MPA programs - GRE, undergrad study and work experience

[kitsims]

Hi all,

I'm planning to apply for Master's of Public Administration programs next year and just sat my GRE. I got 170 on the verbal and 156 on the quant.

Obviously delighted with my verbal score but I'm worried that the quant isn't quite strong enough to access the best programs. I have over a decade's work experience including with my country's diplomatic service, and I currently head up the policy team for a skills and education organisation in India.

I did my undergraduate study at Cambridge, which doesn't do GPAs or detailed transcripts. I came out with a 2:1 which is good, but not exceptional.

My first choice is Harvard's mid-career MPA, and am also applying to Syracuse, Princeton, NYU and Columbia. Any views on my chances, and on what elements are most likely to be seen as important by the admissions teams?

Thanks!

[ZacharyObama]

Try asking in the Government Affairs sub-forum: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/11-government-affairs/

Good luck.