Hi everyone! I'm applying to the HKS Mid-Career MPA this cycle and would love honest opinions, especially from current students, alumni, or anyone who has applied.

Background
31F, India
BA (Hons) History, Delhi University, 63% (roughly a 3.0 equivalent)
No GRE/GMAT (not required for MC/MPA)

Work experience (8+ years, 9+ by enrollment)

Owner of a digital growth agency serving global clients in the logistics and supply chain industry (2022 to present). Clients across countries. Have used AI to scale and maintain profit margin of 66%

Previously at a global advertising holding company, managing campaigns and budgets for international luxury brands

Earlier roles in health-tech, AI marketing, and ed-fin-tech startups in India

Global exposure

2022 onwards Travelled to 45+ countries while working and building my business remotely.
This includes several African countries, as well as Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, which gave me firsthand exposure to how culture, religion, and history shape everyday life and development

Public service and impact

Used my social media platform to fund school uniforms for children in Uganda

Helped a missionary raise support to build a school in a village in India.

Raised similar funds for orphanage in Vietnam.
(All documents are there)

Why HKS

I want to move into tech policy, focusing on how culture, religion, and colonial history shape whether communities adopt technology and public programmes. One example that stays with me: a dengue-control technology in Uganda was only accepted once local churches endorsed it.

Recommenders

Founder and director of a multinational hospital group I have worked for
Another company director of my current client
Third still being finalized but probably one of my managers.

My questions

How much does a lower undergrad GPA hurt for MC/MPA when work experience is strong?

I know people who apply for these roles hold significant positions. So my chances of admission🥲

Is a private-sector founder background a disadvantage without formal public-sector roles?

Hey guys!

I’m a 22yo Californian man with 3 years of state government experience (internships). My undergrad is in sociology, and I decided to pursue an MPP at a California State University and thankfully it is fully funded through scholarships. I pay literally nothing in order to complete this degree.

I’m having a crisis as my first semester comes to an end. I’ve alway been deeply interested in politics, government and policy, but I keep wondering if this isn’t the right track for me. I am not completely sure what I’m going to do with this degree and I’m wondering if I went into this program too early.

I wouldn’t even be doing this degree if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s being completely paid for.

My worry is AI, stagnant job growth, not having any skills outside of the MPP, etc. I don’t feel like I have any kind of direction right now.

I am strongly considering moving to Brazil (I’m a dual citizen) after graduation due to the cost of living being much lower. Part of me is thinking about quitting this MPP and just moving there to teach English or something, because I really don’t know if I even want this degree.

I do really love what I’m learning and I find it all very interesting, and I would love a job where I can work in the government and perform quantitative analysis and give recommendations, etc. etc. but I don’t feel like that’s actually going to happen.

Has anyone experienced something kind of similar? I would really appreciate some advice, I feel like I’m stuck/obligated doing something that I don’t think is going to bring me much benefit and maybe I’m just trying to delay unemployment?

Sorry if this post is kind of unprofessional or silly.