MPP Statement of Purpose

[rich1234]

Hello everyone,

I am making applications to some top public policy schools, I am unsure if I stand an actual chance, but I figure that I need to give it a shot & I wanted to share my essay strategy and see what you guys think...

schools:

NYU MPA

UMICH MPP

UT MPP

UMD MPP

GW MPP

I have worked for a government public safety agency for the past 5 yrs during the summer, I have been a school teacher in an urban school system for 2 yrs & this year I am working as a school teacher for the Spanish government...I hold a BS in Finance with a 3.9 GPA & scored 310 on the GRE (159 verbal, 151 quant, 4.5 writing)

Anyhow, I am looking a writing an SOP and being fairly broad with my research interests, is this ill-advised to talk about my multiple areas of public service interest and also to basically say that I could see myself in several public service roles down the road & not just limit myself to one particular type of role or profession in public service?

For example, when I look at my career goals...I could see myself working to support international development by for an international nonprofit or the U.S. government...Or I could see myself working for the Dept of Ed. or a nonprofit thinktank working in policy research to disseminate ideas about best educational practices? ...How specific should I be? Am I shooting myself in the foot if I state multiple career paths, or should I be firm in what my specific career path is? I have a passion for public service, just trying to get an idea of how to best convey it...

Thanks for any advice you can offer! Your responses are appreciated! Thanks