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.

Specifically looking at LBJ MPAff DC concentration. Would love to hear from other out-of-staters who have experience applying to the MPAff and receiving or not receiving funding! Also would love some general career timing advice from anyone. Sorry in advance for how long this is.

Background: 25y/o, not from Texas, majored in humanities at an unknown state school, 4.0 GPA (coursework was not rigorous and I'm disappointed in my choice of schools but that's another story), no graded quant experience (the one class I have was pass/fail), diagnostic GRE score 150Q (yikes)/162V.

Work experience: 3 yrs PT at a front desk, 10 months in EdTech after grad, realized I was interested in public policy and spent the next 9 months as a congressional intern in DC, interned this summer on a successful congressional primary campaign, and am now in a contract, entry-level policy role in DC through end of year.

LORs: Thesis advisor, EdTech boss, current boss (no letters from congressional staff - made the mistake of mainly connecting with junior instead of senior staffers during my internships)

Had a difficult path to get where I am that I think will be compelling, and I know I can write stellar essays.

Short-term goal: To get a role on the Hill in the new Congress (ideally with the candidate I interned for this summer - their team knows I'm interested in a full-time role, but I've also built out a good network spanning other offices), but if it doesn't work out, I want a plan for 2027-28. I know I want my Masters eventually, and am super interested in LBJ's DC program. Most of the DC schools aren't known for good masters funding and the accelerated timeline of LBJ's program is appealing too, as I wouldn't want to miss out on too much career development, especially with the new Congress and a possible 2028 Dem admin incoming.

Questions: Would I be a candidate for significant funding for this cycle at LBJ, either with a mid GRE or no GRE because I might not have time to take it? Essentially, is it worth applying this cycle? I know they tend to be very generous but I'm out-of-state, quant background is significantly lacking, and submitting no GRE or a bad GRE can't help.

If I can get a Hill job in the new year, and I get into LBJ with funding, is it worth leaving that job to pursue the LBJ DC program?

Should I just focus on the goal of a congressional job and not apply to schools this cycle? I know I can get my GRE up if I apply next year but it could be beneficial to get my Masters done sooner rather than later for aforementioned reasons about the Democratic job landscape.

Or, I could look at something like JHU's MPM part-time while working on the Hill and getting employer reimbursement, but it wouldn't cover everything and I'd be accruing interest bc there are no GradPLUS loans anymore...

I'm confused about my next steps and need to make up my mind ASAP because LBJ's deadline for funding is Dec. 1. Help!

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?

Hi everyone! I’m finalising my university list for Fall 2027 and would appreciate advice, particularly from international graduates.

I’m deciding between:
Columbia MPA vs Georgetown MPP
UC Berkeley Goldman MPP vs University of Chicago Harris MPP

I’ve finalised USC as my third university.

My primary concern is long-term employment opportunities in the US as an Indian student, alongside scholarships and overall ROI. I’m interested in public policy, technology governance, and AI policy, ideally through programmes combining policy with quantitative methods and data analytics.

The overall weightage is for more scholarship opportunities which doesn’t sabotage the employment opportunity when i choose college out of this list.

How do these universities compare in terms of scholarships, internships, industry connections, and employment opportunities for international graduates? Does Columbia’s brand justify its higher cost compared with Georgetown? And how do Berkeley and Harris compare for quantitative training and technology policy careers?
I’d particularly appreciate firsthand insights on job sponsorship and the feasibility of staying in the US after graduation.

Thanks!

i just graduated BA in International Studies from a US uni this May, then i was accepted to MIA Columbia for this Fall 2026 but i had to go home due to financing and some personal issues. i have been interning in public service sector since then and now im thinking of reapplying there but to MPA program Fall 2027.

considering the political climate towards international now, is MPA columbia good and is worth it? its a STEM program. is it worth it to come back at all?

Was planning to apply to the Geneva one which will be held in February, but after some research I have stalled my decision. Some are saying it is legit and some are saying it's a total scam. What was your experience or do you know anyone who has attended

I am wondering what does it take to get into these programs? I am an international student, 3.75 GPA, econ major and a heavy quant profile, 2+ years of work experience in evidence-based development in the global south and was involved in scaling programs backed by RCTs with the government. I am sitting for the GRE and overall, I have a narrative. But I am really not sure what does it take? Can past scholars share their profiles or thoughts? Would you say GRE plays a huge role? What to focus on on my application most?

I’m considering these programmes:
Erasmus University Rotterdam — International Public Management and Public Policy
University of Amsterdam — Public Policy and Governance / Public Policy (economics)
University of Twente — MPA

How realistic is it for non-EU graduates, particularly Indians, to find jobs in the Netherlands after these degrees? I’m interested in opportunities in policy research, consulting, think tanks, and international organisations. I am also considering pivoting my specialisation towards AI and tech policy to get in private sector in NL.

What realistic chances are there to get visa sponsorships post these degrees there or will it be a huge financial debacle?

Would appreciate insights from current students, alumni, or professionals with first-hand experience.

Thanks!

Would anyone be willing to share their cover letters that they have used to land a job in program/grant management/associate roles or policy analyst/associate roles?

I’m struggling to find a job post MPP and I’m wondering if it’s my CL’s. I used to be a teacher and I am having a hard time explaining my transferable skills concisely, and I’m really trying to not use AI. There aren’t a ton of examples online outside of Indeed or random LinkedIn posts and I don’t even know what to follow anymore.

My grad school career services example is so broad and sounds like it was AI written so there is no help there. Should I just bite the bullet and go AI written with edits? I feel so lost in all of the differing things I see everywhere online and I feel like I’ve tried everything and nothing is working. I don’t want to post all of them that I’ve made here because they are tailored to each role so direct feedback wouldn’t really be helpful because each one is so specific.

Thank you for anyone who can help me visualize what I should be working towards on these and clarify this mess of a job search. I’m desperate at this point. 🥺

Hello, r/PublicPolicy! HKSRosemary here!

I wanted to let you know that myself and my colleagues from Yale Jackson and Princeton SPIA will be hosting an AMA on the r/gradadmissions subreddit on November 16 at 10 AM ET. Please stop by to ask any questions that you have about applying to policy school (even if it's not about our specific programs!), careers, financial aid, applying to graduate school more broadly, or even just to say hi. This is a great opportunity to have all of us in the same "room" and we'd love to provide support in any way that we can. Link below.

Hope to see you there!

- Jaren Liu, Yale Jackson

- Vivian Slee, Princeton SPIA

- Rosemary Hilliard, HKS

https://www.reddit.com/r/gradadmissions/comments/1xdey9e/ama_admissions_leaders_from_yale_princeton_and/

I wanted to introduce Alethman, a platform we’re building at the intersection of statecraft, information integrity, geopolitical forecasting, and public accountability.
We believe that sound policy research and strategic decision-making depend not just on access to information, but on the ability to identify manipulation, anticipate developing situations, and scrutinize the use of public resources.

Alethman brings together three core offerings:

Pramaan: Fact-checking and flagging potentially manufactured social media traction.

Arctus: Forecasting and analysis of developing situations to support strategic assessment and decision-making.

Polity: Flagging potential corruption and misuse of government funds for further scrutiny.

We work with news outlets, think tanks, policy research institutions, and advisory organizations that need better tools to assess information, understand emerging developments, and strengthen institutional accountability.

I’d be interested in connecting with people working in public policy, governance, and research to understand where these capabilities could be most useful—and where the limitations or risks need to be addressed.

If your organization would like to learn more, you can find us at https://alethman.com or reach out to contact@alethman.com

I’d welcome thoughtful feedback from this community.

Hey everyone! I have a 2.996 GPA and around 3 years of state government experience as Chief of Staff to a state delegate. I’m hoping to apply to MPP programs, including Yale, Princeton and some state schools.
I’m considering taking the GRE to strengthen my application but I’m really nervous about my GPA and my chances of getting in.

How realistic is it for me to get into a good MPP program with substantial funding? Would a strong GRE score help? I’d really appreciate honest advice and recommendations for schools I should look into.

I recently graduated from a small liberal arts college, with a degree in Political Science and a 3.2 GPA.
I’ve been seriously looking into Princeton SPIA’s MPA program, and it’s become one of my top choices for graduate school. I know it’s extremely selective, and I’m aware that my academic record isn’t particularly competitive.
To make matters worse, my GPA had a downward trend toward the end of college. I also received a couple of C’s in courses related to my major, so I don’t even have the benefit of pointing to a strong finish academically. . I know they’re going to be a weakness in my application, and I can’t go back and change them.
What I’m trying to figure out now is whether there’s a realistic path forward.
I’m willing to spend several years gaining professional experience, improving my quantitative skills, and building a stronger application before applying. I’m interested in government, public policy, and public service, although I’m still figuring out exactly what direction I want to pursue professionally.
I have a few questions:
Has anyone gotten into Princeton SPIA or a similarly selective MPA/MPP program with a GPA around 3.2, especially with a downward trend?
How damaging is a downward academic trend compared to simply having a lower overall GPA?
Can several years of strong professional experience realistically outweigh a mediocre undergraduate transcript?
What kinds of entry-level government, nonprofit, or policy jobs should I be pursuing?
Would taking additional economics, statistics, or other quantitative courses help demonstrate that I’m academically capable?
If I spent the next 2–4 years strengthening my application, would Princeton still be an extreme long shot?
One of the biggest reasons I’m interested in Princeton is its funding. I want to pursue a career in public service without accumulating a massive amount of graduate school debt.
I’m not looking for false reassurance. I understand that Princeton is extremely competitive even for applicants with excellent academic records, and I know my GPA and downward trend put me at a disadvantage.
I guess I’m just trying to determine whether this is a goal worth seriously working toward or whether my undergraduate performance has already made it practically unattainable.
I’d especially appreciate hearing from current SPIA students, alumni, or people who managed to get into highly selective graduate programs despite having weaker academic records.
Thanks in advance.

Full disclosure: I built the tool that made this (MarketBrief — it surfaces
the questions a document raises but doesn't answer, with the exact passage
as evidence).

I ran it on the Fed's September 16 FOMC statement. Of its 10 biggest
questions, 9 go unanswered in the statement itself, including the top three:

1. Does the Committee expect more rate increases after this one?
   
2. What thresholds will it use to judge a "timelier" return to 2% inflation?
   
3. How will it keep reserves "ample" after raising the target range?

All 10, ranked, with verbatim passages and an answer status for each:

The silences are the policy story — the path and the implementation are all
left to future statements and speeches. Which question would you rank first?
https://marketbrief.club/readings/fomc-2026-09-16

hey y'all! i'm a 22M MPA student at the University of Georgia, and i am planning on graduating in May 2027 (i started in January 2026). i am contemplating on whether or not i should pursue a PhD in Public Policy. i am looking into the University of Texas program, and my current university offers a PhD in Public Administration & Policy program. i really want to gain more expertise, experience, skills, etc. in public policy because essentially i want to be in senior level policy/administrative roles. however, i am not sure if i want to enter into academia, so that's why i keep considering on whether or not i should do a PhD at all. what do y'all think?

I have been working in the development sector/public policy for 3 years now and I genuinely find it fulfilling. I enjoy researching and managing projects but I know that a big part of this work is confidently speaking to anyone, from legislators to civil society.

However, I do recognize that I have social anxiety. I usually have to muster up courage to speak publicly or to people I am not close to. But I still manage able to do it.

Recently, my superior made a passing remark that still stuck with me. He implied I will not have a future in this field because I am too reserved or shy to speak up.

For anyone in the same predicament as me, what do you do?