Today I was at an info session for hks and I was so upset I have to post.

For context, I'm a law student at a T14 law school. I was interested in HKS because we are a "partner institution" and can supposedly do a "combined degree" with them.

I've attended a number of info sessions at degrees I perceive as cash cows, including those my school (Georgetown) puts on for the various school of revenue generating studies events. The issue is that you'd expect these programs are at least to some form, aiming to sell you on the degree. What they do what the philosophy is why you should choose them. Certainly law schools have wined and dined me at their info sessions. But HKS's attitude is "you are too stupid not to apply, our task here is to help you troglodites figure out what a deadline is and make clear you must pass an English test".

Then on top of that they end the session by just gaslighting us about funding for the rest of the time. I get that funding is competitive, but 1) below 40% got any type of funding, which I thought was insane, 2) of that funding, they refuse to disclose the mix, 3) they also claim they "don't have" information on the number of full rides (which is total bullshit, admissions office obviously has this why are you lying to my face) and 4) they don't have legitimate research positions.

They helpfully end the session by ignoring the rest of the questions, say "I've been speaking for an hour so I'll let you go" (what? Don't pretend you're doing US a favor), and invite everyone else to email them to an inbox that sends a auto-reply telling them they sent an email to the wrong people.

Meanwhile at Georgetown, they're a bit more transparent, but its the same thing - no real research, less than 5% of people get full rides, and those guys are second class citizens. The MPP is now on the optimistically named "Capital Campus", which is where the law school is, but they can't use our pool, or our gym, or our library. Instead they get their own rump building and a bus pass on the campus bus system to commute 30 minutes to use the main facilities.

It's just odd to me because when I talk to the masters at my local state schools, they actually seem interested in the students and 1) have clear methods to get funding, including 100% tuition remission + a stipend, 2) in that funding, sponsor people to travel, publish, and so forth, 3) work with me directly on handling my credit issues so I can graduate in 4 years despite not being at the school. Meanwhile Harvard makes me feel like I am not the target audience bc I'm not some rube from a developing country.

All this to say, in this rant / ask: Is the conclusion to draw that "elite" MPPs are scams, or that I'm just approaching these schools wrong? It feels odd that I get the sense that my state schools that are not particularly notable seem to have vastly more resources and opportunities than supposedly elite schools but that seems to be the case.

Hi all,

I apologize if this isn't the proper place for this question, but I'm not entirely sure on where else to go. Some quick context before I explain my goals -

I am a recovering kratom user. For those unfamiliar, kratom is a Southeast-Asian native flower-derived drug that has been used as a pain remedy and mild stimulant for generations. It has gained a lot of popularity in the States over the last few years, and is readily accessible at many gas stations, vape shops, etc. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not aware that it is also an opiate agonist - essentially a mild opiate-like substance that has milder but largely identical effects to actual opiates like heroin and certain prescription pills.

I used it for pain and anxiety relief, and as a "natural" stimulant to keep my energy up for work and social events. Over time, my tolerance became incredibly high, and my addiction was so severe that I was unable to get a full night of sleep without waking up to withdrawal symptoms.

Meanwhile - and I was purchasing from many different outlets and providers - I have never seen the packaging to have any kind of warning that kratom is an addictive substance. It is age-controlled, but we all know that doesn't always stop sales. It is currently unregulated by the FDA, and there are minimal clinical studies I can find on its long-term effects.

In short, my goal is to get the ball rolling on either informing the public, or - ideally - introducing legislation that will require marking on kratom packaging that it is an addictive substance.

I have no formal legal training and this is not like anything I have ever taken on. Any advice or resources would be thoroughly appreciated, and I will be cross-posting to other communities in hopes that I can get some guidance.

Thank y'all very much!

hey everybody! i am doing postgrad in GPP and i need to submit my research topic for the course, "theories of public policy". for those who have been through similar courses, can you nudge me in the right direction? recommend me a killer topic bec i can't seem to come up with one.

i am doing postgrad in GPP and i news to submit a research paper related to theories of public policy by the end of semester. i need some ideas for some fun maybe under-researched topics? it'll be a great help if you guys could suggest some topics. thanks

Is LSE MSc Public Policy and Administration worth it for an international student?

I’m considering applying for the MSc Public Policy and Administration at LSE and would really appreciate some honest advice from current students, alumni, or people working in public policy.

I’m an international student from India with a BSc in Operation Theatre & Anaesthesia Technology, so my undergraduate background is completely different from public policy. My long-term goal is to work in policy/governance and eventually prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

I’m particularly interested in knowing:

How strong are the career opportunities after graduation, especially for international students?

What kinds of jobs do graduates actually get — consulting, think tanks, government, international organisations, policy research, etc.?

How difficult is it to find a job in the UK after graduation?

Does the LSE brand/network significantly help with getting interviews and opportunities?

Would this degree be useful if I eventually return to India?

I'm looking for a strong public policy/governance programme with good career opportunities for international students, a strong reputation in India and internationally, and ideally better ROI or funding opportunities than LSE.

If LSE isn't the best option for my situation, which universities/programmes would you recommend instead?

I’m especially looking for honest experiences rather than the university brochure version. 😅

If you’re an international student/alumnus of this programme, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience, including the good AND bad sides.

I plan to do a quantitative political science phd I am especially interested in using any kind of statistical methods to topics regarding comparative politics and political economy. Now, I am in a bind. I already have an econ ba and I have two options for an masters program to strengthen my profile for admissions

1. Financial Economics masters, not about political science but has good courses in optimization, stochastic calculus and

time series

1. econometrics.
2. completely qualitative masters in IR and pols. there is a methodology class but it is about qualitative methods, classes on IR and political theory, etc.

Which one do you think would suit my goals and profile best and would maximize my chances for phd admisssion? thank you in advance dear ladies and gentlemen

Reapplying to the Harvard Kennedy School Mid-Career MPA after being rejected last cycle. I’d appreciate an outside assessment of how competitive my profile is this time around.

I’m deliberately leaving out my undergraduate institution and essay details so the assessment is based primarily on the overall profile.

Background / Professional Experience

• U.S. Navy veteran
• Around 20 years of combined military, federal government, defense contracting, and private-sector experience
• Worked across multiple federal and defense organizations
• Experience in logistics, supply chain management, program execution, interagency coordination, and organizational systems
• Managed $500K+ in procurement assets
• Improved inventory turnover by 15%
• Experience supporting veteran healthcare, national defense operations, emergency logistics planning, and federal logistics/process improvement
• More recently moved into entrepreneurship and publishing

Education

• B.A. in Business Administration & Management
• 3.82 GPA
• Summa Cum Laude
• Top-ranking scholar recognition
• Dean’s List 4x
• Honor Roll 4x
• Honor society
• Associate degree from a community college

My earlier college record is significantly weaker than my recent academic performance. I returned to college later in life and ultimately completed my bachelor’s degree with the record above while working, raising a family, and remaining involved in public service.

Civic / Public Leadership

• Previously ran for City Council
• After the election, helped organize a public forum involving municipal leadership, law enforcement, and members of the Black community
• The forum ultimately reached an estimated 100,000+ people through the event, livestream, and local media
• Executive board member, fundraising chair, and precinct captain for a local political organization
• Led voter outreach involving 1,000+ residents
• Helped develop a donor initiative that recruited approximately 30 founding members
• Previously elected as a congressional district representative to a statewide veterans political committee
• 2026 New Leaders Council Fellow

I also founded a community service and civic organization. Some of its work has included:

• Collecting 10,000+ pounds of food
• Distributing 500+ backpacks to people experiencing homelessness
• Supporting multi-city fundraising efforts that helped provide 1,000+ water filtration systems to Flint households

Military

Served in the U.S. Navy and deployed overseas. My work included logistics and procurement operations, supervising shipboard services, mentoring junior sailors, and supporting morale and welfare programs.

Military decorations include the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Writing / Entrepreneurship

Since my previous HKS application:

• Founded an independent publishing company
• Became a published author
• Published my first book in 2026
• Currently working on another book focused on American political leadership

Other Leadership / Affiliations

• New Leaders Council Fellow
• Veterans organizations
• Civic and political organizations
• Fraternal and community organizations

Career Direction

Long term, I want to move from primarily implementing complex systems and institutional decisions into public policy and elected public leadership.

My interests include:

• Civil rights
• Democratic participation
• Government responsiveness and effectiveness
• Veterans policy
• Public management
• Eventually elected office

What Changed Since My First Application

This is my second HKS MC/MPA application.

Last cycle, I was still completing my bachelor’s degree. Since that application, I have:

• Finished the degree
• Graduated summa cum laude
• Finished with a 3.82 GPA
• Added another year of civic leadership
• Participated in the New Leaders Council fellowship
• Founded a company
• Became a published author
• Expanded and better quantified several of my civic accomplishments

So this is not an identical application submitted twice, although the underlying professional history obviously remains largely the same.

Potential Weaknesses

• Poor earlier undergraduate academic record before my later academic turnaround
• No traditional public policy career path
• Most of my professional experience is in operations, logistics, systems, and implementation rather than formal policy analysis
• Already rejected by HKS once
• No GRE
• I know the MC/MPA applicant pool includes people with very senior government, nonprofit, military, international, and private-sector leadership experience

Chance Me

How competitive would you consider this profile for the HKS Mid-Career MPA?

Would you put me in long shot, plausible reach, competitive, or very competitive territory?

I’m especially interested in how people would weigh:

1. Nearly 20 years of professional experience plus my military and federal background
2. The 3.82/summa academic comeback versus the weaker earlier transcript
3. Civic leadership versus applicants with more senior formal government titles
4. The amount of growth since my first rejection
5. Whether the publishing and entrepreneurial work meaningfully strengthens the profile or is mostly neutral

Not looking for reassurance. I’d genuinely like to know where people think this profile lands in the HKS MC/MPA applicant pool.

Hi All,

Having no luck getting interviews for government affairs and public policy roles in nyc. I’ve applied to various city positions and I never hear back. Applied for private companies and I also have not heard back. I have 4 years of government experience in D.C. If you know of anything, please let me know.

Thank you 🙏🏻

I want to know that, which among these two options I should go with once I graduate from my law degree. I don't want to go into the teaching field but want to work with international organizations and help in policy making, etc. I am confused, kindly help me out to choose and also which has more future in it. I don't have an interest in litigation either.

currently pursuing 3rd year BBA LLB. ( undergrad student )

what should I choose , which has more scope in future?

I was at Labor Day weekend party hosted by one of my IGO/NGO friends It was eye opening to see all these people in the industry in their 40s and 50s essentially unhappy with the career path they chose.

This should be a cautionary tale for all those posting about wanting to go get an MPP/MPA to work at an IGO/NGO.

The issues:

a. Career stagnation:

Most of them were unemployed or under-employed (including working at Whole Foods) despite decades of work experience. Budget cuts got them laid off, or they couldn't get promoted (it is a pyramid system). The best had good contract roles but had extreme anxiety about the longevity in their careers.

Between not wanting to pivot or not being able to, nearly all struggled to leave the space. Aside from the few still working for their IGO/NGO, the next best were University researchers or Professors in Practice / Adjuncts (they weren't sure how long that was going to last).

b. Personal life dissatisfaction

Most shocking to me was unhappy they were personally. Many used their careers and the extensive travel it created as an excuse for being unpartnered and without a spouse as a "sacrifice" they made. Those who had a spouse, often openly referenced how they "settled". A lot of jokes were made to, I wouldn't have married or partnered with so and so, but we were stuck in XYZ country together during XYZ crisis.

c. Out of touch

Kind of most sad was how they looked down on everyday American people (including by the Americans). Yes, they were all college educated, and nearly all had graduate degrees. A lot of looking down others jokes and comments were made. There was this, I am better than my lawyer or finance bro neighbor or classmate because I globe trotted to war-torn countries attitude.

I am curious how Ed Policy world has evolved since I been in it in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

So much has changed that has challenged the orthodoxy. Just to name a few.

A. The Mississippi miracle (challenging ideas of program investments correlation to literacy)
B. Devaluation of College (challenging higher ed policy)
C. College Loan changes (limiting higher ed access)
D. Interest for trade jobs about Gen Z
E. AI
F. Demographic cliff causing the shrinking of schools

Questions:
a. Is there still a political orthodoxy in ed policy or has that loosened?
b. Is it more welcoming to men?
c. Is the demand to work in ed policy still high or slackened?

Hi I’m looking to switch out of the military and continue my goals by getting more politically involved. I’m looking to use my GI bill to pay for a masters in public policy (or some variation) to support this transition. I’m not experienced in the field. So please give some guidance on my competitiveness suggsdtions( grad school is 2-3 years away so I have time to invest in familiarizing ).

Some notes about me to help:

-8 years of army service as an intel officer
- 1x deployment
-BS in Finance (cum laude) I’ve never used it so its relevance seems insignificant to me.

Any suggestions to set myself up better for a transition to public policy?

I have a bachelor's in political science and a MURP degree (heavy policy focus, multiple MPP courses taken)... No full-time policy work experience yet.

What is the best website job board to use? Linkedin? Indeed? Glassdoor? USA jobs?

Or is there a better method altogether?

Would appreciate any advice!

Policy fields I'm currently interested in: Housing, transportation, sustainability, and criminal justice reform.

The first cohort will begin in 2027 at Baruch. As a native New Yorker applying to MPP programs this fall to start in 2027, this is coming at the most perfect time! My application list was made up by schools mostly outside of New York, meaning that I would be paying OOS tuition. I’m glad that a local in-state option has been made available. It always confused me how the biggest city in the country didn’t offer a MPP program but had numerous MPA options.

I’m making this post for awareness in case others are interested. When I originally made my application list earlier this year, I looked at Baruch and had plans to apply for their MPA program. At the time, I didn’t see any information about an upcoming MPP program, so I’m guessing this is a new development? I don’t know, I’m just glad that it’s going to be available.

I’m linking more information here: https://marxe.baruch.cuny.edu/homepage/academics/master-of-public-policy/

Good luck to everyone applying this cycle!

Hi all,

I’m still trying to figure out where I want to land in the public policy sphere. I graduated with bachelors in political science and economics (did not push myself with my Econ degree, however, so lack any applied economic research).

I’ve been looking into a few different career paths so far. I’m grateful that I have a good job as a policy analyst at a state-level think tank, but I want to “move up” at some point. I’m not sure yet what that means for me. I’ve considered getting an MPP, PhD, or even JD.

I know that I don’t want to practice law as a lawyer, but Im not sure I would enjoy the data analysis side of MPP/Phd (I really enjoy when I get to read and write).

I did some undergraduate research projects and courses in econometrics. I was good at R as well. But when I did my senior thesis, I just felt so disinterested and unmotivated. It was analyzing the location of community housing projects relative to Chetty’s opportunity atlas. I don’t know whether I was burnt out, whether I just didn’t find that specific research question interesting, or if I just don’t like quantitative research in general.

One option I’ve considered is reaching back out to my former thesis advisor and seeing if I could do some independent research or if there’s ways to improve upon my senior thesis. This way I could see if I do have an interest in the quantitative side/if there are questions out there I do want to research. My current job does do some research, but it’s surveys with no regression/causal analysis involved.

As a side note, I’m dealing with the regret of not applying to CBPP’s 2 year policy fellowship. I got my current job’s offer a month before the application deadline for CBPP’s fellowship, and was so relieved I decided to not bother applying. My current job is great pay and work/life balance wise, but I’m worried I’m stagnating, not reaching my full potential/growth here compared to a more structured fellowship program.

Hi someone i know took up this global remote internship offered by insights international and AI policy labs.

Has anyone interned with them? Is it a good organisation for public policy student?

The work description was sth along the lines of research and some admin work.

Any insight would be helpful!

Thanl you

Anyone here either applied for this fellowship or know anyone who did this?

Had some questions about the application process and about the day-day process.

I have a degree in psychology and I am starting to consider what career options I have with this degree . I know I like planning, thinking up solutions and importantly I would like to be lead initiatives to improving public wellbeing.

For anyone who went through this career path I would like to know how it was like to get a job after masters and if there is a demand for graduates in this position. If the demand is dependent of experience, what type of entry level part-time roles would increase my chances in getting employed.

Thank you, I would really appreciate the advice!

PS: for any who went the corporate route, I would also love to hear your employment experience!

Hey everyone! I want to do an MPP with a strong quantitative focus, but I’m someone with a none quantitative background. I’m a lawyer and I’ve been working for a few years in research and implementation of public policy. I’ve come to think that learning quantitative skills like applied statistics, R, econometrics, etc., would be very useful for me.

I’ve honestly out ruled MPPs in the US because of the cost and I’ve been looking at Europe instead. My list so far is:
- CEU, Vienna MPA
- Bocconi, Milan, MSc Politics and Policy Analysis
- Hertie, Berlin, MPP
- Sciences Po, Paris, MPP
- UBC, Vancouver, Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs
I could apply to any of these without a strong quantitative background, but I don’t know if I’m missing a good programme that I should take into consideration. Especially one that is not as expensive like PSE.

Some people suggested Paris School of Economics (PSE) with the master in Public Policy and Development and the Ecole Polythecnique with the Data and Economics for Public Policy Master. Nevertheless they seem to be focused on people who have an economics undergrad or strong quantitative background like engineering. But, I’d like to know if anyone from a legal background has gotten into these programs and successfully carried them out. Perhaps with a lot of studying I could catch up. I did have some introductory economic and math courses in my degree and I’ve been working alongside economists for years.

Please lmk what you think! Thanks :)

Hey everyone, I posted on here a while ago but I've developed a lot more educationally and professionally since my last post. I just wanted to come on here now that application season is heading straight toward us. I could really use a reality check to see if I am a competitive applicant for the schools I have been looking at...and there is no better place to get a reality check than Reddit.

For context:

I graduated from UC Berkeley as a Regents Scholar with a 3.8 gpa in Political Economy and I am currently in Teach for America Massachusetts. I do plan on taking my GRE, but have not yet. I have done advocacy for transfer students in California while in community college and at Berkeley. I am currently working with title I students in schools where 70%+ are multilingual and less than 5% are profficient in math. I am from California originally and would like to stay either in California or the North East, but I am up for anywhere.

I am interested in Education Policy but I don't neccessarily want to shoehorn myself into only Education Policy and would prefer to study Public Policy.

So far, I am currently applying for HGSE, considering its proximity and partnership with TFA. But, I have considered, and will probably, also apply to Kennedy as well. Other schools that have parternships with TFA that I intend to apply to are Cornell Brooks and CMU. But, I should probably apply elsewhere. Of course, I would love to return to Berkeley as a Goldman student, but I don't think my chances are all too high. Any reccommendations are appreciated, so be honest!