getting ready for 2012-2013 applications

[Brian Stevens]

Hello fellow GA applicants,

I am looking forward to seeking help from this forum as I am getting ready to apply for this cycle of graduate programs. I hope to give some insight back too.

At this point, I am really concerned about the debt load that grad school can potentially bring. I think for that reason I will be careful to consider any financial implications of these programs.

My profile:

- GPA 3.65 (economics)

- GRE: 720v/800q

- four years of public sector energy industry work in Bay Area/ active volunteer in local SF politics/ college internship at prominent think tank doing energy work/ student body vice president

I am hoping I some of the programs I apply to will let me in.

So far, I have decided on applying to the following programs:

- WWS

- Berkeley GSPP/ERG

- Yale SOM

- Chicago Harris

I am still trying to figure out which other schools have strong energy programs (and also often offer decent fellowships).

Anyway, if anyone has any thoughts about schools, please let me know. I'll look forward to going through this process with others.

Edited July 18, 2012 by Brian Stevens

[fenderpete]

You might want to look at American, as they have some pretty solid financial aid. Good luck!

[state_school'12]

Those look like solid choices for you. You should get in with decent aid to at least one of those, likely more.

Can I ask what sort of work you did in the energy sector, and did you enjoy it/return to that field after graduation? I recall that UT Austin LBJ has a good energy program, pretty good aid/teaching opportunities. Might be a good safety(ish) school for you.

Goodluck!

P.S. Fenderpete, congrats on WWS! That's amazing

Edited July 23, 2012 by state_school'12