MPP Straight From Undergrad As A Vet

[rjanice]

Hi all,

I've seen a number of posts asking about applying to an MPP program straight from undergrad. I am toying around with this idea, and have been studying for the GRE, which I plan to take in August. I know a lot of the top tier schools strongly recommend work experience, and I've seen the reasons that many of you have given for why you should gain the work experience. What I'm wondering is how that train of thought would change when it is a veteran applying, who has more real world (while not necessarily field-related) experience than a typical student coming straight out of under grad. Obviously, being a vet wouldn't be enough to grant me acceptance immediately, and I would have to check a number of other boxes. To give you a quick run down of what I would be working with application wise:

-3.90 undergrad GPA, B.S. Criminal Justice w/ Statistical and Economic coursework

-USMC Vet, 2010-2014, E-5

-Active TS/SCI Gov Clearance

-Government Intelligence Internship

-Legislative Fellowship on Capitol Hill with a large veterans organization

-Legislative Aide/Intern for a US Congressman

-President of university SVA Chapter

-Vast volunteer experience

-GRE coming in August

As far as which colleges I would be looking at, I don't want to rule out any. HKS would be the goal, but that's the goal for a lot of people. Essentially what I'm asking, is how much would the lack of professional experience in public policy effect my chances of the top-tiered schools when weighing in the other factors? Be critical, I have thick skin. Thanks all!

[Guest SIPA_MPA18]

First, thanks for your service. As a fellow vet, I know exactly what you're talking about wrt non-field related experience. In my opinion, you would definitely stand out amongst your peers.

You have the requisite background with your internships and economic work. If you don't think your personal experience immediately jumps out and checks the right blocks, it's up to you to sell yourself and your narrative in your SOPs. That was my experience. I had to really do some intense reflection on what I wanted out of the programs I was applying to and look into my past to find experiences that could mesh with the overall theme of my application/interviews. 

Even since I submitted my applications, I have subtly changed my goals so don't get wrapped around the axle and feel tied to one particular path. Just be honest with yourself and genuine about where you think you will be happy and make the difference you intend to make. It's going to be up to you to shape your curriculum to obtain the maximum utility you seek. 

[Danbrenn]

Hey man, I'd give it a shot.  Your background seems to make you fairly competitive.  You say you don't have the requisite policy experience, but it looks to me like you probably have more than most people chasing the MPP.  I'm in at HKS and my only experience was with the Marine Corps/private sector.  I think the important thing is to tie your experience with your career motivations and how HKS will help you get there in a coherent pitch that reaches across your essays, CV and application.  

[rjanice]

1 hour ago, mpp2016 said:

First, thanks for your service. As a fellow vet, I know exactly what you're talking about wrt non-field related experience. In my opinion, you would definitely stand out amongst your peers.

You have the requisite background with your internships and economic work. If you don't think your personal experience immediately jumps out and checks the right blocks, it's up to you to sell yourself and your narrative in your SOPs. That was my experience. I had to really do some intense reflection on what I wanted out of the programs I was applying to and look into my past to find experiences that could mesh with the overall theme of my application/interviews. 

Even since I submitted my applications, I have subtly changed my goals so don't get wrapped around the axle and feel tied to one particular path. Just be honest with yourself and genuine about where you think you will be happy and make the difference you intend to make. It's going to be up to you to shape your curriculum to obtain the maximum utility you seek. 

 

1 hour ago, Danbrenn said:

Hey man, I'd give it a shot.  Your background seems to make you fairly competitive.  You say you don't have the requisite policy experience, but it looks to me like you probably have more than most people chasing the MPP.  I'm in at HKS and my only experience was with the Marine Corps/private sector.  I think the important thing is to tie your experience with your career motivations and how HKS will help you get there in a coherent pitch that reaches across your essays, CV and application.  

Thanks to both of you for the response, as well as your service. What I'm taking away from these, as well as other people that I have spoken with, is that I my SOP will be huge in the admissions process, not that it isn't for others.