Need Advice: MPP Work Experience?

[Suziebob]

Okay, first off, I'd just like to say that I'm new here. I've lurked for a little bit and have really appreciated two things about this site. First, the information and views expressed here have been very, very helpful. I believe that what is pushing people toward law school is the fact that the process of admission is so streamlined and easy to understand, whereas it's a bit murkier for other graduate programs. Second, this site seems to be lacking in the elitist attitude of a lot of other sites, which makes me happy.

Here's my situation. I am a junior at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, which is sort of UVA's secret bastard child in the Appalachian mountains. It's a really good school, but it has a mixed reputation outside this region. I'm a History major and I currently have a 3.57 GPA at my degree granting university. I took some dual-enrollment classes in high school, so somewhere out there is a transcript for me that has some D's in two Pre Calculus classes. That pulls my overall GPA down somewhat, though I have a feeling that an admissions committee would understand that I was 16 at the time.

I've had an internship with the office of a United States Senator, which I feel like is somewhat relevant to the field of Public Policy, but not really. That internship was last summer, but because of awful family circumstances and a sick father, I've had to take a dinky job in retail to help my family pay the bills, so I've not been able to translate my early success into more job opportunities.

The programs I am looking at are all in the Washington DC or Northern Virginia area. American, George Washington, William and Mary, etc. All of these schools seem to be ranked pretty well without the MPP/MPA community, so I really feel like I'd have to have some relevant work experience under my belt just to have a chance at getting in? Am I right in assuming that?

[nightjars]

We share a similar background regarding the unrelated undergrad major and relative lack of work experience, and I'll actually be starting W&M's MPP program this fall. Although I majored in English and rhetoric, essentially you just need to highlight to the ad comms your ability to research, write sound papers (ie: make valid arguments), think analytically, and be a leader/innovator. These are ultimately the core values for any MPP/MPA program.

Yes, any experience with politics, economics, and quant analysis will certainly build a better case for you. But it's not necessary. For example, I've never taken an econ class in my life and have not taken a math class since high school. I still gained acceptance to every school to which I applied, including those with fairly quantitative MPP programs. I've been out of school for 2+ years and primarily have work experience as an office manager/administrator in an industry loosely related to my public policy interests. But I also have served as a volunteer with various non-profits relevant to my focus. So if you're not currently volunteering in your area of interest, definitely look into ways to get involved. Volunteering allows you to learn new things, build up your professional network, and help out the community.

The Senator's office internship definitely strengthens your resume but to what specific degree it helps will depend on your responsibilities. Try to highlight at least 1-2 of the most relevant projects you may have worked on during the internship. Do that with every section of your resume and make sure you're crafting a resume that focuses on specific accomplishments and projects you've done. Don't worry that you may not have a lot of experience directly correlating with public policy, and just make sure you're accentuating the abilities/strengths which will make you a successful MPP/MPA grad student.

Also, start studying for the GRE. You're at a disadvantage by not being a public policy/poli sci/econ/stats/math/etc. major and by not having work experience, so pull off a solid GRE score. You'll probably want to hone in on preparing for the quant section, but don't ignore verbal and AW.

[Suziebob]

Thanks a ton for your answer.

I was going to be a Political Science major, and I've taken multiple political science classes. Infact, I may still pick up a Political Science minor to go with the Economics minor I'm looking to attach to my History degree. So I'm not TOTALLY in left field on this, I don't think.

What I'm worried about is, today, if you look at my transcript, it makes it look like I'm terrible at math. I have two D's from HIGH SCHOOL, but they're technically college credit like everything else. I got screwed into a C in a ProbStat's class at my actual degree granting institution, but I feel like if I retook it, I could do much better. And I have an A in an Economics class... So yeah, still think I should be okay?

[nightjars]

I still think you're in good shape. The D's from dual enrollment aren't a major concern. With the C in prob/stats, you'll again want to make sure you really study for the GRE's quant portion and pull at least a 700. That will help assuage any ad comm's concerns about your quantitative abilities.

[Joe S.]

Hello,

I had no post-grad work experience (tons in UG), graduated with the same GPA and was a Political Theory Major (essentially philosophy) in college. I was admitted to Harris at UChicago and the Heinz program at Carnegie Mellon (both top ten). I don't think work experience is necessary outside of a few institutions (i.e. Duke and NYU who rejected me solely for that reason). You have to show that you've done research in your area of focus and have demonstrated leadership qualities to be admitted to these programs. They really do look for well rounded candidates it's not necessarily about numbers strictly (I had sub par GRE scores as well). I would advise though really looking into what you want to do before committing to the application process. An internship with a US Senator is a great experience, but a number of applicants will have other experiences that make them passionate about pursuing an MPP/MPA. If you have that same zeal for the art and formulation of public policy then by all means apply and best of luck! However, if this is just a way to avoid the work world or a "lack of better options" kind of deal, I would advise waiting and really thinking about who you are before investing money and time into this process. Just my two cents.

[Suziebob]

Thank you SO MUCH for your response. I really can't put into words how much confidence just talking to you two posters has given me.

The one other concern that I have is that I am going to end up being a History major. There seems to be this idea out there that History is somehow not analytic or something, which is just a joke. Political Science seems to be the hot major to have right now. And I've taken several PoliSci classes and have a 4.0 in those classes, don't get me wrong, but at my college, PoliSci is a REALLY vigorous course of study. As in... it takes over your life. And I LOVE studying it, I really do, but I also love studying History, and I can take it, make the same grades, and still have a life outside of college.

Do any of you see a significant difference in the marketability of a Political Science degree to a History degree? Especially considering I'll likely end up with an Economics minor anyway?

[AreYouSure]

HI Suzibob! I'm new here as well.

Have you considered participating in a summer fellowship that is tailored to the study of public policy. The Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship is one I STRONGLY recommend. The application is not due until November 1st, so that gives you plenty of time to consider it should you be interested. It's for rising seniors which makes you the perfect candidate! As a participant, you're required to attend a Junior Summer Institute at either the University of Michigan, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, University of Maryland and the University of Berkeley. The program pays for your transportation to your host institution, housing, meals and a small stipend to help over the summer. They even fund a GRE prep course through Kaplan! I participated during the summer of 2010 (I'll refrain from naming my host institution for the sake of anonymity.)

I'll be applying to MPP programs for Fall 2012, but have a few friends who have just started in programs this year. All of them enrolled in graduation school straight from undergrad (K-MPPs as we call it) and had tremendous success during their cycles. PPIA follows you throughout the entire application process, as it provides you with the prerequisites for many of the MPP programs out there during the Junior Summer Institute, such as econ and calculus. It's an intense program, but the evaluations you receive at the end of the summer from your professors will take the place of one letter of recommendation at many of the PPIA member schools. Those include Harvard, Princeton, Yale... the list goes on. These member schools often have hefty financial aid packages specific to fellowship like this and even waive application fees for us (something I'm sooooo grateful for right now.)

I have a friend who just started at the Kennedy School and says that of the handful of other K-MPPs there, they were all participants of some fellowship similar to ours (Pickering, McNair, etc.) None of them had full-time work experience prior to enrolling. Their fellowships played a huge role in their admission cycle because being accepted to and participating those programs show a level of dedication and passion for public service that is hard to parallel. He also had little public interest experience prior to PPIA and was one of many in my cohort who did not have a political science/government major. I also have a friend at Carnegie Mellon and two at Berkeley and they all share similar stories in regards to the backgrounds of those entering straight from undergrad. All four of them are fully funded with a stipend, as well.

When you get a free moment, check it out for yourself. http://www.ppiaprogram.org/programs/eligibility.php If you have any questions let me know!

[mtncoed]

Hi! Kinda strange that I came upon this post tonight... it's the first time I've been on thegradcafe.com forum and it was the first post I clicked on. I graduated from UVa-Wise in 2010 and recently enrolled in a MPA program. I don't think being a History major will hurt your application for admission to an MPA program, seems the students coming into my MPA program are from very different academic backgrounds. Do you know that UVa-Wise actually has a Public Administration concentration? It is within the Government major and you take a greater variety of classes that help you prepare for MPA coursework than with the Poli. Sci concentration.... such as Accounting, Business Law, Bus. & Professional Communication.... something to consider. I also know of a good internship opportunity in the public sector in the Wise area that you could possibly consider. I don't know if you can private message on this forum, but if you can, message me and I'll tell you more details about it! Good luck in all your endeavors though!

[Suziebob]

HI Suzibob! I'm new here as well.

Have you considered participating in a summer fellowship that is tailored to the study of public policy. The Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship is one I STRONGLY recommend. The application is not due until November 1st, so that gives you plenty of time to consider it should you be interested. It's for rising seniors which makes you the perfect candidate! As a participant, you're required to attend a Junior Summer Institute at either the University of Michigan, Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, University of Maryland and the University of Berkeley. The program pays for your transportation to your host institution, housing, meals and a small stipend to help over the summer. They even fund a GRE prep course through Kaplan! I participated during the summer of 2010 (I'll refrain from naming my host institution for the sake of anonymity.)

I'll be applying to MPP programs for Fall 2012, but have a few friends who have just started in programs this year. All of them enrolled in graduation school straight from undergrad (K-MPPs as we call it) and had tremendous success during their cycles. PPIA follows you throughout the entire application process, as it provides you with the prerequisites for many of the MPP programs out there during the Junior Summer Institute, such as econ and calculus. It's an intense program, but the evaluations you receive at the end of the summer from your professors will take the place of one letter of recommendation at many of the PPIA member schools. Those include Harvard, Princeton, Yale... the list goes on. These member schools often have hefty financial aid packages specific to fellowship like this and even waive application fees for us (something I'm sooooo grateful for right now.)

I have a friend who just started at the Kennedy School and says that of the handful of other K-MPPs there, they were all participants of some fellowship similar to ours (Pickering, McNair, etc.) None of them had full-time work experience prior to enrolling. Their fellowships played a huge role in their admission cycle because being accepted to and participating those programs show a level of dedication and passion for public service that is hard to parallel. He also had little public interest experience prior to PPIA and was one of many in my cohort who did not have a political science/government major. I also have a friend at Carnegie Mellon and two at Berkeley and they all share similar stories in regards to the backgrounds of those entering straight from undergrad. All four of them are fully funded with a stipend, as well.

When you get a free moment, check it out for yourself. http://www.ppiaprogr...eligibility.php If you have any questions let me know!

First off, I want to apologize for not responding to this by now. I got sort of busy, and by that time this had fallen off the first page, and I figured it would never be seen again. Also by that time, the deadline for the thing you linked me to had passed. I'm not planning on graduating until next fall, so could I apply for the NEXT cycle and do it then? That seems like a really good idea.

Also, I'm looking at the University of Maryland now. My only problem (with any MPP program) is that I feel like my transcript isn't quantitative enough. I've only had one Econ class (possibly two, if I can get a cross-listed course converted) that I made an A and an A- in. I also have two C's from mass classes at my actual undergraduate university... so that's sorta weak. But a good GRE and a good overall GPA should make it okay, right?

Hi! Kinda strange that I came upon this post tonight... it's the first time I've been on thegradcafe.com forum and it was the first post I clicked on. I graduated from UVa-Wise in 2010 and recently enrolled in a MPA program. I don't think being a History major will hurt your application for admission to an MPA program, seems the students coming into my MPA program are from very different academic backgrounds. Do you know that UVa-Wise actually has a Public Administration concentration? It is within the Government major and you take a greater variety of classes that help you prepare for MPA coursework than with the Poli. Sci concentration.... such as Accounting, Business Law, Bus. & Professional Communication.... something to consider. I also know of a good internship opportunity in the public sector in the Wise area that you could possibly consider. I don't know if you can private message on this forum, but if you can, message me and I'll tell you more details about it! Good luck in all your endeavors though!

I could be totally wrong, but I believe we actually got rid of our Public Administration program. If you're still around this forum, I'd love to hear from you! It's awesome to actually run into another UVA-Wise person on here... I probably already know you, given the nature of Wise.