Cornell CIPA

[Jufarius87]

Anyone else applying? Figured we could post stats and results as they come in.

 

Undergrad: SUNY at Buffalo

GPA: 3.74/4.0

Majors: Math and Philosophy

Grad: Yale Divinity School

GPA: 3.5-ish (they don't use an A-F system so this is a rough guess)

Concentration: Theology

GRE: Taking it on Tuesday, will post when I get results!

 

Work Experience: 2 years Enlisted Army and High School Teacher

 

LORs: Yale Prof, UG Advisor, Army O-3

 

Extras: UG Thesis, PBK, some student leadership positions and awards, etc.

 

Why an MPA: Academic Program of choice  for graduate entry ROTC, The Human Rights concentration seems unique to Cornell and seems especially appropriate given my line of work.

 

Best of Luck (though I hope luck has little to do with it)

[NPRjunkie]

A human rights concentration certainly isn't unique to Cornell. Cornell's a good brand name but their public policy program is hardly on anyone's radar. Check out Columbia, Tufts, and Harvard as well. My feeling is Columbia might be your best bet if human rights is your trajectory.

Edited November 10, 2013 by NPRjunkie

[Jufarius87]

Wow. Not sure how I missed Columbia that is a good find thank you! Was trying to avoid NYC if possible but given that the UN is right next door and they do have the concentration I will consider giving them a shot.

 

Cornell is still my top though due to somewhat unique concerns (on-Campus ROTC program, within 4 driving hours of home [which is a major factor for military], already love Ithaca, and being from the Buffalo/Niagara/WNY area Cornell is *the* name brand even more so than NYC schools.   

[TimB]

American University's School of International Service has a major in international conflict resolution and one in international peace and ethics. You might be interested in checking those out. Plus it's in DC, so like NYC, it has a lot of stuff in it's backyard. 

Edited November 11, 2013 by TimB

[NPRjunkie]

Wow. Not sure how I missed Columbia that is a good find thank you! Was trying to avoid NYC if possible but given that the UN is right next door and they do have the concentration I will consider giving them a shot.

 

Cornell is still my top though due to somewhat unique concerns (on-Campus ROTC program, within 4 driving hours of home [which is a major factor for military], already love Ithaca, and being from the Buffalo/Niagara/WNY area Cornell is *the* name brand even more so than NYC schools.   

 

Could be wrong but I think Columbia has the biggest human rights program (university wide) and it has a co-curricular program deeply tied to the UN. Might be IGO biased, but I went to one of their events and saw Jean-Marie Guéhenno (former head of UN peacekeeping--i.e. second most powerful guy at the UN at one point and SIPA faculty) just casually interacting with students and eating a cookie. Nothing to bat an eye at. Things like that sometimes make me wish I went to another program.   ...   

Edited November 12, 2013 by NPRjunkie

[Jufarius87]

Took the GRE today, 166 verbal and 162 math! Relieved to have my scores. I know personal statements and work exp. count for a lot in these programs but will 3.74 GPA /166V/162Q be competitive numbers for Columbia? I've decided to  apply to both schools.

[NPRjunkie]

Took the GRE today, 166 verbal and 162 math! Relieved to have my scores. I know personal statements and work exp. count for a lot in these programs but will 3.74 GPA /166V/162Q be competitive numbers for Columbia? I've decided to  apply to both schools.

 

Most definitely. Those scores (and GPA) would make you competitive for any top public policy program, and it seems you have a decent work history. An MDiv from Yale would also make you look interesting. Cornell would probably just have to open the door for you, along with SAIS, GWU, American, etc. Princeton, Harvard, and Georgetown would probably still be tough (in that order) but you'd have a shot. HKS has a human rights concentration you should look into.