Has anyone heard from IUB SPEA?

[Sjn092]

Divertan,

 

I'm not sure there is a clear way to know how long the process will take. I STRONGLY encourage you to call the masters program office. They have been very friendly and helpful, and they will tell you exactly whats up.

 

Additionally, there will be a second round starting after april 15th, and they prioritize giving out aid to those that havnt received any (versus boosting others funding offers). 

Edited March 28, 2015 by Sjn092

[jns88]

Hey everyone! I was wondering if any of you attended SPEA's Experience Day last weekend? I could not attend due to a prior engagement. So, I am curious what went on or if it helped sell anyone on SPEA.

 

If you attended, do you mind sharing some thoughts on the experience? Did you learn anything interesting about the program?

 

 

 

;

[Sjn092]

Hey everyone! I was wondering if any of you attended SPEA's Experience Day last weekend? I could not attend due to a prior engagement. So, I am curious what went on or if it helped sell anyone on SPEA.

 

If you attended, do you mind sharing some thoughts on the experience? Did you learn anything interesting about the program?

 

 

 

;

Yeah, I can talk a little bit about the impression I got from the day.

 

First of all, the student community there is really great. Everyone I talked to was very welcoming, very enthusiastic, and I got the feeling that no one I spoke to would rather be anywhere else. For being such a big program (About 120 MPA students in each cohort + another bunch of dual students and MSES students), I got the feeling that there is a very tight knit culture at SPEA. They obviously have spent a bunch of time together, and the nature there is far more in the 'collaborative' camp than competitive. 

 

As far as the other prospective students go, I would say the plurality were 1-3 years out of undergrad, but there was certainly a sizable chunk who were coming straight from undergrad. For me, this works out fine, but it is something I feel like I should mention. A lot of them were also from the midwest, which I think is partially representative (they definitely have a big midwest draw) but also a bit skewed due to more people being likely to travel if they live close by.

 

In terms of the faculty, I was very impressed by the range of interested represented. There are a TON of full time faculty; like, close to 100 or something. It's a really big program with a lot going on. All the professors I spoke too were very approachable. They also seem to be very good at finding client based projects for their classes to work on.

 

The other great thing about SPEA is the huge alumni network. They are all over the place, and compared to another school I visited, they seem to be a way more integral part of the program. My impression is that geographically, students are placed in a wide variety of places. Obviously there is going to be an Indiana/midwestern bias, that's just the way it is. However, it is definitely more than possible to go elsewhere if thats your goal. The network certainly spans the whole country.

 

I suppose I should mention that there will be construction in from of the SPEA building for the next couple years, in case anyone is, umm... really averse to that or something, I dont know. I suppose the biggest con is that the school isnt in a major policy center, which is a valid consideration.

 

Ultimately, I walked away very impressed, they blew me away by how well organized, energetic, and thrilled about their program they were. I can nitpick, but for me they confirmed why I have thought so highly of them the whole time. It's also my most affordable option, so I can safely say I will be attending. 

Edited April 1, 2015 by Sjn092

[jns88]

Thanks for your reply! I was very interested in what you had to say. I have also decided to attend and have already paid my deposit. So, I'm glad to hear that you had such a positive experience.

[Sjn092]

Congrats on making your decision! it's certainly a big relief to be done with this process. I can safely say Im thrilled about the prospective education/opportunities that I will receive from SPEA.