<p>I received a BA in Government from Georgetown three years ago with a 3.49 GPA and have worked in the U.S. Senate since graduation. I am hoping to enroll in an MPP program for Fall 2014. My GRE scores were 164 (v) and 169 (q) and 5 (AW). </p>
<p>Despite a strong showing in GRE math, I did not have much coursework in that subject matter in undergrad (placed out of any general math requirements due to a high AP calc score in HS). And, long story short, my grades in Macro and Micro freshman year were very poor (i'm talking c and b-). (though i got an A in a finance course I took Senior year!)</p>
<p>In my understanding, the top MPP programs place a great deal of emphasis on undergrad coursework in Econ and this deficiency will really hurt my applications. Anyone have a similar issue-- poor economics grades? I plan on enrolling in an ACE- accredited course in Macroeconomics through the USDA-run grad school in DC and expect to do well-- unlike when I was a stressed out freshman in college not yet in the hang of things! However, it will not be completed before the application deadline. (I also plan on taking a Microeconomics course in the spring, when the first course is complete.)</p>
<p>What do you think-- should I wait until the Fall 2015 deadline if I want a top program?</p>
<p>Your stats are very good, I would argue that you could get into almost any program you apply. The only program where you chances are on the low side is the WWS because they fully fund the students and it is a very small class.</p>
<p>Anyway being an MPP student at GU, I can try and give you a bit of insight on your predicament. GU, as well as HKS (and a few other programs, I believe SAIS is one of them) are considered Quant heavy programs. So in terms of GU, we have to take, I believe 2 Econ courses (first one is intermediate Micro, second one is Public finance, there may be a third but not sure) and three statistics course. The courses can certainly be very difficult for someone with little Econ and Quant background, but there are quite a few people who lack such a background. It will take more work, of course, to do well, but it is doable (especially since everyone works hard and keeps you motivated and on track, unlike in undergrad where people tend to slack-off until midterm seasons). Professors at such schools are generally very accesible, hold lots of office hours and can meet outside of that time one on one, even on weekends. So if I were you, I would not be too worried in terms of being able to do the course work once you are in. </p>
<p>As for should you wait. No I dont think you should. I think you should apply now. You have 3 years of relevant work experience, your GRE stats are great, and your GPA is good. Just as an idea, for this year at GU average GRE is Q160, V160, average GPA is 3.5x (3.57 I think), and almost 1/3 of the students have 0-2 years of experience (if I am not mistaken). I would look at the schools you want to apply to and see if they publish statistics on the class profile. Another example would be Umich Ford, average GPA there is “only” 3.3x (at least it was last year), GRE in the 75th percentile, and average age of incoming students at 27. So I think you have a good shot, you should go for it and I think you will get in at most places you will apply to. I applied to SIPA/Ford/NYU Wagner/USC Price and Georgetown and got into 3 of them straight out of undergrad with a GPA similar to yours (granted my Uni is know to grade deflate), lower GRE stats than you (160/160/5). So if I can get in, you certainly can and will.</p>