Advice on Prepping for MPP

[jeb!2016]

Hi all, I saw a similar thread that focused on IR/development concentrations and thought it would be fun to focus the topic a bit more to domestic-focused incoming MPP students.

Since most admissions decisions are out and people will be finalizing their choices in the next month or so (some are stymied by those pesky waitlists!), I thought it would be a good idea to get started on some helpful tips from fellow applicants, and, if possible, current MPP students or alumni. What would you recommend people do to prepare themselves to begin an MPP program. I thought it would be fun to break it down into several areas:

1. Brushing up on skills: what books, websites, MOOCS, etc. would be helpful to brush up on and strengthen some skills in math, econ, government, etc.? I figured taking a little bit of time over the summer could be helpful so that math camp isn't a total shock to the system for people who have been out of school for several years.

2. Putting your degree in context: what would you recommend (websites, blogs, MOOCs, books, etc.) to help put the MPP degree in context before you begin? I'm thinking here of things to touch on the policy realm writ large and the state of policy in America and the world, whether it's something particularly compelling on poverty and inequality, items touching on econ, sociology, or more specific topics like housing and education.

3. Miscellaneous: what are some other items you wish you would have known or read about before you started or while you were in school? Things on grad life, managing money, getting a job, etc.? Anything else that I missed?

Would love to get thoughts on how you plan to prepare to go back in the classroom and begin this new journey.

[WhatAmIDoingNow]

Tip on finances for research and career. Work on your credit to make sure it is in good standing before your graduate. Have a personal credit card that has at least $1500 limit for work related expenses. Most funding for conferences are reimbursements that you receive after the event, same for work travel expenses or emergency work purchases. If you don't have a credit card with a decent limit on the ready, you can lose on career opportunities. Different employers have different policies on p-cards. Depending on what account is funding a purchase, you may be required to work with reimbursement system rather than the organization directly purchasing the item. 

I have two domestic conferences this semester and they have cost about $2000 combined for registration, flight, room and board. I will be reimbursed, but the lag would have destroyed my checking account if I did not have my personal credit card ready for cushioning these costs.