How to pick schools to apply to

[readyornot]

I am a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of MPA/MPP programs out there. I have an idea of what kind of program I want, but literally weeding through the options is overwhelming. I have been going down the US News and World report list for some guidance, and while I should be able to get into some of the top programs (knock on wood) I don't want to ignore other "lesser" programs just because they are lower on the list. But the process of going to every schools site and sifting through is frankly quite tedious. How has everyone else been tackling literally picking programs to apply to?

[fenderpete]

I tend to run through the schools in the following order having asked myself:

1) What do I want to get out of an MPA program and how will it improve my career? If you can't answer this one, an MPA might not be the right decision right now.

2) What does the course focus on and how does this fit with 1)? What are the teaching methods and what is the balance between practical and theory?

3) Where is the school located and are there jobs/internships I can get while there?

4) Who are the faculty?

5) What are the funding options?

If the answers to all of the above satisfied my criteria, I'll apply there. For me ranking and prestige don't really come into it.