HKS - MPP or MPA/ID for international applicants

[tomasltc]

Hello fellows,

I am an international student from Brazil applying to MPA/MPP programs in US for Fall 12'.

I have a strong background in math and economics, which allows me to apply for either the MPP or MPA/ID program at HKS.

My goal is to specialize in economic policy in developing countries and work for WB, IDB or UNDP upon graduation, so my initial idea was that the MPA/ID curriculum would best fit (although the MPP IGA or development concentration would also lead me to a similar career).

The thing is that I have 4 years of experience in banking in Brazil (top american bank), but no real "development" experience. From the research I did it seems to me that most (if not all) the people accepted into the MPA/ID have worked for WB, IDB or similar agencies or governments.

In this sense, I feel that maybe the MPP admission criteria would be more flexible in considering my private sector experience (and also the volunteering experience I have) and consequently I would enhance my chances of admission at HKS. I would really rather being accepted to the MPP to not being accepted at all.

On the other hand, the MPA/ID has by far more international students than the MPP (70% vs 20%).

Thus, my question is: would my chances of admission increase if I apply to the MPP instead of the MPA/ID? Is the admission criteria of the MPP more flexible in regards to private sector experience?

My complete profile is in this other post (in case anyone is really nice and will bother looking at that):

I would really appreciate any help from you.

Thank you

Tomás