Three acceptance letters, 3 more decisions to go

[J. R., MPPA]

So I submitted five applications for Masters of Public Policy programs and I decided to apply for one PhD (because why not).  I have received three of the six and they have all accepted me.  I was hoping that this would be an easy decision and that this decision would sort itself out.  You know, get one acceptance, decision made easy. 

 

On top of that, the PhD application was accepted...  I feel bad that I didn't apply to other PhD programs, but I am happy with the school and the affordability of the surrounding area.  Having a family of four, affordability is a big issue.

 

Knowing now how strong my application is, I regret not applying to better schools.  It doesn't help that the "better" schools had priority cut-off dates back in December.

 

So what would you do?  Go to an MPP/PhD program today or wait it out for the next cycle to apply for better programs. 

 

BTW - GPA 3.71/GRE 159V 156Q 3.0AW

[bsharpe269]

If you get a funded offer and you like the school then I would go.

 

Getting into programs of course has some relation to how good your application is but also is tied to what particualy universities are looking for. What I mean is that it is completely possible for you to get straight acceptances this season and next season get all rejections just because of department fit. You may end up with a great acceptance next year or may end up much worse off than if you had accepted an offer this season.

 

Were the schools you applied for very low ranking/average or what? Your GPA is very good and GRE is slightly lower or near the average applicant I would say. It is probably the rest of your application (experience, research, interests etc) that would make or break your applications.