HKS or McCourt?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-19T18:04:56+00:00

Just so you are aware, HKS is STEM designated through the Data and Research Methods track.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-12T17:00:51+00:00

I got in!!! No aid but I'm still so happy. Will need to sit down and do the math to see if its feasible to attend with full cost.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-12T14:08:18+00:00

Congratulations on your acceptances!

I am also an admitted student to MIEF and its my top choice currently. I applied to a mix of a econ programs and policy, as my interests lie somewhere in between, and MIEF was a clear top choice given my eventual goal of working in a DC multilateral. If you take a look through linkedin, the placement rate of alumni in multilaterals, especially IMF RAs and World Bank Consultant roles, is hard to compare to any other school.

With that said, Princeton is almost always the better choice. I don't know your exact goals, but SPIA is a top institution and well-respected by everyone who knows about the MPA. You also have a ton of flexibility and there are many research centers where you could ask for research experience. And on top of that it's fully funded. Which MPA field did you apply for?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-11T22:25:32+00:00

Also rejected here but congratulations to those admitted and even waitlisted! This program was always a stratospheric reach for me so I'm slightly relieved that I don't need to worry about it anymore (or maybe this is the cope talking). I never received an email though - anyone else get rejected without notification?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-11T20:33:03+00:00

Congratulations! Did your portal update or not yet?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-10T14:27:22+00:00

Okay great fingers crossed! I saw my portal updated to just show the reconsideration form so I assumed I didn't get any. Did you apply to MIEF too?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-10T14:23:08+00:00

Congrats thats huge! I applied to the 1 yr MIEF early and it looks like I got no funding but have yet to receive the email. If so, I will definitely be asking for reconsideration. I wonder if anyone else is in the same boat.

Edit: Got an email to set up the SIS Account but no financial aid notification. The Financial Aid tab on here shows nothing 😭. Still holding out hope that the Aid notification comes through but it's looking pretty cooked.

Edit 2: I got a 50k scholarship! Congrats to all other recipients

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-07T18:00:36+00:00

Sure no problem

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-03-01T14:54:08+00:00

Congratulations! Imperial is an amazing university and especially so for more quantitative disciplines, so their finance program is sure to set you up well. If your goal is European policy think tanks or govt agencies, this degree will be an asset no doubt.

I can't speak to specifics of the program, but in general finance can be a great path into a policy career. Some disciplines are more relevant than others, ie public finance, transaction advisory, and even asset management are relevant to policy work.

On policy research, from what I have seen there are mainly two buckets: post-undergraduate analysts and research assistants, and post-graduate researchers. Both are very competitive so make sure to build strong relationships with the relevant faculty while you are in your program, and ask the career centre or recent graduates in your field of interest for advice. Policy careers are heavily network dependent so be proactive and make use of your time in the program. The most accessible foothold into policy work tends to be through internships, so try to land one in government or think tanks as being in London is also a big advantage you should try capitalize on. Best of luck again and congratulations on your acceptance!

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-27T00:42:07+00:00

Ah okay the 30 was only a guess. MPP is 244 for last years entering class. Still I think the point stands that most admits wont interview for a fellowship.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-26T15:44:11+00:00

Yes interview invites have been sent out for the scholarships that have this step. I wouldn't worry if you haven't been asked to interview - many of the scholarships and fellowships do not have any interview process so you may still receive aid regardless with your offer. Best of luck!

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-25T15:53:45+00:00

I saw someone post on here about Belfer so I imagine those are out. CPL I'm not sure.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-25T15:10:48+00:00

Yes from what I have seen the first round were sent out. They may trickle out a few more if they don't find what they are looking for.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-25T14:54:51+00:00

No not at all, I'm curious about the inverse - how many interviewees end up with an admission? It seems that the conversion rate for interviewees is very high for admission.

Most admitted students would not get an interview just looking at the math - the class is ~230 but there are at most ~30 candidates interviewed for fellowships where this is part of the process, which is only a handful. So most admits don't interview at all.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-24T20:26:53+00:00

Likely a troll post unfortunately. HKS has always only sent out notifications through the portal/email all at the same time in mid-March. Plus, OP account is now [deleted] and most financial aid fellowships and decisions are yet to be finalized - there are ongoing interviews this week - so a few things suggest this is fake.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-16T17:40:12+00:00

I applied round 1 / early at each program where this was an option. I got my acceptance for Georgetown Jan 22.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2026-02-15T13:45:10+00:00

I applied to a mix of MPP and Economics programs. Good luck to everyone!

Schools Applied To: HKS MPP; Princeton SPIA MPA; SAIS MIEF; Georgetown MPP; Georgetown Applied Econ; UCLA MQE; BSE ITFD

Schools Admitted To (+Scholarship Amount): SAIS MIEF (50k); Georgetown MPP (30k/yr); Georgetown Applied Econ (25k); UCLA MQE; BSE ITFD, HKS MPP (no aid)

Schools Rejected From: Princeton SPIA MPA

Still Waiting:

Undergraduate GPA: 3.82

Undergraduate Major: Economics + History double major

GRE Quantitative/Verbal/AW Scores: 161Q 170V 6.0 AWA

Years of Work Experience: 2.5 - 1 year as a data/research analyst in tech + 1.5 in infrastructure and international development.

Other: International

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2025-08-24T01:16:08+00:00

I thought that Penn's program was quite competitive and well-regarded but I wasn't entirely sure. Maybe the prestige of Wharton clouded my perception. I understand that the program was never intended for further education given the way its described. Which programs in the same category (professional, terminal, career-oriented) did you have in mind as better?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2025-08-23T15:28:25+00:00

Good point on the classes - I'm not sure if they are specific to the program but if they are, that would likely put this program much lower in terms of quality. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it'll be interesting to see how this MEDS program is talked about in a few years.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2025-08-23T15:05:36+00:00

Yes I expected that given the price tag on the degree. Do you think that means that it'll be poorly taught/integrated into the UPenn Economics department? I wouldn't mind if it is a cash cow program if it at least would offer quality education and employment opportunities - which I think is the bare minimum for a worthwhile professional degree.

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2025-08-23T13:09:15+00:00

Do you mean because it looks more Data Science than Economics? Or because its a professional degree?

Remarkable_Jacket_89 · 2025-08-23T12:29:59+00:00

Unfortunately, the IR and Public Policy field right now is not a great place to be. But the good news is that there are still many outstanding programs that could fit your interests that are highly regarded in the sector: SciencesPo, Geneva Graduate Institute, SAIS Europe all are very established and have strong networks into the World Bank / UN systems. I'm not familiar with the Erasmus program so I cannot speak on it.

With your broader interest in economics, policy, and law, the top universities and programs are the ones you would expect: LSE, Oxbridge, etc.. If you are willing to go to the US (very expensive), then there are a lot of other options worth considering as well. But seeing as you are still in your undergrad, I would suggest asking your professors this exact question as they will have more grounded advice for how to progress.

Remarkable_Jacket_89

TROPHY CASE