in my opinion it is a moot point in today's era of software) with these schools.

2. UVA Batten MPP - I love this program a lot. Just keep in mind that there is a noticeable cohort straight from undergrad. Historically, they have also been open to giving scholarships as well. 

3. George Mason MPP? - WHY? So this program has some cool professors that do research in really obscure yet interesting areas. However... the program experience is sub par + has major brand and career struggles. I actually knew people who went to this program just so they wouldn't have to socialize with their peers, knowing that have a non-existent community experience.

4. GWU MPP - this is an interesting program because they strongly emphasize doing internships in DC while you go to school. Helps with building your resume and dilutes the community experience.

5. NYU Wagner - great program - also struggles with community since NYC people generally have their own NYC lives. When I do the grad school talk with any Wagner person, biggest gripe is how there is little school alumni/peer support. 

6. American SIS - I wrote extensively about SIS before.

 

2. Schools I recommend you also consider

a. Duke Terry Sanford

b. UNC MPP (if you need an ultimate safety that is still respectable)

c. USC Price (if you have any interests in going out west)

d. Syracuse Maxwell 

Thank you for this! Super insightful. I do know that my lack of GRE isn't spectacular, but I truly can't take it rn - hence why I'm really only applying to places that have waived it. 

Hahhaha, struggled is a strong word. I was just lazy. My SoPs are pretty strong, based on comments from friends and professors. I've found a way to map out my experiences to show the "why" through endless drafts. 

Thanks for putting the lack of quant and the general challenge of the curriculum I'd be facing at Harris and Ford bluntly. I hate to say it, but math camp might be a must. Then again it really does all depend on funding. 

UVA and GM are actually purely because I can get in-state tuition As you probably guessed, GM is a safety academically and financially. That's the only reason why. 

I hadn't considered the schools you listed because of my want to be on the East Coast in a bigger city; if I do go urban policy more than social, you gotta be urban, am I right? 

Your SIS commentary is interesting! I have friends that went to American and all said that SIS would be the way to go if I did go, but reading your commentary makes me wonder if it should be there at all!

[GradSchoolGrad]

22 minutes ago, undergoat88 said:

Thank you for this! Super insightful. I do know that my lack of GRE isn't spectacular, but I truly can't take it rn - hence why I'm really only applying to places that have waived it. 

Hahhaha, struggled is a strong word. I was just lazy. My SoPs are pretty strong, based on comments from friends and professors. I've found a way to map out my experiences to show the "why" through endless drafts. 

Thanks for putting the lack of quant and the general challenge of the curriculum I'd be facing at Harris and Ford bluntly. I hate to say it, but math camp might be a must. Then again it really does all depend on funding. 

UVA and GM are actually purely because I can get in-state tuition As you probably guessed, GM is a safety academically and financially. That's the only reason why. 

I hadn't considered the schools you listed because of my want to be on the East Coast in a bigger city; if I do go urban policy more than social, you gotta be urban, am I right? 

Your SIS commentary is interesting! I have friends that went to American and all said that SIS would be the way to go if I did go, but reading your commentary makes me wonder if it should be there at all!

The way I view it, with the exception urban design and maybe public transportation, Urban Policy issues are best appreciated via its functional area (i.e. Ed Policy, Housing Policy, and etc.). This is because there are major linkages (i.e. funding from the State) and dependencies that are either a. broader than urban area and/or b. similarities to non-urban areas. Take education for example. If you were focusing on NYC Education, you would would find more academic transferability researching rural Colorado Education (I mean obviously there are differences) than thinking about it from an Urban prism. 

That being said - would there be an value to going to NYC and getting plugged into the local scene to then work in a New York social/urban policy related org afterwards - yes. However, in my opinion, it is better to go to a great MPP program (i.e. Duke Sanford) and the learn the holistic ins and outs off a functional area + learn how to be a real professional + build a cohort and alumni group that takes care of you + have a collaborative dynamic that helps you do research/applied achievements. 

[undergoat88]

2 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

The way I view it, with the exception urban design and maybe public transportation, Urban Policy issues are best appreciated via its functional area (i.e. Ed Policy, Housing Policy, and etc.). This is because there are major linkages (i.e. funding from the State) and dependencies that are either a. broader than urban area and/or b. similarities to non-urban areas. Take education for example. If you were focusing on NYC Education, you would would find more academic transferability researching rural Colorado Education (I mean obviously there are differences) than thinking about it from an Urban prism. 

That being said - would there be an value to going to NYC and getting plugged into the local scene to then work in a New York social/urban policy related org afterwards - yes. However, in my opinion, it is better to go to a great MPP program (i.e. Duke Sanford) and the learn the holistic ins and outs off a functional area + learn how to be a real professional + build a cohort and alumni group that takes care of you + have a collaborative dynamic that helps you do research/applied achievements. 

That's fair. i think my only concern with Duke is that it's cut off from international arenas a bit more than NYU. Not just in terms of the school but the surroundings. All of the internships would be more concentrated in NYC, but....then it comes down to cost of living. I'll look more closely into Sanford though! Thank you

[GradSchoolGrad]

6 minutes ago, undergoat88 said:

That's fair. i think my only concern with Duke is that it's cut off from international arenas a bit more than NYU. Not just in terms of the school but the surroundings. All of the internships would be more concentrated in NYC, but....then it comes down to cost of living. I'll look more closely into Sanford though! Thank you

you never really specified where international comes into play in regards to your decisions. 

[undergoat88]

15 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

you never really specified where international comes into play in regards to your decisions. 

Well I work in international development and foreign policy. My undergrad degree is also in IR. I've done a bit of work abroad as well. I like the idea of working in US domestic development issues as well, but I want to keep my options open for international. It also feels like I'd have a better chance at a program if I create a narrative off of my international background, rather than focusing on domestic only. After all, that's not where my strengths lie. 

[GradSchoolGrad]

Just now, undergoat88 said:

Well I work in international development and foreign policy. My undergrad degree is also in IR. I've done a bit of work abroad as well. I like the idea of working in US domestic development issues as well, but I want to keep my options open for international. It also feels like I'd have a better chance at a program if I create a narrative off of my international background, rather than focusing on domestic only. After all, that's not where my strengths lie. 

Okay got it. So UNC or Syracuse probably wouldn't be a good choice for you anymore (even as a safety). You would want to look with schools with International connections + strengths. Its actually interesting that schools like Duke Terry Sanford actually make more of an effort to invest in centers that gets students involved in international stuff to compensate for not being in a big International city. 

[undergoat88]

8 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

Okay got it. So UNC or Syracuse probably wouldn't be a good choice for you anymore (even as a safety). You would want to look with schools with International connections + strengths. Its actually interesting that schools like Duke Terry Sanford actually make more of an effort to invest in centers that gets students involved in international stuff to compensate for not being in a big International city. 

Good to know! I'll take a closer look at Duke. You've been so helpful, thank you!!

[Alpha_orionis]

Sorry for the spam, I thought this was a general profile evaluation thread and didn't realize it was focused on government affairs. ? I deleted the post and will check if there is a similar thread for science programs

Edited December 12, 2020 by Alpha_orionis

[kreitz128]

Applying to:  MPPs: UChicago Harris, Duke Sanford, GW (MPP), GW (Phd Program Eval concentration), Berkeley Goldman, UCLA, UW (MPA), George Mason Schar, Claremont Graduate University (Program Evaluation)

Undergrad Institution: Top ranked university in the US (sub IVY)

Undergrad Major: Psychology  and Social Ecology double major, certificate in Sustainability/environmental policy

Years out of undergrad: 10

GPA: 3.0

GRE: 144 Q/ 153 V, 4.5 W,  second time: 147 Q/149 V, 3.5 W, taking a third time, but probably not submitting.

Quant Background: Statistics; quant analysis of program data and financial systems 2-3 years.

Relevant Work Experience: During undergrad & after: 4 years as a research assistant at my university's policy lab where I collected and coded data, in part using various programming languages, and contributed to a published manuscript. Over 4 years jobs and internships with nonprofits, and 2 years as Data & eval Manager (extensive quant analysis), 1 Year as Data Analyst in HR (extensive system and programming tools)

-Contributor to published book

-Lead of evaluation nonprofit professional board (4 years)

International experience: Nonprofit community development in Africa. (yet Im not really interested in IDEV)

Strength of LOR:  3 ranging Decent to strong. One policy professor I took multiple courses with (Bs and Cs) plus research under him, one from Director of my department at nonprofit, and one from private research group (contract) research manager.

I'm interested in Evaluation and impact analysis, consulting for nonprofits and social policy research. I will practice applied research, evaluation, and advance learning tool.  I need social policy courses for advancing tech and behavioral health, for vulnerable populations (& poverty and family/children development), and education (interdisciplinary, but mostly social policy areas). Hope to remain as a generalist in Domestic policy, ideally in CA, and write/advocate policy in consumer protection, technological/info, applied behavioral health/psych areas, and early education <5.

I realize I'm applying to competitive programs, given the nature of this cycle, and am worried about (1) low GPA; (2) no GRE; (3) basically no quant courses. Main concerns:

 How does my background in evaluation and lack of direct policy experience affect chances?

What schools are best worth targeting for this? Will my work experience make up for gpa/coursework?  Should I take more courses in spring like econometrics, econ stats, or calc?

Thank you for any input and tips!

 

 

Edited December 13, 2020 by kreitz128

[GradSchoolGrad]

3 hours ago, kreitz128 said:

Applying to:  MPPs: UChicago Harris, Duke Sanford, GW (MPP), GW (Phd Program Eval concentration), Berkeley Goldman, UCLA, UW (MPA), George Mason Schar, Claremont Graduate University (Program Evaluation)

Undergrad Institution: Top ranked university in the US (sub IVY)

Undergrad Major: Psychology  and Social Ecology double major, certificate in Sustainability/environmental policy

Years out of undergrad: 10

GPA: 3.0

GRE: 144 Q/ 153 V, 4.5 W,  second time: 147 Q/149 V, 3.5 W, taking a third time, but probably not submitting.

Quant Background: Statistics; quant analysis of program data and financial systems 2-3 years.

Relevant Work Experience: During undergrad & after: 4 years as a research assistant at my university's policy lab where I collected and coded data, in part using various programming languages, and contributed to a published manuscript. Over 4 years jobs and internships with nonprofits, and 2 years as Data & eval Manager (extensive quant analysis), 1 Year as Data Analyst in HR (extensive system and programming tools)

-Contributor to published book

-Lead of evaluation nonprofit professional board (4 years)

International experience: Nonprofit community development in Africa. (yet Im not really interested in IDEV)

Strength of LOR:  3 ranging Decent to strong. One policy professor I took multiple courses with (Bs and Cs) plus research under him, one from Director of my department at nonprofit, and one from private research group (contract) research manager.

I'm interested in Evaluation and impact analysis, consulting for nonprofits and social policy research. I will practice applied research, evaluation, and advance learning tool.  I need social policy courses for advancing tech and behavioral health, for vulnerable populations (& poverty and family/children development), and education (interdisciplinary, but mostly social policy areas). Hope to remain as a generalist in Domestic policy, ideally in CA, and write/advocate policy in consumer protection, technological/info, applied behavioral health/psych areas, and early education <5.

I realize I'm applying to competitive programs, given the nature of this cycle, and am worried about (1) low GPA; (2) no GRE; (3) basically no quant courses. Main concerns:

 How does my background in evaluation and lack of direct policy experience affect chances?

What schools are best worth targeting for this? Will my work experience make up for gpa/coursework?  Should I take more courses in spring like econometrics, econ stats, or calc?

Thank you for any input and tips!

 

 

So you are what I call an X-Factor candidate - as in, there is something unique about you that make you highly appealing for diversity in so many different ways, but you are weighted down by many negatives that you do accurately identify (an some you don't).

A. So first off, I want to highlight the information gaps.

1. Did you take Calculus or econometrics in College? (or AP equivalent in High school?) with a B+ or better - if it is a yes - that helps with showing your ability to graduate

2. With you Quant experience, is it coding only or does it involve calculus based econometrics? It isn't unheard of to learned calc and calc based econometrics on the job, but if that a is a yes, you need to specify it aggressively in the optional statement / recommendatioons

3. How do self-brand yourself in terms of policy? You give an entire buffet of things you are interested in (your buffet is somewhat unique though, which works in your favor!). However, big picture in 5 words or less:

i. What area of policy do you care most about?

ii. What functional aspect of policy do you care most about?

4. Demonstrable leadership?

Answering this helps me determine what you actually prioritize.

B. Your strengths that you don't realize

I would argue you have the best of both worlds in that you are unique enough that you wouldn't be seen as one of the many Teach for America, Capital Hill, Peace Corp, and etc. droves, and you would be seen as someone that is genuinely unique as a quant guy. Additionally, you may not have directly been applicable to policy, but you touched policy, so the natural sentiment would be your interest is genuine and not some guy fishing (unless your essays are awful).

C. The depths of your weaknesses 

1. Yes, your GPA is on the low side, but if you have a reasonable excuse - given your academic accomplishments, you can somewhat nullify the concern. Things like

i. You had a part time job in order to support yourself

ii. you were the first in your family to go to college

iii. you had an illness (physical, psychological, or otherwise) during school

iv. are you in an under-represented minority

You get the idea. If there are mitigating circumstances, you want to highlight it (but be honest).

2. I view your GRE to be your biggest weakness. The biggest cloud hanging over your application is if your ability to graduate. If you submitted strong GREs, that cloud is lifted and can overcome your poor GPA. However, if you don't submit your GRE and even if you have decent excuses for your GPA, your lack of GRE submission suggests you have something to hide. Non-competitive GRE submission means trend of non-high academic performance. Either way isn't good.

D. My thoughts on your schools

If you get scholarship funding anywhere (unless you are from a major targeted support cohort (first to go to college, URM, veteran, peace corp, and etc.) I would be shocked. 

I think the best you might be able to get in would be GW MPP. If you get into GM Scharr, you should just not go (or more like don't apply in the first place). 

Granted, there a lot of information gaps, so if you have significant factors that improve your standing, that assessment could change.

I always want to remind people about the celebrity Ashley Judd. She went to Harvard Kennedy School with an MPA in the late 2000s. Everyone thought she got in because she was a celebrity. However, everyone also forgot that she had an illustrious academic, leadership, and social career in undergraduate at the University of Kentucky (I think she might have went to the honors school - could be wrong). She ended up being an academic rock star at Harvard Kennedy School, and her classmates were shocked. My point is that even for celebs, professional experience needs to be matched by some decent level of academics because schools want Ashley Judd. 

[ECCN9A102]

Hi all, piecing together where I stand for next cycle. Any West Coast schools I should consider? I’m kind of over winters. Would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!

Applying to: HKS MPP, Georgetown SFS SSP, GW Elliott SSP, Tufts Fletcher MGA , NYU Wagner MSPP,

Undergrad institution: DMV area IR school

Undergrad Major: International Relations

Undergrad GPA: 3.5

Years out of undergrad: 2 (by the time I apply)

Quant Background: Calc I, Macro/Micro, Int’l Econ. Lowest was Int’l Econ at a B-.

Relevant Work Experience: 7 years as in the Nayv as an aircraft mechanic, worked my way up to supervisor/managed a couple programs. 1^st internship with an aerospace & defense magazine for a summer. Following that, worked as a program assistant for an IDEV non-profit for a few months. Then interned at a think tank for a semester doing light research and writing a few articles. Spent my last semester working overnight as a library supervisor and interning at a veteran’s advocacy organization. Currently employed at an aerospace & defense company in their leadership training pipeline for global trade.

International Experience: 1 summer abroad in Taiwan on a a Taiwanese MoE scholarship, 1 summer abroad in China on a Gilman.

GRE: I haven’t taken it yet. I would also really rather not but if it makes me stronger than I'll put the work in.

Strength of LOR: A couple of professors would go to bat for me, one’s already done so much that they’re practically a mentor. Old supervisor at the veteran’s org is actually my mentor and will definitely sing my praises in every direction. I’ve worked with both of them before for successful scholarship applications so they’ve got me dialed in. Current supervisor I can’t say for sure but they haven’t said anything bad about what I’m doing so I’ve got that going for me.

Strength of SOP: Reason I left the Navy was because I couldn’t understand the tension in Asia at the time of my last deployment and figured implementing policy would keep more people safe than fixing airplanes. In my current position, ensuring access to the tools of security to our allies is how I perceive my job. To do it more effectively and to specialize I want to increase the depth of my knowledge and link up my industry and military experiences to the historic and policy backgrounds and create a near total picture of East Asian security.

Extracurriculars/Leadership: Previous supervisor experience, plus was designated on scene leader in case of emergency reclamation. Presented as part of a panel for student veterans and internships at a conference. Attended a symposium on cross-strait relations. Currently writing an article for an IR school’s security magazine.

[kreitz128]

2 hours ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

So you are what I call an X-Factor candidate - as in, there is something unique about you that make you highly appealing for diversity in so many different ways, but you are weighted down by many negatives that you do accurately identify (an some you don't).

A. So first off, I want to highlight the information gaps.

1. Did you take Calculus or econometrics in College? (or AP equivalent in High school?) with a B+ or better - if it is a yes - that helps with showing your ability to graduate

2. With you Quant experience, is it coding only or does it involve calculus based econometrics? It isn't unheard of to learned calc and calc based econometrics on the job, but if that a is a yes, you need to specify it aggressively in the optional statement / recommendations

3. How do self-brand yourself in terms of policy? You give an entire buffet of things you are interested in (your buffet is somewhat unique though, which works in your favor!). However, big picture in 5 words or less:

i. What area of policy do you care most about?

ii. What functional aspect of policy do you care most about?

4. Demonstrable leadership?

Answering this helps me determine what you actually prioritize.

B. Your strengths that you don't realize

I would argue you have the best of both worlds in that you are unique enough that you wouldn't be seen as one of the many Teach for America, Capital Hill, Peace Corp, and etc. droves, and you would be seen as someone that is genuinely unique as a quant guy. Additionally, you may not have directly been applicable to policy, but you touched policy, so the natural sentiment would be your interest is genuine and not some guy fishing (unless your essays are awful).

C. The depths of your weaknesses 

1. Yes, your GPA is on the low side, but if you have a reasonable excuse - given your academic accomplishments, you can somewhat nullify the concern. Things like

i. You had a part time job in order to support yourself

ii. you were the first in your family to go to college

iii. you had an illness (physical, psychological, or otherwise) during school

iv. are you in an under-represented minority

You get the idea. If there are mitigating circumstances, you want to highlight it (but be honest).

2. I view your GRE to be your biggest weakness. The biggest cloud hanging over your application is if your ability to graduate. If you submitted strong GREs, that cloud is lifted and can overcome your poor GPA. However, if you don't submit your GRE and even if you have decent excuses for your GPA, your lack of GRE submission suggests you have something to hide. Non-competitive GRE submission means trend of non-high academic performance. Either way isn't good.

D. My thoughts on your schools

If you get scholarship funding anywhere (unless you are from a major targeted support cohort (first to go to college, URM, veteran, peace corp, and etc.) I would be shocked. 

I think the best you might be able to get in would be GW MPP. If you get into GM Scharr, you should just not go (or more like don't apply in the first place). 

Granted, there a lot of information gaps, so if you have significant factors that improve your standing, that assessment could change.

I always want to remind people about the celebrity Ashley Judd. She went to Harvard Kennedy School with an MPA in the late 2000s. Everyone thought she got in because she was a celebrity. However, everyone also forgot that she had an illustrious academic, leadership, and social career in undergraduate at the University of Kentucky (I think she might have went to the honors school - could be wrong). She ended up being an academic rock star at Harvard Kennedy School, and her classmates were shocked. My point is that even for celebs, professional experience needs to be matched by some decent level of academics because schools want Ashley Judd. 

Thanks so much for your input. Glad to know that I seem diverse/unique in a way that could help. In response,

A 1-2: No calculus or AP math in school or out.  Only Stats, Poli Sci, and AP Gov in high school. Several research methods courses. There may have been aspects of econometrics in the field- quantitative time series analysis of program outcome data. 

A3: Noted Social policy vagueness, per posts above. Still hashing this out & have many ambitions. NOW: I want to practice social policy and program outcome evaluation to inform grantmaking and program development across areas of mental health and prevention of other illnesses (i.e. homelessness, poverty).  I would love to develop policy for innovation -tech, internet and media cognizant of prevention in health/behavior/mental illness.  My history in field demonstrates this. Still to vague?  You would be the third person stressing importance of policy specificity. Do you think I could just I tailor specifically for schools?  Struggling since Im interdisciplinary.

A4: Yes to leadership. Led volunteers for 4 years, Led agency wide trainings in data, systems, tools & evaluation. Facilitates training for professional development in field (i.e panels, workshops, business meetings)

B What parts should I highlight that touched policy best? courses? Ngo?

C. 1-3: "If there are mitigating circumstances, you want to highlight it (but be honest)." I had a part time job 15-20+ hours since freshman yr and will need to factor in somehow.  I had a major infection that made me bomb one of my written finals (not including). I also had a gap in employment due to surgery ( I will be noting). 

What recent facts do you have against Scharr? It was my safety. Would you be able to suggest a better safety?

Thanks again for your help. I greatly appreciate it!

 

[GradSchoolGrad]

7 hours ago, ECCN9A102 said:

Hi all, piecing together where I stand for next cycle. Any West Coast schools I should consider? I’m kind of over winters. Would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!

Applying to: HKS MPP, Georgetown SFS SSP, GW Elliott SSP, Tufts Fletcher MGA , NYU Wagner MSPP,

Undergrad institution: DMV area IR school

Undergrad Major: International Relations

Undergrad GPA: 3.5

Years out of undergrad: 2 (by the time I apply)

Quant Background: Calc I, Macro/Micro, Int’l Econ. Lowest was Int’l Econ at a B-.

Relevant Work Experience: 7 years as in the Nayv as an aircraft mechanic, worked my way up to supervisor/managed a couple programs. 1^st internship with an aerospace & defense magazine for a summer. Following that, worked as a program assistant for an IDEV non-profit for a few months. Then interned at a think tank for a semester doing light research and writing a few articles. Spent my last semester working overnight as a library supervisor and interning at a veteran’s advocacy organization. Currently employed at an aerospace & defense company in their leadership training pipeline for global trade.

International Experience: 1 summer abroad in Taiwan on a a Taiwanese MoE scholarship, 1 summer abroad in China on a Gilman.

GRE: I haven’t taken it yet. I would also really rather not but if it makes me stronger than I'll put the work in.

Strength of LOR: A couple of professors would go to bat for me, one’s already done so much that they’re practically a mentor. Old supervisor at the veteran’s org is actually my mentor and will definitely sing my praises in every direction. I’ve worked with both of them before for successful scholarship applications so they’ve got me dialed in. Current supervisor I can’t say for sure but they haven’t said anything bad about what I’m doing so I’ve got that going for me.

Strength of SOP: Reason I left the Navy was because I couldn’t understand the tension in Asia at the time of my last deployment and figured implementing policy would keep more people safe than fixing airplanes. In my current position, ensuring access to the tools of security to our allies is how I perceive my job. To do it more effectively and to specialize I want to increase the depth of my knowledge and link up my industry and military experiences to the historic and policy backgrounds and create a near total picture of East Asian security.

Extracurriculars/Leadership: Previous supervisor experience, plus was designated on scene leader in case of emergency reclamation. Presented as part of a panel for student veterans and internships at a conference. Attended a symposium on cross-strait relations. Currently writing an article for an IR school’s security magazine.

So normally, I wouldn't really recommend this school due to its (in my opinion, although it is a great program - it is too small and too removed from Washington/New York - lets be honest centers of power). HOWEVER!!! - if you want to live, breathe, and dream Asia security issues - Stanford's Ford Dorsey Master's in International Relations might just be up your alley. Academically, it is a stellar program.

The other one out west that does really well with Asia IR is Middlebury's Monterrey Institute - it is a bit niche though... I would think of it as a safety. 

If I were you, I would take out Fletcher MGA (its an expansion program and not its standard flagship MALD) and NYU MSPP (again not a flagship program, you don't want to play 2nd fiddle) and replace it with Stanford. If you think Middlebury Monterrey works for you (after doing some research, maybe use that as a safety). 

 

[GradSchoolGrad]

7 hours ago, kreitz128 said:

Thanks so much for your input. Glad to know that I seem diverse/unique in a way that could help. In response,

A 1-2: No calculus or AP math in school or out.  Only Stats, Poli Sci, and AP Gov in high school. Several research methods courses. There may have been aspects of econometrics in the field- quantitative time series analysis of program outcome data. 

A3: Noted Social policy vagueness, per posts above. Still hashing this out & have many ambitions. NOW: I want to practice social policy and program outcome evaluation to inform grantmaking and program development across areas of mental health and prevention of other illnesses (i.e. homelessness, poverty).  I would love to develop policy for innovation -tech, internet and media cognizant of prevention in health/behavior/mental illness.  My history in field demonstrates this. Still to vague?  You would be the third person stressing importance of policy specificity. Do you think I could just I tailor specifically for schools?  Struggling since Im interdisciplinary.

A4: Yes to leadership. Led volunteers for 4 years, Led agency wide trainings in data, systems, tools & evaluation. Facilitates training for professional development in field (i.e panels, workshops, business meetings)

B What parts should I highlight that touched policy best? courses? Ngo?

C. 1-3: "If there are mitigating circumstances, you want to highlight it (but be honest)." I had a part time job 15-20+ hours since freshman yr and will need to factor in somehow.  I had a major infection that made me bomb one of my written finals (not including). I also had a gap in employment due to surgery ( I will be noting). 

What recent facts do you have against Scharr? It was my safety. Would you be able to suggest a better safety?

Thanks again for your help. I greatly appreciate it!

 

Okay,

1. your lack of math (realistically only Calc and econometrics counts. Basic college Stats - barely) + low GPA + no GRE basically is sealing U. Chicago Harris and UC Berk - Goldman out of range for you --> as more quant programs. This is especially problematic because program evaluation is considered high quant (at least academically, and you are challenged coming from a point of major disadvantage). 

2. You don't want to tailor for schools, because you never know what schools want and after reading 200 + essays, people get good at smoking out potentially disingenuousness. My entire point is that you need to figure out a brand instead kitchen sink mess. An example for a brand (and I'm pure speculating here) - Tech solutions for social/urban policy (if you want to narrow it down to something - employment opportunities and etc. - the better). Basically in 7 words or less, you want to highlight what you are functionally targeting (tech solutions in this example) and area of interest (social policy). 

Personally, my brand (at least going into policy school) was Programming and budget for higher education policy 

3. Okay great you got leadership

4. You tell me what touched policy the most (being honest about it). I don't know your life. A normal person would see an NGO work on resume and think oh, this person at least interfaced with policy. You have to tell the compelling story and make the connections. 

5. Okay great - note that you had to part time employment in order to financially supported yourself) + had multiple issues with illness (obviously put in a more meaningful and persuasive way). 

6. At a certain point graduate school isn't worth your time and money. I would draw the line at the Scharr school. Unless you are going into the Scharr school with a Top Secret Clearance, prior background in one of their niches (like bioterrorism), or you are employer sponsored, it is simply a terrible idea.

a. Professionally the school does a terrible job developing you as its student organized structures and support infrastructure are utter disorganized. What I'm trying to highlight is not only a weak student community, but an insignificant one. One of my friends who went there (employer sponsored) actually purposely chose Scharr so she wouldn't have to make friends, knowing in advance there are no community pressures.

b. I never seen any Scharr student at conferences, research presentations, and competitions who wasn't Niche, Top Secret Clearance, or employee sponsored. 

c. Outside off the defense sector (and those were the military folks, Scharr people simply exceedingly rarely go to generally competitive jobs or get scholarships (like Boren) - period. 

d. The reputation of the program in DC (emphasis on in DC) is that its a place for people who don't want to go to an intense masters degree in order to satisfy their work life balance interests  (which very reasonable and understandable) or simply not challenge themselves. 

Basically, you wouldn't really get any real career benefit. You might as well pivot without graduate school. 

Edited December 13, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[auditorteladan]

Hi, a state auditor here (I wonder whether this is a unique/rare job or not) 

Considering applying to: HKS MC/MPA. Yale MAS in Global Affairs
UG Institution: University of Indonesia
UG Major: Accounting
UG GPA: 3.38 
Years out of UG: 7+ years
Quant background: Basic Econ Calculus (B+), Basic Statistics (A), intermediate statistics (A-).
Transcript weakness: got C+ on several courses

Work experiences:
6 years as state auditor in outer island regions of Indonesia (Sulawesi and Kalimantan). Promoted/moved several times: junior auditor->senior auditor->chief of staff for chief of audit division->chief of audit team. Conducting financial, performance, and special-purpose audit on government budget and expenditure as well as evaluating performance on key government policies and activities.

Other work experiences: 8 months as big 4 auditor, 8 months career switch as an entrepreneur before entering state audit office.

Recent Int'l. experiences:
-INTOSAI (International Organization of Supreme Audit Institution) Forestry Audit Training (2019)
-UNDP workshop on anti-corruption for SDGs 2030 (2019)
-Mentor for an underdeveloped country's supreme audit institution delegation in constructing an audit strategy (2019)

GRE: no

IELTS: 7.5

LoR: 1 UG professor (emeritus), 1 former supervisor, 1 current supervisor. All know me well. UG professor willing to explain about my declining GPA in 2nd year and add that I got a gold medal on a student scientific competition. 

SoP Strength: working mostly in underdeveloped region in Indonesia, some evidences of positive impact to societies, rather quick career promotion, chosen as member of a national council to construct audit guidelines on Covid-19 countermeasure, and several leadership experience since UG. 

Career aspiration: gain more influence in my office and INTOSAI to promote a more policy-oriented government audit rather than only focus on financial audit.

Extracullicular: founded a policy think-thank club for fellow public servant, volunteering (currently volunteering on giving food for homeless people in Kalimantan, former teacher and teacher coordinator of a voluntary teaching activity during UG)

Scholarship: already got a government scholarship

 

Edited December 14, 2020 by auditorteladan

[GradSchoolGrad]

51 minutes ago, auditorteladan said:

Hi, a state auditor here (I wonder whether this is a unique/rare job or not) 

Considering applying to: HKS MC/MPA. Yale MAS in Global Affairs
UG Institution: University of Indonesia
UG Major: Accounting
UG GPA: 3.38 
Years out of UG: 7+ years
Quant background: Basic Econ Calculus (B+), Basic Statistics (A), intermediate statistics (A-).
Transcript weakness: got C+ on several courses

Work experiences:
6 years as state auditor in outer island regions of Indonesia (Sulawesi and Kalimantan). Promoted/moved several times: junior auditor->senior auditor->chief of staff for chief of audit division->chief of audit team. Conducting financial, performance, and special-purpose audit on government budget and expenditure as well as evaluating performance on key government policies and activities.

Other work experiences: 8 months as big 4 auditor, 8 months career switch as an entrepreneur before entering state audit office.

Recent Int'l. experiences:
-INTOSAI (International Organization of Supreme Audit Institution) Forestry Audit Training (2019)
-UNDP workshop on anti-corruption for SDGs 2030 (2019)
-Mentor for an underdeveloped country's supreme audit institution delegation in constructing an audit strategy (2019)

GRE: no

IELTS: 7.5

LoR: 1 UG professor (emeritus), 1 former supervisor, 1 current supervisor. All know me well. UG professor willing to explain about my declining GPA in 2nd year and add that I got a gold medal on a student scientific competition. 

SoP Strength: working mostly in underdeveloped region in Indonesia, some evidences of positive impact to societies, rather quick career promotion, chosen as member of a national council to construct audit guidelines on Covid-19 countermeasure, and several leadership experience since UG. 

Career aspiration: gain more influence in my office and INTOSAI to promote a more policy-oriented government audit rather than only focus on financial audit.

Extracullicular: founded a policy think-thank club for fellow public servant, volunteering (currently volunteering on giving food for homeless people in Kalimantan, former teacher and teacher coordinator of a voluntary teaching activity during UG)

Scholarship: already got a government scholarship

 

1. Being an auditor is great! It makes you unique

2. Your biggest problem is no GRE -it brings into doubt your ability to graduate

 

 

[auditorteladan]

7 minutes ago, GradSchoolGrad said:

1. Being an auditor is great! It makes you unique

2. Your biggest problem is no GRE -it brings into doubt your ability to graduate

 

 

Thank you for your reply,

I agree with you, no GRE is indeed a weakness. I haven't take any GRE because I live in Kalimantan Island (not in Java, where the capital city is located) and due too COVID-19 pandemic I can't go by plane to Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia (I planned to take GRE on May/June 2020). Moreover, online GRE will be difficult as internet access is quite limited here.

 

Anyway, I have read both HKS Mason MC/MPA and Jackson MAS, both do not require GRE. So, does the No-GRE factor will really drag my chances down, or there's still a good chance on them?

Edited December 14, 2020 by auditorteladan

[GradSchoolGrad]

1 hour ago, auditorteladan said:

Thank you for your reply,

I agree with you, no GRE is indeed a weakness. I haven't take any GRE because I live in Kalimantan Island (not in Java, where the capital city is located) and due too COVID-19 pandemic I can't go by plane to Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia (I planned to take GRE on May/June 2020). Moreover, online GRE will be difficult as internet access is quite limited here.

 

Anyway, I have read both HKS Mason MC/MPA and Jackson MAS, both do not require GRE. So, does the No-GRE factor will really drag my chances down, or there's still a good chance on them?

I completely understand your situation, and I hear stories of other people (especially international students) who struggle to take the GRE due to logistics in today's times. 

However, you need to realize that not requiring it doesn't mean that sending it won't help you. Yes, you come from a more unique part of the world and you have a unique professional background --> that makes you diverse. However, since there is not a consistent population of people from Indonesia and your university coming to US policy schools, admissions offices may struggle with familiarity of your institution. It would be one thing if you were the top 10% student in your school with a 3.7 GPA with lots of awards + a publication in English. However, you have an good but not great GPA from school that I assume is not English speaking. In order to give confidence that you can actually graduate in a difficult English curriculum, and that is where a great GRE score can help you and stop any doubts.

You have to understand that pre-COVID, back when policy schools (even HKS) were struggling to get the desired number of applicants, policy schools had heartburn with international students that they took risks on who then struggled to graduate based upon the English material + teamwork dynamic or transition to the US style of education. 

Right now, based off of what you tell me, these would be the doubts I have.

1. This person clearly did okay to good... academically at the home institution, but how do I know this person can succeed with English classes whereby team work and participation is necessary. This especially since your IELTS is a 7.5 - which is good, but not great. You have to keep in mind that you are going for some of the most competitive programs in the US. 

2. You did you work in a name brand International company (the accounting firm), but only 8 months (which ice fine... but you might have to explain it), because traditionally, people stay at least 2 years in order to gain the credibility. An 8 month stay at non-start up hints at initial career difficulty at high performing job. Not saying that is so, but that can raise concerns. 

What I'm saying is this.

If you were an American student, I don't see you getting into either program based on your grades + if it was generic work experience. 

As an international student coming from a less common country (Indonesia) + being a former accountant with lots of career experience, that helps you. Without good GRE scores to give confidence in you, I don't know if it helps you enough to get in. Maybe it could because of the diversity factor. However, this is an extra competitive environment for US graduate school applications. You might slide by in a normal year, but this year could be tough. 

Edited December 14, 2020 by GradSchoolGrad

[woolscarves]

On 12/13/2020 at 10:17 AM, GradSchoolGrad said:

So normally, I wouldn't really recommend this school due to its (in my opinion, although it is a great program - it is too small and too removed from Washington/New York - lets be honest centers of power). HOWEVER!!! - if you want to live, breathe, and dream Asia security issues - Stanford's Ford Dorsey Master's in International Relations might just be up your alley. Academically, it is a stellar program.

The other one out west that does really well with Asia IR is Middlebury's Monterrey Institute - it is a bit niche though... I would think of it as a safety. 

If I were you, I would take out Fletcher MGA (its an expansion program and not its standard flagship MALD) and NYU MSPP (again not a flagship program, you don't want to play 2nd fiddle) and replace it with Stanford. If you think Middlebury Monterrey works for you (after doing some research, maybe use that as a safety). 

 

UCSD has a very strong Asian focus too, iirc.