HGSE Fall 2013

[alliknits]

Hi HGSE'ers!

 

Congratulations! I'm a current EPM student and just wrote an email to a perspective student that I thought I'd post it here as well. Please remember these are only my opinions and I'm a sample of one! Hope this information helps someone!

 

The Good

- I have learned more in one year than I ever knew possible.

- The flexibility. Some people in EPM really want to be school leaders, others want to be policy makers, and some want to be researchers. You can tailor this program to focus on what you want to do. I thought I would be interested in actual policy making but after taking some policy classes in the Fall I realized I kind of hate policy and really love researching the impact of policy. Because the coursework is flexible, I can take all research-y classes this semester. Other people realized they hate research and are taking all policy oriented classes.

- Statistics. If you want to work in policy or research in any kind of position you need a strong statistical background (I would argue that school and non-profit leaders should have statistics as well…). HGSE allows you to get light years ahead in statistics. Everyone has to take a quant class and there are two tracks. The first track will give you a basic understanding of statistics in the Fall and an understanding of regression in the Spring (but you don’t have to take the spring class). The other track will get you fast-tracked through regression in the Fall and into more advanced statistical concepts in the Spring. This was a big draw for me. You can leave HGSE capable of being a lead analyst in one year which no other program can give you. This year I’ve completed two years of statistics at Vanderbilt so when I start my program next year I’m way ahead. The Fall stats class in the accelerated track (S40) is super hard but completely worth it.

- The faculty. They are really the leaders in their field and I still get a little star-struck when I read amazing studies and realize the author is at HGSE. They are completely willing to work with you anytime and to let you assist with their research, as long as you ask.

- The other students. It sounds super cheesy, but I’ve made my best friends ever here. You are surrounded by people who are passionate about education and each person brings a very different perspective.

- Connections. It’s gross, but Harvard has taught me that connections matter. Everyone is willing to help you out and a lot of my cohort members are finding jobs through one another and last year’s cohort. Professors are also happy to connect you with past students and job opportunities.

- Cambridge/Boston. This has been my favorite place to live ever. Yeah, it gets really cold and snowy but a good jacket makes it all ok.

- Free stuff to do. Harvard hosts so many amazing things for students- tonight I’m going to a free Yo Yo Ma concert, I got to see all these famous chefs lecture on food and science, etc. HGSE also has great events- I’ve seen Paul Tough, Joel Klein, and a bunch of other people speak. Also, your student ID gets you into every museum in Boston for free.

- Internships/research opportunities. I think this is especially important if you have classroom experience but don’t want to return to the classroom after graduate school. I’ve worked, for pay, this year at a program evaluation firm actually designing and implementing research. Some of my friends have interned at the Center for Education Policy Research and worked on research projects for professors (all paid again). Another friend works at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education. Basically, you can find a million things to do.

- Supports. Career services is amazing, the writing center is great, the library has everything…. If you need a support here, they have it.

- Jobs. Most of my friends are looking for jobs right now and are having very positive experiences. Some have found analyst and research positions, others are working in policy. Other members of my cohort are going back to the classroom and some are entering into management and leadership positions at charter schools, non-profits, and foundations. You will get an awesome job after completing this program.

 

The Bad

- It is a bit snobby. I’ve found some of the faculty to be a bit stuck-up about other schools. But, then again, they are the best in their fields.

- Type A-ness. The other students are very, very grade oriented which can get annoying. I find the stress levels at midterms and finals can get out of control.

- Time. There are so many awesome opportunities that sometimes I worry I’m not taking advantage of everything. Additionally, if you take a heavy class load you will really be working very hard. This is a one year condensed program and they mean it. I’m sure I’ve learned as much, if not more, than people who chose two year programs. That being said, my friends and I always find time to do something fun.

- Expensive! But I think totally worth it. I’m getting a ton of funding for my PhD because of this experience and most of my friends are getting interviews for really amazing jobs. I’m not sure it’s worth it if you’re thinking of going back to the classroom, but for a job in policy or research this program is amazing.

- The faculty are very disconnected from one another. Their isn’t much cohesion, HGSE seems to cherry-pick faculty based on accomplishments rather than philosophical fit.

- No thesis. I actually think this is good. The final papers for classes were more rigorous than some master’s thesis requirements. If you want to do original research and submit it for publication, you can.

[ASzofer]

Hi HGSE'ers!

 

Congratulations! I'm a current EPM student and just wrote an email to a perspective student that I thought I'd post it here as well. Please remember these are only my opinions and I'm a sample of one! Hope this information helps someone!

 

The Good

- I have learned more in one year than I ever knew possible.

- The flexibility. Some people in EPM really want to be school leaders, others want to be policy makers, and some want to be researchers. You can tailor this program to focus on what you want to do. I thought I would be interested in actual policy making but after taking some policy classes in the Fall I realized I kind of hate policy and really love researching the impact of policy. Because the coursework is flexible, I can take all research-y classes this semester. Other people realized they hate research and are taking all policy oriented classes.

- Statistics. If you want to work in policy or research in any kind of position you need a strong statistical background (I would argue that school and non-profit leaders should have statistics as well…). HGSE allows you to get light years ahead in statistics. Everyone has to take a quant class and there are two tracks. The first track will give you a basic understanding of statistics in the Fall and an understanding of regression in the Spring (but you don’t have to take the spring class). The other track will get you fast-tracked through regression in the Fall and into more advanced statistical concepts in the Spring. This was a big draw for me. You can leave HGSE capable of being a lead analyst in one year which no other program can give you. This year I’ve completed two years of statistics at Vanderbilt so when I start my program next year I’m way ahead. The Fall stats class in the accelerated track (S40) is super hard but completely worth it.

- The faculty. They are really the leaders in their field and I still get a little star-struck when I read amazing studies and realize the author is at HGSE. They are completely willing to work with you anytime and to let you assist with their research, as long as you ask.

- The other students. It sounds super cheesy, but I’ve made my best friends ever here. You are surrounded by people who are passionate about education and each person brings a very different perspective.

- Connections. It’s gross, but Harvard has taught me that connections matter. Everyone is willing to help you out and a lot of my cohort members are finding jobs through one another and last year’s cohort. Professors are also happy to connect you with past students and job opportunities.

- Cambridge/Boston. This has been my favorite place to live ever. Yeah, it gets really cold and snowy but a good jacket makes it all ok.

- Free stuff to do. Harvard hosts so many amazing things for students- tonight I’m going to a free Yo Yo Ma concert, I got to see all these famous chefs lecture on food and science, etc. HGSE also has great events- I’ve seen Paul Tough, Joel Klein, and a bunch of other people speak. Also, your student ID gets you into every museum in Boston for free.

- Internships/research opportunities. I think this is especially important if you have classroom experience but don’t want to return to the classroom after graduate school. I’ve worked, for pay, this year at a program evaluation firm actually designing and implementing research. Some of my friends have interned at the Center for Education Policy Research and worked on research projects for professors (all paid again). Another friend works at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education. Basically, you can find a million things to do.

- Supports. Career services is amazing, the writing center is great, the library has everything…. If you need a support here, they have it.

- Jobs. Most of my friends are looking for jobs right now and are having very positive experiences. Some have found analyst and research positions, others are working in policy. Other members of my cohort are going back to the classroom and some are entering into management and leadership positions at charter schools, non-profits, and foundations. You will get an awesome job after completing this program.

 

The Bad

- It is a bit snobby. I’ve found some of the faculty to be a bit stuck-up about other schools. But, then again, they are the best in their fields.

- Type A-ness. The other students are very, very grade oriented which can get annoying. I find the stress levels at midterms and finals can get out of control.

- Time. There are so many awesome opportunities that sometimes I worry I’m not taking advantage of everything. Additionally, if you take a heavy class load you will really be working very hard. This is a one year condensed program and they mean it. I’m sure I’ve learned as much, if not more, than people who chose two year programs. That being said, my friends and I always find time to do something fun.

- Expensive! But I think totally worth it. I’m getting a ton of funding for my PhD because of this experience and most of my friends are getting interviews for really amazing jobs. I’m not sure it’s worth it if you’re thinking of going back to the classroom, but for a job in policy or research this program is amazing.

- The faculty are very disconnected from one another. Their isn’t much cohesion, HGSE seems to cherry-pick faculty based on accomplishments rather than philosophical fit.

- No thesis. I actually think this is good. The final papers for classes were more rigorous than some master’s thesis requirements. If you want to do original research and submit it for publication, you can.

 

 

Thank you so much for this!!! This was incredibly helpful and honestly made me so excited because you said everything I was hoping to be true.  I am already feeling the pressure of time - hoping I can take advantage of everything I want to do in 9 months. For that reason, I so wish it was two years, but there are obvious reasons a one year program is awesome.  I'm also EPM and am not fully sure which path I want to take with this... I'm leaning toward research analysis.  

 

 

In other news, I am going to open house and am splurging on a hotel (Holiday Inn - $148 per night via hotwire) and it's going to be a $550 two days, but I think it will be worth it to get a feel for the school and ask some questions.  And maybe buy a hoodie.  A big question I have is related to pursuing doctoral studies and if that is even possible immediately following a one year program or if it's better to go back into the work world a while to gain experience and try to get published first.  Feel free to chime in on this.... 

 

 

For the person who asked about Cronkhite costing as much as a regular apartment - factor in that you'd have to spend money on food in a regular apartment since you included the meal plan in your totals.  Personally, I need a kitchen.  Cooking is one of my de-stressors.  

 

So excited and also very overwhelmed wondering how to get internships and such.  AHHH!! 

 

 

Also.... is it too early to buy a car window sticker?  I think I should buy a car sticker.  Priorities here.  

[askamy]

Hi everyone, 

 

I  have been admitted to HDP. I have been living  in Cambridge since alomost 2 yrs. Although we were at the MIT family housing earlier and shifted to our new apt abt 10 months back i still have an idea about houses in East Cambridge. 

 

I will be happy to help if anyone of you needs info. In case there are any other queries too that you think i can answer let me know.

 

I don't check gradcafe often so you can email me at aksamy_2000@hotmail.com

 

Goodluck with moving!

 

Looking fwd to meeting you all very soon

 

Take care

 

 

[Sunshinegrl456]

alliknits THANK YOU, thank you, thank you. Totally confirmed everything I suspicious of, both the good and the very short list of not so greats  

 

I'm also mulling over how the EPM program fits into future PhD opportunities (in context of the no thesis) so I'm glad to hear it can be done! 

[CQE]

Thank you so much for this!!! This was incredibly helpful and honestly made me so excited because you said everything I was hoping to be true.  I am already feeling the pressure of time - hoping I can take advantage of everything I want to do in 9 months. For that reason, I so wish it was two years, but there are obvious reasons a one year program is awesome.  I'm also EPM and am not fully sure which path I want to take with this... I'm leaning toward research analysis.  

 

 

In other news, I am going to open house and am splurging on a hotel (Holiday Inn - $148 per night via hotwire) and it's going to be a $550 two days, but I think it will be worth it to get a feel for the school and ask some questions.  And maybe buy a hoodie.  A big question I have is related to pursuing doctoral studies and if that is even possible immediately following a one year program or if it's better to go back into the work world a while to gain experience and try to get published first.  Feel free to chime in on this.... 

 

 

For the person who asked about Cronkhite costing as much as a regular apartment - factor in that you'd have to spend money on food in a regular apartment since you included the meal plan in your totals.  Personally, I need a kitchen.  Cooking is one of my de-stressors.  

 

So excited and also very overwhelmed wondering how to get internships and such.  AHHH!! 

 

 

Also.... is it too early to buy a car window sticker?  I think I should buy a car sticker.  Priorities here.  

 

If you haven't already spent $$$ on the hotel, I really REALLY urge you to stay at the Harborside Inn. I was there in January, and there's a T stop right outside the front entrance. Literally. About ~20 minutes from Cambridge.

 

Plus, you're within walking distance to Quincy Market. There's also an excellent Irish pub that's right by called "The Black Rose." I don't even like fish, but my buddy ordered a fried haddock sandwich and it was amazing.

 

When I went, there was a special on priceline to where we could stay for ~$90 a night.

Edited March 13, 2013 by CQE

[ASzofer]

Meh it's too late.  And since I haven't been to the area since I was 17 (and then just followed my parents around), I'd rather be closer to school.  I'm 2 miles away and would rather be safe than get lost on the T or something and miss stuff.  I may have been accepted to Harvard, but that doesn't mean my sense of direction has much improved.   

[alliknits]

Glad it was helpful! I think only about 6 master's students overall go directly on to PhD programs, but it is possible. Most people work for a year or two before reapplying- if you apply during your Master's the schools really base your admissions decision on the work you did before starting HGSE. I know career services dissuades people from applying right away but, in any case, your advisor will be brutally honest with advice.

 

Also, don't stress about housing! Like any major city, there is no point in looking for a place until the month before you want to move in. When you do look, most of us found housing through craigslist (I recommend using padmapper.com). My friends all live in Central, Porter, or Davis square and we each pay under $900 to live with roommates.

[Sunshinegrl456]

alliknits, quick question if you don't mind! (not to turn this into the "interrogate a current student forum" ) BUT, how has your experience been registering for classes? Have you had trouble getting into any you wanted to take? I'm a little nervous because in four years of college there was an econ class I was dying to take but never managed to get a seat in and with only two semesters at Harvard, I think I'm nervous about that happening again. 

[FreedomInEducation]

Are you Special Studies?

 

Yes, I am. I'm a holdover from 2011 & 2012. I'm excited to finally attend this year.

[merrysoprano]

Ahhh! So much wonderful information and vibes from this thread right now. Even though I'm not EPM, alliknits, I still found your information incredibly exciting and helpful!

 

By the way, I've been doing some B&B hunting and the general vibe that I've gotten is that many of them are already booked up, but most people have told me to call back later in the week because they've hinted at cancellations. So call directly! I was originally just using the websites to check reservations. 

 

Drinking from my Harvard mug all the time now. It just makes me smile. I got it as a joke a few years ago and was afraid to drink from it for most of January and February lest I jinx something...

 

edit: my mom just sent me this! http://www.studyboston.com/book-a-hotel.html

Edited March 13, 2013 by merrysoprano

[cardinal2013]

I made a reservation yesterday at the Courtyard by Marriot, which looks like it is about 7 minutes from the campus and en route to the airport. They gave me a rate of $165 after mentioning I was affiliated with the school, but they did ask I bring a printout of my acceptance letter or itinerary.

 

Also: I'm sorry if I've missed this, but could any current students (or Boston natives) advise on housing timing... if we are looking to move in August, when should we be looking to sign a lease? Or when is everyone planning on looking for housing?

 

One more question: has anyone (new admits or prospectives) been able to obtain financial aid to finance their trip to Open House?

Edited March 13, 2013 by cardinal2013

[larinakin]

Hi all!

 

I've been stalking this forum for eons and finally made an account. I'll be joining you all at HGSE in the fall (Learning and Teaching!) but wanted to offer my insights regarding housing in Boston/Cambridge. I moved here 2 years ago, and have lived in Cambridge/Somerville and now currently reside in Allston (directly across the river from the main Harvard campus, and home to the business school, etc). I really do suggest looking for an apartment instead of housing...housing in Somerville and Allston can be very affordable! I pay under $700/month with 2 roommates, and live around 20-30 min away from Harvard via bus. 

 

If you're looking to move in in August, a lot of the postings on Craigslist go up in May and June. A lot of people here are students, too, and tend to post pseudo last minute since they (like us) don't know their plans for the upcoming year. Most leases run from Sept to Sept, so you might need a sublet for a month or hope that someone moves out early.

 

Feel free to message me about searching for housing!

 

PS - My Allston apt does not have roaches . 

 

I made a reservation yesterday at the Courtyard by Marriot, which looks like it is about 7 minutes from the campus and en route to the airport. They gave me a rate of $165 after mentioning I was affiliated with the school, but they did ask I bring a printout of my acceptance letter or itinerary.

 

Also: I'm sorry if I've missed this, but could any current students (or Boston natives) advise on housing timing... if we are looking to move in August, when should we be looking to sign a lease? Or when is everyone planning on looking for housing?

 

One more question: has anyone (new admits or prospectives) been able to obtain financial aid to finance their trip to Open House?

Edited March 13, 2013 by larinakin

[nm16]

Thank you to all current residents of the Boston area + HGSE students/alum for the helpful advice RE: Housing! I have a specific question for all of you, though -- how feasible is it to get a place just on your own (aka without roommates)? How much should I expect to dish out per month? I'm asking this just in case because I don't know a single soul in Boston + it just seems easier after having a space of my own for the past three years. Plus I might have a cat w/me; not sure how others will like that, heh.

[larinakin]

1 BR's and studios are typically $1000+, so you'll definitely save a good lump of money per month if you get a roommate. I roomed with strangers when I first moved here and it was fine . There are a lot of students/like-minded/non-crazy people in this area. A lot of apartments allow cats (dogs are more of an issue) -- and I've found that a lot of people own cats as well (including me!) haha. 

 

 

Thank you to all current residents of the Boston area + HGSE students/alum for the helpful advice RE: Housing! I have a specific question for all of you, though -- how feasible is it to get a place just on your own (aka without roommates)? How much should I expect to dish out per month? I'm asking this just in case because I don't know a single soul in Boston + it just seems easier after having a space of my own for the past three years. Plus I might have a cat w/me; not sure how others will like that, heh.

[HigherEd2013]

Thank you to all current residents of the Boston area + HGSE students/alum for the helpful advice RE: Housing! I have a specific question for all of you, though -- how feasible is it to get a place just on your own (aka without roommates)? How much should I expect to dish out per month? I'm asking this just in case because I don't know a single soul in Boston + it just seems easier after having a space of my own for the past three years. Plus I might have a cat w/me; not sure how others will like that, heh.

 

I'm completely in the same boat, nicolemae. I do have some family in Boston, but they're in the suburbs and not exactly what I would want for my experience. I also have lived alone for the past two years (unfortunately sans cat because my apartment complex is mean). I don't know if it sounds totally crazy, but I'm going to attend the preview events on April 4th and 5th and hope someone there wants a roommate . I actually think it would be fun to have multiple roommates during grad school, but that's just me.

[Sunshinegrl456]

Also: I'm sorry if I've missed this, but could any current students (or Boston natives) advise on housing timing... if we are looking to move in August, when should we be looking to sign a lease? Or when is everyone planning on looking for housing?

 

Ok I am neither of those categories but for what it's worth I'm beginning to recognize that things won't really start rolling until May at the earliest (if you're getting an apartment through HUH) and likely June-ish if you're on your own. It's hard to trust the process that there does have to be an accepted element of waiting. 

Edited March 13, 2013 by Sunshinegrl456

[ALP0913]

Is anyone on here Learning & Teaching?  

 

I am!!  But am deferring admission for one year.

[CQE]

*Edit*: PM sent instead.

Edited March 13, 2013 by CQE

[ASzofer]

Didn't someone say something many posts ago about possibly hearing about financial aid mid-March?  Am i totally making that up?  I know that financial aid is super limited for Masters people anyway.

 

I came home to a letter that I got a scholarship to Vandy on top of the grad assistantship and just emailed them to turn it down.  YIKES!  Free Vanderbilt vs. Expensive Harvard.  You better be worth it Harvard!!  

[merrysoprano]

It will be worth it. Just think about how you felt when you got that HGSE letter!

 

I think we hear any time between mid and end of March. I figure by March 25, maybe? Since that's their big date.

[DanMcD]

So, on the apartment/supplies thread, wanted to point out Home Depot is having a great deal on a crock pot. Was my best friend between my assistantship and midterms/finals. If you don't have one, the 10 bucks for this one is a steal, and makes cooking while you're away from the apartment at classes/studying/etc all day a breeze

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203480588?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=MD-TC5008&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=203480588#.UUEi21sjrv9

[HigherEd2013]

I think it was late March to early April, so I'm not going to be expecting something on a certain date. Admissions was wayyyyyy too stressful for me for me to go through that again. In the meantime, I'm up to 17 scholarships completed so hopefully something will come through eventually..

[EdYouKateOr]

Thanks and noted! dont mind paying a bit for a meal plan if it means cheaper housing. and dont really want to go in for an apartment considering it's just 9 months. sigh! just none months. i wish i had 2 years at harvard!!

That is my feeling exactly! I'm coming alone (didn't seem logical to uproot my family for 10 months) so I can suffer through dorm life. I want to immerse myself into this opportunity fully.

Is Cronkhite really that much cheaper than getting an apartment? I sort of feel like I'm missing something because the cheapest room is $8k and the meal plan is another $4k so at the very least you're out $12,000 which is like getting a $1000 apartment for the full-year lease. Sure, not accounting for utilities, but almost all the HUH apartments/grad commons have utilities included in the rent. Is it really just about the location when it comes to Cronkhite? 

Must include food! Location and convenience! I'm all for it!

I really don't think I can attend the Open House--state testing coming up.  I would just feel too guilty missing another day to get my kids ready (they have to pass this test to graduate HS).  Can those of you who go please PM me your thoughts?

I, too, have state testing. I, also, can't tell my school family (teachers, students, parents) yet as it will cause too much drama. I'm going to wait until after. It's been so hard being so proud and excited and not being able to share freely!

Yes, I am. I'm a holdover from 2011 & 2012. I'm excited to finally attend this year.

Can't wait to meet you!

[nm16]

edyoukateor - I'm thinking Cronkhite too, or some other housing option that Harvard offers. Seems like there's no huge difference in costs especially if I end up having to live on my own as well. It's also not worth the hassle for me since I'm already relocating from coast to coast this May and I don't want to worry about yet another relocation... If it was a two-year program it'd really be a different story...

[Coloradogirl]

I am!!  But am deferring admission for one year.

 

Did they accept your deferral request?