MPP/MPA Programs?

Graduate School
1

<p>Greetings,</p>

<p>I am teaching a third year at my Teach for America placement site (in Phoenix) this year and looking to make the transition to graduate school in public policy (urban policy or education policy) in the fall of 2009.</p>

<p>While I know that the Cal program is top notch, my desire to move back East to be near family and friends precedes my even considering applying to that school.</p>

<p>At present, I am most attracted to Georgetown's MPP program. However, I have also heard good things about Columbia's SIPA program and, of course, the Kennedy School. Of the "second tier" programs at American, NYU, and GWU, which have other applicants (or students) found most appealing?</p>

<p>I graduated from U.Va. in 2006 with a degree (with distinction) in history and foreign affairs. My cum. GPA was 3.63, while my history GPA was 3.83 and foreign affairs, 3.6. I have yet to take the GRE, but am hoping to score in the six-hundred-something range.</p>

<p>Thank you for your advice. AJL</p>

2

<p>@ ajl1239 </p>

<p>My advice would be to start researching and applying to public policy schools that have your area of interest (urban, education) and are located in a geographic area you wouldn't mind residing in (you mention that you want to be close to family and friends). You can take this opportunity to visit the schools too.</p>

3

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>Are you currently in Michigan's program?</p>

4

<p>I am not enrolled in the Gerald</a> R. Ford School of Public Policy | University of Michigan but they do have a strong policy concentration in (urban) development and education. The school is every economics-driven (including statistics and calculus).</p>

5

<p>What is your honest opinion of the MPP/MPA degree? Worth the debt?</p>