Insight on my competitiveness for SIPA

[Patriot1008]

Hello All,

 

I apologize for the quotidian "am I competitive" question  , but i'm driving myself a little nuts- I've searched for any metrics on Columbia SIPA admissions, in terms of GRE, GPA etc, but the most I could find is an acceptance rate. They seem to be especially clandestine in regards to their interquartile GRE range, as I've contacted several admissions reps to no avail. SO, with that said, I wanted to get some perspectives on whether I'd make a competitive candidate for the Executive MPA program ( my intended term of entry is Fall 2016 or 2017), I inquired whether they had a firm experience cutoff for the Executive format- and it seems they are more concerned of the holistic potential of the candidate. I want to enroll in a PT-EMPA program, as I am married, and would like to synchronously pursue further academic enrichment, while gaining more exposure in state/federal public sector- defense/safety programs. 

 

Education

Undergrad: 3.46 GPA, Business; MBA (3.8 GPA) 4+1 program- from regionally ranked university #30

MS in Organizational Leadership/Public Safety (in progress) from Johns Hopkins University ; will be completed upon matriculation to 

 

Courseload consisting of Micro & Macro, Bus Stat I & II, Analytic Geometry & Calculus, Finite Mathematics, Managerial Microeconomics (grad), Financial Management (grad), Accounting I & II.

 

Experience

2+ years with Microsoft Public Sector (Large, complex contract for City of New York)-workload is highly quantitative; relevant experience in project financials, earned value, risk management, contract & proposal management. 

1 year as Project Manger for Enactus (lead community project during undergraduate studies). 1 year volunteering before that.

Eagle Scout. 

Several unrelated internships. 

Scores: 156V 159Q 4.0AW

 

Based on my stats- am I in the range that would render me competitive for SIPA's program? 

Though I am primarily concerned with SIPA- I'm also interested in Wagner's evening program & Fels EMPA program as a recourse. 

 

Thank you; any and all direction is appreciated!

[ZebraFinch]

Given your GPA I'd say try to ace the GRE, but besides that you look like a competitive candidate, but with these programs many are competitive candidates.

[Patriot1008]

Thank you for your feedback! I do not feel that my GRE Scores accurately reflect my potential, but they were taken with very little preparation- as I regularly work 50 hours weekly, and am taking grad courses at Hopkins, in conjunction with personal commitments- Aka my marriage .

From what I can gather, my scores are in the range that they regularly admit, yes? Unfortunately, I cannot allocate any time to prepping for and sitting through another 4 hour exam- otherwise I would! I'm also considering NYU & Fels, with SIPA being my top choice

[alloy]

I think that with your amount of WE you are a better candidate for regular MPA, not EMPA

[Patriot1008]

Hey alloy,

I agree- however, I'm only interested in enrolling in a part-time program as my current role offers invaluable experience and has a significant impact on the city, which I would not forgo. Aside from that, my wife wouldn't endorse a move that would effectively stymie our income

 

Alloy- I see you were admitted into some very good programs- which did you decide to attend? From your experience, should I be concerned about my GRE-academic profile?

 

Thanks again for your response!