policy_applicant Posted February 19, 2009 Posted February 19, 2009 Per dagger's suggestion, let's use this thread to pool some collective knowledge of what the top schools we're applying to have to offer. Hopefully we can get a better picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the programs and ultimately make more informed decisions about where to attend. Also, it might be helpful if we list some of the schools that fall into a certain category: e.g., top quantitative programs, top social policy programs, top education policy programs, etc. Anyway, I'll start with Berkeley since it's one of my top choices and I have had a chance to visit and sit in on two classes. Pros: -Strong emphasis on quantitative skills. -Good name recognition. -Small class size (~70-75). -Pleasant, engaged students. People seemed friendly with one another and with the faculty. -Good location on campus, tucked away in a nook. All classes and offices are in two cozy, adjacent buildings. -Small class sizes. All 1st-year students take the core classes together, but the 2nd-year class I sat in on only had about 15 students. -Location (standard of living). Cons: -Location (cost of living, proximity to D.C.). Two of the students I spoke with did summer internships at the GAO in D.C., but if you're dead set on a D.C. job, being on the west coast could be a serious burden. -Lack of funding. The school does not provide 2nd-year funding and only offers money to the top third of incoming 1st years. I have heard, though, that there are lots of opportunities for research assistantships and other jobs on campus. Feel free to add to my list. I know there's plenty of stuff I'm missing (and probably more cons).
dagger Posted February 20, 2009 Posted February 20, 2009 It may be useful to keep this thread specific to Berkeley and start others for different schools. Thanks for taking the initiative policy_applicant. I suppose if I was as motivated as you I would have turned in my Georgetown app as early and already have a decision.
anxiouslywaiting Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 policy_applicant mentioned that they do not give any 2nd year funding. is this always true, without exception? also, any ideas as to the extent of 1st year funding typically offered? lastly, for the research jobs and other employment opportunities, do you think someone could earn enough money from those things to cover costs with some minimal loans?
anxiouslywaiting Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 After perusing posts from previous years, I have gathered that that is the case at Berkeley (in-state tuition remission for TAs or rather GSIs). What does that mean for your first year though if you were not a resident previously? That it only pays part of your tuition or that you are not eligible at all as an out of stater?
policy_applicant Posted March 4, 2009 Author Posted March 4, 2009 Someone posted a rejection from GSPP (MPP) on the results page. Is it real? Can anyone claim it?
anxiouslywaiting Posted March 5, 2009 Posted March 5, 2009 I have been frantically looking for another. I wonder if it was real. On the one hand, it seems unlikely that it was real given that there was only one. However, why would someone make that up? Especially since it was a rejection. Maybe this guy just lives down the street from GSPP so it arrived really quickly or something. Wow, I can't believe I'm partaking in this kind of speculation. This process is turning me into a nut job. I even wrote to GSPP to beg them to email my decision since I'll be out of the country. Doubt that will do any good.
mgrn68 Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 The rejection letters are real. I got one today and I live in the southeast. Oh well. I knew Berkeley was a pretty big stretch for me.
anxiouslywaiting Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Yes there is an acceptance posted now too. I guess that means we'll be getting the mail soon. Too bad I'll be out of the country.
dagger Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Oh no ! I am not ready! I vacillate between being ready to be done with it and terrified of getting results. My mail is slow. I figure I'll get it Saturday, maybe Monday. GRE word!
RyeGuy5555 Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Yes there is an acceptance posted now too. I guess that means we'll be getting the mail soon. Too bad I'll be out of the country. Will these come by email or by snail mail first? Well it's good to know we might get them before March 20, I need to inform Duke about my financial aid from other schools by March 19.
chellie99 Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Just came home to a big envelope acceptance for GSPP - no funding though, which is disappointing. There's some information enclosed about graduate student assistantship opportunities, but it doesn't look like those are likely to go to first year students. FYI, it was postmarked 3-04 - I live nearby so it came quickly. According to the letter, there will be new student receptions on March 30 in Washington DC and April 8 in Berkeley.
policy_applicant Posted March 6, 2009 Author Posted March 6, 2009 Wednesday for the Berkeley date? Those jerks.
policy_applicant Posted March 6, 2009 Author Posted March 6, 2009 I assume a bunch of notices will go up tonight when people get home and get the mail. If I receive my Berkeley letter, should I open it tonight? I have a date, and I'm really worried that I'll only be able to think about the decision (especially funding!) and come off as totally neurotic and aloof--which is wont to happen even when I don't have something important on my mind. Oye.
therunaround Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Oh c'mon policy_applicant, you're going to get in to GSPP. With your track record and GRE, you have nothing to worry about. You don't even need to open it, just be happy and have a good date!
policy_applicant Posted March 6, 2009 Author Posted March 6, 2009 Oh c'mon policy_applicant, you're going to get in to GSPP. With your track record and GRE, you have nothing to worry about. You don't even need to open it, just be happy and have a good date! Okay, I'm too neurotic. But in my defense, if I don't get funding, I'm going to have a big decision to make.
therunaround Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 Indeed, but that's a decision for weeks to come (after HKS, WWS, etc.) so sit back, relax, and have a good weekend!
GSPPhopeful Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 policy_applicant, if you don't mind me asking, what are your stats/work experience? Thanks!
policy_applicant Posted March 6, 2009 Author Posted March 6, 2009 policy_applicant, if you don't mind me asking, what are your stats/work experience? Thanks! Hey GSPPhopeful, check your PM.
sisepuede Posted March 6, 2009 Posted March 6, 2009 All of these gspp notices are making me crazzy! I'm stuck watching "the watchmen" for the next three hours, the mailbox seems so far away! The previews are rolling and all I can see are envelopes!
policy_applicant Posted March 7, 2009 Author Posted March 7, 2009 Rejected. Letter dated February 27. It sure didn't take them long to figure out they didn't want me, I suppose. That's quite the blow to the old self-esteem.
therunaround Posted March 7, 2009 Posted March 7, 2009 policy_applicant: wow, i'm sorry for assuming before that you'd get in. I'm a little shocked myself. You have a great line up and I really expected you to get in there. You do have excellent options so be happy about those. It's a fluke!
younglions Posted March 7, 2009 Posted March 7, 2009 policy_applicant - Well, that's a surprise. I'm guessing you'll get some good news over the next couple weeks that will make you forget about Berkeley. Have you got any idea on how much that UCLA fellowship is worth?
policy_applicant Posted March 7, 2009 Author Posted March 7, 2009 Awww...thanks everybody. I really appreciate the support. I'm still pretty crushed, but my date wasn't a total disaster, so there's that. The UCLA fellowship is $2,500, with talk in the email about the budget, etc. The UC system is really conspiring against me today! If anyone else got a messed up UCLA letter, email Maciek. PM me if you need his email address.
linden Posted March 7, 2009 Posted March 7, 2009 Rejected. Letter dated February 27. It sure didn't take them long to figure out they didn't want me, I suppose. That's quite the blow to the old self-esteem. policy_applicant: Sorry to hear. Don't let their stupid decision affect your self-esteem. It's their loss. Not only do you have great stats, but from your supportive, polite postings, it's clear you would have made a great addition to an MPP program. Plus, you can already get out of school debt free.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now