MPA Admissiosn/School advice in the northwest + Evans UW

[TheBokonon]

Hi people,

 

I applied to the Evans school for my MPA, but have less than stellar credentials. My GREs are 154 (V) 152 (Q) and 4.5 (AW). Undergrad GPA was a 3.1 from a mediocre private lib arts school in Philly.

 

Is there any chance I get in to Evans UW and does anyone have any advice for MPA programs in the pacific northwest?

 

Apologies if this has been posted or I am posting in the wrong spot. Usually just a lurker.

 

Thanks

[state_school'12]

For many MPP/MPA programs, the quality and diversity of your professional experience matter nearly as much, if not more, than your academic credentials. So, keep your fingers crossed and stay hopeful

 

Re the Northwest, Evans is the most well established school. U Oregon has a better reputation as a university, but I think PSU is a better program, especially if you want to work in Portland. What do you want to get out of your MPA degree? Job type, location, skills learned?

[seattlejer]

Hey there,

 

For what it's worth, I graduated with a 3.37, and had a V162/Q152/AW4.0 and was accepted into the program. With full disclosure, I was also a Division I/All-American Athlete during college which is why my GPA is a little lower than the average, but nonetheless, I think this goes to show that if you have a decent reason for having a lower GPA (getting a science degree I think also qualifies this) then you should definitely apply. Also, I was a Peace Corps volunteer and am completing a pretty prestigous fellowship...my intention in writing this to you is that, there are things you can do to improve a low GPA, so don't get discouraged!

[seattlejer]

Also, I'm not sure about the University of Oregon having a better reputation; in fact, I believe UW may have a better one, if not far more connections due to its location. Just my two cents, however

[soaps]

Also, I'm not sure about the University of Oregon having a better reputation; in fact, I believe UW may have a better one, if not far more connections due to its location. Just my two cents, however

 

I think he meant U of O had a better reputation than PSU, not UW. UW obviously has the best reputation in the PNW.

UW is an awesome school for what it's worth. Culturally and politically Seattle is a very unique place to be.