Help!!! HKS MPP vs WWS MPA dilemma

[MPA455]

So guys, one can say this is a great dilemma, but I have really been losing sleep over it

WWS ($$$$) seems to be the obvious choice, but HKS has been my dream school for a while. Besides, I am an international student, and Harvard seems to have more credit than Princeton out of the US. At the same time, the MPA at WWS appears to be much more rigorous than the HKS MPP, and could allow me to work in development institutions like the World bank which is my ultimate goal.

I know the subject has been more or less discussed in previous years, but I would like to get more up to date opinions.

Anyone in this situation? Any thoughts about this? Any experience to share?

Many thanks!

[piquant777]

Can you take the WWS hosting weekend money and visit both schools? I think that will really help you decide. Did Harvard give you any scholarship money, because that could be a big headache factor for an international student. You are right that the Harvard name will always open more doors for you outside of the states. But I think the HKS MPP is also very quant-based and rigorous. Really, visiting is your best bet so you can really meet fellow students and professors and get a feel for both schools. I think the "culture" is very different between them. WWS is really for people geared towards public service and the money makes them unconcerned about taking high-paying jobs later on. HKS grads often go into private sector or foreign governments, as well as multi-national organizations like WB. Also if you read the WWS admit packet they just sent, you'll see that a high proportion of this year's class is focusing in American domestic policy, so that might be a factor if you want somewhere that is more international.

[wantgrad]

WWS is undoubtedly an excellent school, but after visiting Princeton I decided I couldn't see myself spending two years there! I am very much a product of urbania, and Princeton, NJ, just did not appeal.

Having said that though, if you're getting full funding and Harvard gives you nothing or little, then it should be a simple decision (unless you have money coming from elsewhere). I would love to go to Harvard but there's no way I can pay full price. I guess we'll find out in 10 days!

[state_school'12]

Go to WWS. This isn't a difficult decision (from my prospective ). At HKS, you'd be one of several hundred MPA/ID/MPP, etc etc students, many of whom are paying out of pocket. At WWS you'd be in a small cohort of elite students that Princeton has committed to supporting, because they believe you hold great promise as alumni. As for rural NJ being too quiet, it's only two years, you can internship in NYC or whereever you want, and you'll probably be so busy you won't really care. Harvard my have slightly more international cred, but compared to all of the advantages of going to WWS, there's no comparison.

WWS is much more selective than HKS. Just go!

[Ian Sue]

Bump this up to see what you guys are thinking of the situation...in 2016, because I am facing the same dilemma here.

What makes matters more complicated for me is that HKS offered me full tuition as well. (Minus stipend though)

So, if you are an international student wanting to land a job at international organizations / NGOs in the States, which program would be more promising? HKS MPP or Princeton WWS MPA ?