Narrowing the List

[ub3rmensch]

After a bit of research, I have finally narrowed down my list to these schools: 

SCHOOLS:

1. Harvard (HKS)

2. Columbia (SIPA)

3. Johns Hopkins (SAIS)

4. Duke (Sanford)

5. University of Michigan (Ford)

6. Princeton (Wilson)

7. Tufts (Fletcher)

8. George Washington University (Trachtenberg)

9. American University (SIS)        

10. University of Chicago (Harris)

11. Carnegie Mellon (Heinz)

12. Georgetown (McCourt) (MSFS)

I want to get rid of 2-3 schools from the blue-highlighted list, but I'm having trouble deciding which ones. I'm thinking about omitting University of Michigan, Princeton and American. I'm looking for a more quant-heavy program as I would preferably like to enter the private/multilateral sector. Am I on the right track?

PS: I have a mediocre profile, time on my hands and application fee waiver for most of these schools. 

[RCtheSS]

I'm not sure if you've come across this website in your research of programs, but I found it helpful when comparing program curricula.

 

http://portal.publicpolicy.utoronto.ca/en/MPPMPAPrograms/Pages/index.aspx

Edited December 17, 2015 by RCtheSS

[ub3rmensch]

I hadn't, looks like there's a breadth of information. Thanks. 

[manutdftw]

There are lots of things to think about - financial aid, location, faculty, reputation, alumni network, resources, employment statistics, would you be happy in that place, etc. etc. Only you can figure that out.

[sk1540]

Unless you're applying next fall, I believe Princeton's deadline already passed? So, there's one way to officially eliminate it from your list. 

[ub3rmensch]

Yes, applying next fall. Getting things done early.

[sk1540]

I echo manutdtfw's statement then. You're applying to good programs, and I think if you apply yourself you can accomplish your career goals at any of the above. Look at courses offered, cohort sizes, location, faculty areas of interest, etc. Somewhat conveniently, this will help you tailor your SOPs when the time comes. Don't be surprised if your list changes as a result - mine did.

[Ben414]

How did you pick the ones in blue versus the ones in yellow?

[Mia222]

SAIS Bologna is a joke. 50% of the students get accepted. The levels of teaching are poor and in some classes there are not enough seats so you are left standing for 2.5 hours. I would recommend applying directly to DC or not applying to it at all. 

[ub3rmensch]

7 hours ago, Ben414 said:

How did you pick the ones in blue versus the ones in yellow?

The ones in yellow are my top picks.

[Ben414]

15 hours ago, ub3rmensch said:

The ones in yellow are my top picks.

What I meant was how did you pick your top picks?

[ub3rmensch]

On 12/19/2015 at 0:51 AM, Ben414 said:

What I meant was how did you pick your top picks?

The programs I highlighted in yellow are quant-heavy and send a high percentage of grads to the private sector.

[sp108]

4 hours ago, ub3rmensch said:

The programs I highlighted in yellow are quant-heavy and send a high percentage of grads to the private sector.

Duke, Michigan, and Ford are quant-heavy as well.  I also wouldn't rule out GWU (based on the courses you pick).  I don't know anything about Princeton and JHU, Tufts, and American have international affairs programs 

[ub3rmensch]

2 hours ago, sp108 said:

Duke, Michigan, and Ford are quant-heavy as well.  I also wouldn't rule out GWU (based on the courses you pick).  I don't know anything about Princeton and JHU, Tufts, and American have international affairs programs 

Yes, Sanford and Ford seem quant heavy, and I'm sure one can tailor their schedule to be quant-heavy but the schools I highlighted in yellow, to me, seem more prestigious and have a higher percentage of grads getting private sector jobs. But I can be swayed. I'll probably have to really look at each and individual course offered at all programs. 

JHU is quant heavy and in DC, Princeton seems to send most of its grads into the federal sector, American does have an MPP program and Tufts has both MIB and MALD which do look interesting. It sucks not to know exactly what you want to do, but I know that I would like a quant heavy program. 

Edited December 20, 2015 by ub3rmensch

[sp108]

3 hours ago, sp108 said:

Duke, Michigan, and Ford are quant-heavy as well.  I also wouldn't rule out GWU (based on the courses you pick).  I don't know anything about Princeton and JHU, Tufts, and American have international affairs programs 

Err crap I guess I am half asleep when I said "Michigan, and Ford" 

I meant Duke, Michigan, and CMU

To be fair, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the schools on your list.  You should really look at CMU and Michigan though for private-sector placement

 

Edited December 20, 2015 by sp108

[Ben414]

8 hours ago, ub3rmensch said:

The programs I highlighted in yellow are quant-heavy and send a high percentage of grads to the private sector.

Okay.  I'm surprised Heinz doesn't fit that description  I'm also surprised MSFS does fit that description.  I haven't looked at their private placement numbers, though.

Looking at your profile, I'm not sure it'd be worth it for you to apply to HKS.  I'm not trying to be curt, but I think your chances of being accepted are very low.  Your chances at WWS are probably lower than HKS given that they are more selective and also tend to prefer public service-oriented candidates.  If you want to cut two, I'd recommend these schools.  If you want to cut three, I'd also cut one of American or Trachtenberg.

Edited December 20, 2015 by Ben414

[ub3rmensch]

36 minutes ago, Ben414 said:

Okay.  I'm surprised Heinz doesn't fit that description  I'm also surprised MSFS does fit that description.  I haven't looked at their private placement numbers, though.

Looking at your profile, I'm not sure it'd be worth it for you to apply to HKS.  I'm not trying to be curt, but I think your chances of being accepted are very low.  Your chances at WWS are probably lower than HKS given that they are more selective and also tend to prefer public service-oriented candidates.  If you want to cut two, I'd recommend these schools.  If you want to cut three, I'd also cut one of American or Trachtenberg.

Yeah, Heinz is attractive indeed. I would equate it to Harris. I'm going to scratch WW, but not HKS. Why would I scratch a dream school if I have some chance of getting in? I meant GPPI when talking about Georgetown. I'm just worried I'm not going to get anywhere. 

[ChocChoc]

On 16 December 2015 at 3:34 PM, RCtheSS said:

I'm not sure if you've come across this website in your research of programs, but I found it helpful when comparing program curricula.

 

http://portal.publicpolicy.utoronto.ca/en/MPPMPAPrograms/Pages/index.aspx

 

Gosh, this is amazing, thank you!

[DeputyDowner]

Jk

Edited March 31, 2016 by DeputyDowner
No longer relevant - sorry!

[ub3rmensch]

54 minutes ago, DeputyDowner said:

First - in what way do you have a mediocre profile?

Second - you say you want to work in private sector; doing what exactly? Consulting on something in particular? Something else? More specificity about what your goals are would be helpful for both people trying to give you advice and helping you decide for yourself. If you're not interested in working for government, nonprofit or similar areas, then a MPP might not be the best fit for you.

Third - the Ford School at Michigan and Heinz at Carnegie Mellon are both highly quantitative. I certainly wouldn't describe HKS, McCourt, or SIPA as being more quantitative than either, anyway. 

Fourth - where do you want to work? D.C.? 

Fifth - if you have fee waivers, why not just apply to everywhere you don't have to pay? Might as well maximize your chances if they're available to you!

Thanks for the feedback. I've actually changed course from MPP to MA programs.