Older PhD public policy applicant

[southerncharm]

Hi everyone,

I am planning on applying to public policy PhD programs this fall (for fall 2018 entry).  I am 37 yrs old, which I know makes me an older applicant. My quick background: undergrad (3.7 GPA at average state school), MPP (3.8 GPA at top 10), MPhil (Oxbridge). Professionally, I have had very strong results, with many promotions and increased responsibility each year - 4 yrs strategy consulting in DC and London, 5 yrs VP role at well known national nonprofit, 4 yrs Chief role at national nonprofit. I want to go into an academic role - research, teaching, and applied work.  I think I will have a compelling SOP.  I need to take the GRE but imagine will be in 80-90 percentile based on previous results.  My top picks are Harvard, UofC, Duke, Georgia Tech, UNC, Georgia State, George Washington. I also may look at Oxford or LSE.

A few questions:

1. On paper, I feel like I'm a strong candidate - but worry my age will be a problem (either because Adcoms will worry about my commitment or my employability into a TT role). Any thoughts on how much my age will be a barrier to PP programs? Note, I originally was looking at econ programs and got clear feedback that I'm too old.

2. I have great references from my academic experience - both grad degrees required a thesis and those advisors would be very strong.  But those are from 2004 and 2005 - which I imagine won't be that helpful. Any advice on whether to use 0, 1, or 2 of those?  Related, how many professional references would be suitable?  Those would be strong too.

3. Are there any programs folks recommend for older candidates?

4. Math requirements - some programs note reqts through multivariate calculus and linear algebra.  I took through calc II in college (B grade) and then took 2 stats courses in grad school.  I could do a refresher on calc I-II on my own, then take calc III (which includes multivariate) and linear algebra.  Any advice on whether that would be worth it?

Thanks in advance!

[OxfordApplicant]

I think in the "Political Science" section of this forum you will find the majority of "experts" when it comes to PHDs, I would advise you to post this topic there as well. I believe that in this section of the forum people are more knowledgeable about MPPs, MPAs...

[CakeTea]

I have seen a few bios of PhD students in their 30s and 40s. One was retired career military officer (line and staff duties) and the other person came from non profit management. I think both had MPP degrees.

I don't know if there are friendly PhD programs for seasoned candidates. No specific advice, but I have seen older PhD student bios at UNC and UCalifornia schools. I think PhD students at GA tech tend to be on the younger side, particularly those from the inhouse BSc/MSc accelerated track. My general advice is to follow your areas of interests and find a department with fit.

Your profile indicates some quant background if you considered Econ PhD. Maths requirement and GRE should be doable for you. The maths requirement depends on department and course work. For quant focused course work, calc III would look good. But less urgent for International Political Economy as areas of interest.

[COGSCI]

1 hour ago, southerncharm said:

Hi everyone,

I am planning on applying to public policy PhD programs this fall (for fall 2018 entry).  I am 37 yrs old, which I know makes me an older applicant. My quick background: undergrad (3.7 GPA at average state school), MPP (3.8 GPA at top 10), MPhil (Oxbridge). Professionally, I have had very strong results, with many promotions and increased responsibility each year - 4 yrs strategy consulting in DC and London, 5 yrs VP role at well known national nonprofit, 4 yrs Chief role at national nonprofit. I want to go into an academic role - research, teaching, and applied work.  I think I will have a compelling SOP.  I need to take the GRE but imagine will be in 80-90 percentile based on previous results.  My top picks are Harvard, UofC, Duke, Georgia Tech, UNC, Georgia State, George Washington. I also may look at Oxford or LSE.

A few questions:

1. On paper, I feel like I'm a strong candidate - but worry my age will be a problem (either because Adcoms will worry about my commitment or my employability into a TT role). Any thoughts on how much my age will be a barrier to PP programs? Note, I originally was looking at econ programs and got clear feedback that I'm too old.

2. I have great references from my academic experience - both grad degrees required a thesis and those advisors would be very strong.  But those are from 2004 and 2005 - which I imagine won't be that helpful. Any advice on whether to use 0, 1, or 2 of those?  Related, how many professional references would be suitable?  Those would be strong too.

3. Are there any programs folks recommend for older candidates?

4. Math requirements - some programs note reqts through multivariate calculus and linear algebra.  I took through calc II in college (B grade) and then took 2 stats courses in grad school.  I could do a refresher on calc I-II on my own, then take calc III (which includes multivariate) and linear algebra.  Any advice on whether that would be worth it?

Thanks in advance!

I see that you have public health as your interest. Come and check out the Public Health section! There are some good discussions happening there. 

For public health, especially for public health policy, experience is greatly appreciated. I have many colleagues from the government agencies that are doing their PhD and MPH so age shouldn't be an issue in public health. PM me if you wanna talk more about this. I am sure you have more knowledge and experience but I can be a good support! 

Cheers