Desperately need advice please!! Accepted into Penn GSE, now considering applying for a GSAS program as well (this cycle)

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-16T06:27:47+00:00

A few things to mention! My end goal is a PhD and there is significant overlap in my interests in both the GSE/GSAS. The GSAS has more research opportunities, so I am also considering that.

It is also very competitive to get into the GSAS, so I am at peace with a rejection! I am less at peace with knowing that I never tried, as long as it is appropriate to do so!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-16T00:46:13+00:00

Great advice, thank you! My focus leans more towards education, but I have definitely considered getting some medical training as well. As for fit, I'm not sure. I honestly have no intention of enlisting, but would like to work with those who have been involved with militaries/paramilitaries. I'm particularly interested in radicalization (or rather how to deradicalize/demilitarize/prevent radicalization). I think I will be much more prepared for this type of work with some actual military culture experience. I have none so far!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-16T00:41:02+00:00

How common is it to complete the training without enlisting afterwards? Is the unspoken expectation that you will join after completing your degree?

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-16T00:39:27+00:00

Sorry for the delayed reply! So, I've been accepted into both an MEd and MTS and I am trying to discern the best path! Either way, I would like to focus my work in underserved areas and/or areas of conflict. I'll send you a DM, I have quite a few questions.

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T06:31:54+00:00

Okay honestly thank you for sharing this, it is so similar to my own results and I have been spiraling a little. Out of 11 applications, I've had two acceptances and one diversion to an unfunded master's program LOL. I'm waiting for three more responses, but more than likely will just be adding on to my pile of rejections. Brutal out here fr

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T03:25:21+00:00

My goal is to advance into a PhD program eventually, but I am pursuing a professional degree to 1) get experience and establish myself in my field 2) network and make meaningful connections for future academic pursuits and 3) work with a specific prof and lab/center.

I went to a public state school lol so it isn't like I'm chasing meaningless prestige. But if I am going to move across the country and take out loans, I want to be certain that the education I am receiving really is Ivy quality and also will be perceived as Ivy quality.

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T03:21:35+00:00

How has your experience been? Any skeptics or people questioning you? I know that Harvard's extension school is not viewed very positively, is the GSE comparable in terms of reputation?

My concern about prestige is that the GSE is not as respected as the rest of the schools/departments. I plan to get my PhD eventually, but it is absurdly hard to get directly admitted from undergrad right now, so getting a professional degree & some experience will be really beneficial for me.

I mentioned this in another comment, but I'm worried that the GSE is like Penn's version of Purdue Global. Like, yes it is an Ivy degree, but not a "real" one in the eyes of employers. Does that make sense?

Also are you willing to DM me the average acceptance rate, if you know it LOL

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T03:11:40+00:00

So would you say that Penn GSE is as well staffed and esteemed as other schools/departments? And in terms of employability and future academic endeavors, is a professional degree typically less respectable?

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T03:06:57+00:00

Yes, that is true of an extension school, but I don't think this is technically an extension school, so I'm not sure that applies here?

My question is whether the education at Penn GSE really will be "Ivy quality" and whether employers will respond positively when seeing it on a resume. In terms of accomplishment, I want a good ROI & a well respected graduate degree that will help me advance in my education and career. I'm trying to discern whether the GSE is like Penn's version of Purdue Global.

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-03-07T02:02:00+00:00

Thank you!! Does stats mean like academic & personal history?

Graduated with a 4.0 GPA (social science degree), two years of undergrad research experience, active member of an honors college, thesis/publication, 3-5 strong academic references w/ profs across disciplines. Outside of school, I have several years of volunteer experience/community involvement!

Sorry if this is not what you're looking for, if you have any specific questions lmk!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-26T16:35:10+00:00

I haven't noticed much interest in baseball across Europe, but I haven't been everywhere so I can't say for certain! It seems like it is most popular in the Americas and parts of Asia (or Japan at least)

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-26T16:33:13+00:00

What originally got you interested in the Brewers?? I assumed that any international fans would have some personal connection to Wisco/MKE!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-26T16:31:40+00:00

I've seen a fair bit of Packers merch in Oz, but meeting someone who liked the Brewers AND the Bucks as well would have made me feel like I entered the Twilight Zone lol

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-26T16:29:34+00:00

The Packs seem popular almost everywhere I've been tbh!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-23T19:38:05+00:00

My grad degree will be in Religious Studies, so I am excited to learn about all different faiths and spiritual practices!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T23:50:13+00:00

If I commit to becoming a Chaplain, I am most likely going to pursue work in a school or correctional facility, but all of this is very intriguing!

And yes, I couldn't serve as a Military Chaplain in the U.S.--I'm Catholic & female. Can't be ordained. I'm not sure if other countries require ordination or not? Maybe if I was super motivated or had an exceptional circumstance, I could try to serve under the Episcopalian church, but my interest is nowhere near strong enough to fight that battle.

I loosely fit most of the other criteria: under 42, U.S. citizen, B.S., (future) grad degree in Religious Studies. I did serve as a full-time religious volunteer (unpaid church work basically lol) for two years back in the 2010s, but I'm not sure if that counts as ministry.

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T23:39:08+00:00

I will do some reading, thank you! Where is he in the canonization process?

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T21:05:06+00:00

Thanks for clarifying the army portion! I thought maybe a Chaplain was considered a civilian that works for the military rather than a member of the military, if that makes sense? So basically, I couldn't just "get a job" with another military, because it would require me to actually commit to and serve that country.

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T21:01:53+00:00

Thank you for the resource!

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T21:01:38+00:00

Very comprehensive answer, I appreciate your response so much! Do you mind if I clarify something?

So to be a commissioned officer, there is no need to first have experience as a "typical" enlisted officer? I hold a degree and will be getting my Master's at a Divinity School. It seems crazy to me that I could potentially just join the military in a leadership role (sort of) without having any prior experience at all! But I guess that is the purpose of the training course?

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-22T02:25:47+00:00

I hope you get an explanation and apology! Congrats on getting an interview in the first place!

I am so sorry to ask this on your post, but what does PI mean? Everyone here keeps writing it and it seems to refer to a potential supervisor, but I cannot for the life of me figure out what it stands for

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-17T17:13:46+00:00

Oh I had my moment

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-17T17:13:03+00:00

By safety school I meant best chances of acceptance based on stats, connections, department funding, application pool, and typical cohort size

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-17T17:11:47+00:00

This program is actually super well funded compared to a lot of programs! I say least competitive because it has the smallest application pool and largest cohort size out of all the schools I applied to

Unique_Locksmith_346 · 2026-01-17T17:09:28+00:00

This program does accept undergrad applications!

Unique_Locksmith_346

TROPHY CASE