<p>I am interested in applying to UMN and UMich for MPP, MBA, and Applied Economics. A third school I am interested is Columbia for MA in Political Science.</p>
<p>I just took my GRE and the score was horrible: 750 M, 460 V, and 5.5 writing
My GPA is around 3.3 and I think I took a rigorous schedule. My recommendations should be great and I did an undergraduate research in the field of political science too.
The reason for the low verbal score is because English is not my first language.</p>
<p>I am not sure how competitive the programs at those schools, but I am so discouraged right now.</p>
<p>I would suggest thinking about which of these you actually want to be in, and if you can’t get your GRE Verbal up I think you can eliminate MA in PoliSci. Maybe more quantitative aspects of public affairs would put less weight on GRE Verbal, but for an MA in Political Science you would need excellent writing and verbal ability. If you are right out of school I’d think about working a few years in the “real world” first, really gives you time to figure out what you really want.</p>
<p>Those are all pretty different programs. Think about your career aspirations and then do a reassessment of your goals for graduate school.</p>
<p>Terminal MA programs in political science are not terribly competitive. I think you have a decent chance at Columbia’s program. You might look at the many other MA programs in political science as well…</p>
<p>Why do you want these degrees? If you want an MBA, you must take the GMAT. What is your future career path? Make sure you pick the right program because Master’s programs generally don’t provide much funding (other than loans).</p>
<p>For me, I want to do a dual Masters of MPP and MBA, with the specialization in economic finance. The reason for the Master of Political Science is that will give me another year to mature since I just turned only 20 last month. </p>
<p>I think the MPP and MBA will suit me well since I want to be an economic/policy analysis for a developing country (my ultimate goal).</p>
<p>Do you have work experience? MPP and MBA programs generally require at least 2 years of full-time work experience.</p>
<p>I do not have full time work experience; however, I have done a summer internship for World Bank last summer and Smith Barney in the previous summer.</p>
<p>@ heangsen</p>
<p>With your current work experience, you have a better (though slim) chance of getting into a MPP program than an MBA. If you really want to do a joint MBA/MPP program, you need at least 2 years of full-time work experience.</p>