Confused about MPP

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey all-</p>

<p>Looking for some advice on MPPs. I have read that it is a good field to go into and that jobs pay somewhat well, while I have heard the upper limit is 45,000.</p>

<p>I have also heard that, based on my stats, to apply early and that my chances aren't great, but have also heard that I am good to go at most the places I want in.</p>

<p>My stats are as follows:</p>

<p>Undergraduate Work
-3.66 from Saint Louis University (ranked 88th on US News)
-Economics and International Business (through the business school, so took lots of finances and statistics classes)
-Service Leadership Certificate (300 hours of community service, 24 leadership workshops, 5 social classes)
-Study abroad in Panama and Rome</p>

<p>GRE
-Quant: 770
-Verbal: 580
-Total: 1350</p>

<p>Work Experience
-One year as a research intern at my undergrad university
-One year as an AmeriCorps member</p>

<p>Volunteer Experience
-Four years tutoring
-One and half years serving as tutoring coordinator </p>

<p>I want to go to Georgetown, George Washington, American, George Mason, or ASU. However, I am still looking for other programs and trying to find one that fits.</p>

<p>Any advice on those schools or any other suggestions?</p>

2

<p>Your work experience seems a bit … lacking … for competitive MPP programs. Many successful applicants have 5+ years of full-time work experience; it seems that it’s only the most exceptional students that get into those programs right after undergrad.</p>

3

<p>Although your work experience may be lacking a bit, the 5+ year figure Oyama threw out is probably a bit extreme. The median work experience for most competitive programs (i.e. Georgetown or George Washington) is probably 3-4. If I were you, I might try working for a few more years, get specialized in a specific policy area, and then go to grad school that is what will help you the most.</p>