Profile evaluation help needed

[le_neocon]

Hi everyone,

I'm pretty new here at gradcafe and found my way here after finding the amount of focus it has on MPP programs. I'm applying for MPP related programs this fall 2010 and was wondering if you could help me identify the schools I have a good chance of getting into.

GRE V: 620 Q: 790

I have an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from a top ten univ in India. I currently work in strategy management consulting focussing on health care and will have 2 years of work experience by next year. I have a heavy quant back ground with a little bit of focus on finance having done research projects in finance. I've also interned at an top 5 investment bank and i've passed 2 levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst program.

I know I don't have the typical arts background for the MPP but I am pretty sure I want to do a course that has a focus on economics and public policy. I've loitered around the place ( been in consulting and i banking ) and kind of figured out that I don't really fit in there. Other than work, I don't have any NGO experience, but I do write heavily on a lot of stuff and take an active part in Church and related stuff.

I've done quite a bit of research on the programs I want to be applying ( gotta get moving fast ) and found these to be a good fit

1. CMU Heinz MSPPM and maybe MDiv along with that

2. NYU - Robert Wagner with concentration in finance

3. UMich Gerald R Ford

4. SIPA

5. Princeton

6. Georgetown

7.HKS ( little chance )

8. Syracuse

I know i stand only a small chance for 7 and 8, but I wouldn't mind knocking on their doors too.

So, it will be really great if you guys could tell me if i really stand a chance at these schools, any more schools i should try given my back ground etc. Given that I'm new at this place, I'd be grateful for any suggestions/advice you would have to offer.

Thanks !!

[spaulding]

You have a strong background in business, and with certain sectors moving to the "business model" you'll be in demand.

Given your background, have you considered applying to more programs that have a joint MTS/MDIV and Public Policy degree or schools that have scholars who do work on religion and government? I know University of Chicago has a great program as well as many others.

spaulding

[PolAn]

le_neocon,

In many respects, I have a similar background (EE undergrad, CFA charterholder and banking experience). However, it seems that I am older than you. I have been talking HKS alumni and admissions staff about applying to the school, and the feedback is very positive. So I would say that you stand a good chance (given you GRE scores and quant background), if you can persuade Adcoms that you have a genuine interest in the public sector. Full disclosure: I am interested in HKS's Mid career program, and I don't know how much more stringent the admission criteria for the other HKS programs may be.

Hope this helps.

[le_neocon]

Thank you spaulding and PolAn

I would have tried HKS program too, but for the enormous tuition fees they charge. I know this is the case with most schools too, but I would need funding to a large degree, and I'm wary of Harvard in that respect. As for MDiv degrees, wouldn't the best way be to actually get there and then apply for that extra MDiv degree, given that you can apply as late as your first year ? Besides, the extra tuition fees might be a little too much for me.

Speaking of costs, do you know what is the total cost for a two year program, all inclusive ?

[spaulding]

Private schools offer great funding, so it's worth a try and a conversation.

Dual degree programs offer the benefit of (possible) additional funding, as well as a broader experience. Now, you have to decide....do you want to apply to both programs early, or later. There are pluses and minuses for each option.