r/PublicPolicy

I’ve had a weird, winding path and am looking for some reassurance.

I went to a T10 undergrad, studied IR and got a strong GPA with great internships, but completely burnt out. Like, crashed and burned after graduating. Spent two years sort of floundering, and finally got a job in education policy working with underprivileged students. I don’t want to go into education, but it’s interesting experience. I’ve been doing it for a year.

I was going to apply for Masters this cycle but am feeling overwhelmed and confused by how my profile fits in. Without sharing too many details, I have some uniquely strong characteristics but also a nonlinear path compared to many.

If I go to grad school, I want it to be in a top program, and I’m just not sure I am there yet. At the same time, I’m already 25. Waiting another couple years means I’ll be 27/28 before I start, and many of my peers from undergrad were done by 24. I’m scared of being an outlier.

My goal programs are Kennedy, Princeton, SAIS, etc. I know they are reaches. Without being too harsh, can anyone offer some advice on my situation and (if applicable) assuage my concerns of aging out of the standard cohort? Thanks in advance.

Lately there's a lot of confident takes flying around on daycare — commentators like Erica Komisar claiming it "shrivels" kids' amygdalas and causes lasting trauma, while politicians like Pres. Obama and Pres. Biden claim it pays for itself 7x over in future earnings, crime reduction, grad rates, etc.

The trauma stuff is mostly speculation — cortisol is elevated in daycare kids, sure, but cortisol also spikes from excitement and exercise, not just stress, and the amygdala claim doesn't seem to be backed by any actual study.

On the flip side, the famous studies used to justify daycare's huge ROI (Perry Project, Abecedarian) used tiny samples of severely disadvantaged kids getting intensive extra support, not just regular daycare—and a bigger randomized study found early gains faded by grade school anyway.

Basically: we've studied this a lot, and if daycare had a big effect either way, we'd probably know by now. Right?

Source: Works in Progress

7-OH deserves serious scrutiny but that's exactly why the Schedule I discussion feels so consequential to me. If there are unanswered questions about risks, dependence, potential uses and how different products compare, I want good research answering them. My concern is whether choosing the most restrictive category while those questions are still being debated makes finding those answers easier or harder. I don't need 7-OH to be harmless to think that's worth asking

Hi everyone,

I’ve taken the GRE twice but haven’t been able to cross 316 (Q162, V154, AWA 5.0). Since the GRE is quite expensive, I’m not planning to take it again.
I’m currently planning to apply to around five universities in the US for MPP, but I’m increasingly skeptical about the job market and the overall financial risk.

My_qualifications: My background is in law as I graduated in 2025 and have worked for about a year in political consultancy in a state in India. Given how uncertain the job market is globally, I’m particularly concerned about scholarships and the financial burden of pursuing a master’s abroad. In the worst-case scenario, if I’m unable to secure OPT or a job after graduation, I want to minimise the amount of debt I would have to carry if I return to India. This means looking for a tier 2 Uni with higher scholarship then a Tier 1 Uni, which I don’t know if it’s a good decision or not but financially seems fine.

I’d really appreciate some guidance on whether I should:

1. Apply only to five US universities, or
2. Apply to 2-3 US universities and diversify across Canada (Carleton, Munk, UBC), Europe(Sciences Po), Australia (Uni of Melbourne and Sydney), and Singapore (NUS).

I’d also really appreciate university suggestions based on my profile. I’ve been researching programs for almost a year, but I’m starting to feel that my current list doesn’t give me a strong chance of getting significant scholarships.
At this point, taking on something like ₹1 crore in debt seems like a very risky decision given the current job market.

Would love to hear from people who have gone through a similar decision, particularly regarding scholarships, post-study work opportunities, and the financial risk of studying in the US vs. other countries.
Thanks in advance!

I’m a recent poli sci grad with a 3.2 GPA, and I’m considering an MPA, and I’d probably need close to full funding to attend. I’m aware my GPA probably is holding me back, so I wanted to ask what the best course of action is to rebuild my profile and make me standout or competitive enough for full funding or making it into generous programs. Thanks!

Long story short: I am 36 from the US and did a master's degree in Germany to change fields into environmental policy. I was not successful and am now unemployed with no job prospects beyond menial labor.

Would it be avisable to do a second master's to regain entry into working student jobs or internships to hopefully then network into a new position, or have I totally screwed things up and need to give up on this career path completely?

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting on this thread so I’m a little nervous, but I’m hoping to get some help :)

I want to apply for Fall ‘28 for an MPP/MA International Policy. I have some safeties in mind right now, but here are my top choices: UCLA (Luskin tops my interests), UC Berkeley, Stanford.

Some Background: I’m a first-gen student, 21F, and just transferred after three years in CC with a 3.9 GPA to my local UC as an environmental studies and economics major. I’m hoping to go into urban and economic development (or a related field). My admissions results as a transfer were very good, but I had to stay back at my local UC since learning I wouldn’t be given financial support for my education. I also have a chronic condition that needs monitoring atm. Saving more money as an undergrad is giving me the opportunity to pursue a master’s in something I’m really passionate about. So far though, I’ve built up a pretty strong resume/CV with experience and leadership activities related to my interests (plus an unrelated, very uncommon individual sport I’ve been doing for 13+ years that’s been a key part of my life). I have some accomplishments listed on there as well (scholarships, research symposium, high honors cc graduate, etc). Currently, I lead a policy committee for my local chapter of a national organization, and been running my publication (related to my interests) that I’ve had for 2.5 years now that’s amassed a decent following.

Relevant Courses (so far): Intro Macroecon (A), Intro Microecon (B), Calc 1-3 (All A’s), Linear Algebra (A), Statistics (A), Environmental coursework (All A’s), some Poli Sci and Sociology coursework (All A’s).

Note: So sorry for this long dump. I’m just so lost on all of this and hope I’m not coming off as entitled or anything like that.

Questions:

1)What should I prioritize going forward over the next year to two outside of building connections with professors, maintaining GPA, and gaining a strong GRE score?

Can one of my recommendations be from one CC professor who knows me well?

2)How should I study for the GRE and when?

3)How do you approach application writing prompts? For example, there’s the personal statement vs. the statement of purpose. I feel like in undergrad prompts (for transferring at least), you can get slightly creative but still connect to your reasoning for pursuing your program(s) and in a way, show your personality. I’m just not sure if master’s apps are similar.

I'm thinking of creating a small group of ** Political Science Students** who want something beyond the exam oriented discussion.

The idea is to create a space where we can **read, write and discuss political theory, research papers,** books, exchange useful academic resources, discuss research ideas, may work on them together, and maybe occasionally proper discussion on political concepts, contemporary issues and thinkers.

What we can do:

1. Pick a paper/ chapter / book evey week or two and discuss it.

2. Discuss political thinkers and different interpretations of their work (Hermenutics)

3. Share academic papers etc.

4. Help each other with research questions, literature reviews and methodology.

5. Help each other with feedback on papers, essays, research proposals etc.

6. Discuss academic opportunities, conferences which can be attended, publications, JRF etc.

7. Most importantly *understanding contemporary political developments with theoretical paradigms.*

It doesn't have to be a very formal group, but more of **a small reading community which eventually converts into a research community.**

If there are enough people, I'll setup the group and we can figure out the format together.

About me : I'm a 2nd year Master's student of Political Science in University of Delhi.

If interested, Drop me a message. Thank you :)

UPDATE: Woah, Quite overwhelming response, i wasn't expecting this. Those who still want to join, drop me a message, stating your name and academic background. I'll close this by tomorrow evening. Thank you everyone.

I decided I want to do an MPP. The programs I am looking at require that I take the GRE. I hope to enroll in Fall 2027. I work full time at a policy nonprofit.

Do I have enough time to study for the GRE and score well if I take it in November? I’ll simultaneously be working on application essays. I know who to contact for rec letters and I’m certain they’ll say yes.

Should I go ahead or would it be better for me to wait until next cycle? Any tips on studying for the GRE? Thanks.

I’m planning to apply to MPA programs focused on health and public policy for Fall 2027 after leaving medical school. My school has confirmed that I remained in good academic standing, but I could not advance to clinical training because I did not achieve the required passing score on the licensing examination. There were no conduct or professionalism issues.

My background includes several years of clinical research, peer-reviewed publications, healthcare employment, and community-service work. I also plan to continue conducting research during the coming year.

Has anyone seen how MPA admissions committees evaluate this type of professional-school transition? Would it be considered a major barrier, or something that can be addressed briefly in an optional addendum? I’m not looking for a prediction of my admission chances, but just advice on how to disclose it appropriately and demonstrate readiness for graduate study.

Hello everyone,

I am interested in think tank policy research in macroeconomic, foreign, and like poverty reduction policy, among other things. In terms of my region of focus I would love to focus on South, East, and Southeast Asia and former Britisher colonies all over the world. I am an Indian American and generally open to working anywhere in the world (would prefer to work outside of the US) and as such I was wondering if think tanks have partisan slants. This is both in the US and elsewhere. And if so, how do I figure what these slants are? My motivation came from the Heritage Foundation which is a known Right-Wing think tank which is something I do not want to associate myself with. Luckily, I don't have to, there are a plethora of think tanks doing wonderful work out there and there should be one which is matching my political slant. So I would love to know how to narrow down think tanks.

I appreciate the response!

Interesting discussion I had with a grad school policy professor.

The contention was that demand among employers has shrank across the board. Thereby, right now for this degree area, it is simply degree over production.

The market might correct it in a few years time or so.

However for the average MPP/MPA today their degree is being devalued in the job market if they stay in the policy space (not counting those that leave the policy space and utilize your degree as a generic masters)

Hi! I'm working on submitting apps for Fall '27, and have a really noncompetitive GPA. I'm hoping to get some advice on realistic programs to apply to with my profile. I'm interested in working in tech policy (think governance/advocacy/public interest, not private sector). I've gotten early acceptance from UVA (waiting on award package) but am struggling to finalize my app list (~5 schools) considering my profile and my policy interests. Any advice on what is realistic while still being prestigious enough for good career prospects? (looking to stay in northeast or DC areas if possible, w ability to go abroad long-term)

Undergrad: graduated in '22 w a CGPA of 2.5 (extenuating circumstances of caretaking/housing insecurity, explained in addendum)

Work: 5 years: program management, process improvement and nonprofit work (+ 2 Americorps terms), 1 published social analysis paper (academic journal in Spain)

GRE: taking it to help my prospects, currently testing 160V/150Q in practice tests

Current App Considerations:

CMU (MSPPM or MSMPPM DC)

Columbia SIPA MPA

Harris (MPP)

McCourt (MPP)

NYU (MSPP)

Northwestern (MSTPP)

Rutgers Bloustein (MPP)

Tufts (MAIA)

UMaryland (MPP)

Baruch MPP (new for Fall '27)

Hi,

I’ve been working for two years out of college as a firefighter and had pretty prestigious internships during my undergrad. I’m thinking of changing fields, possibly staying public safety but in an emergency management role but I want to keep my options open.

I’ve heard people strongly recommend against going immediately to get a masters and especially for SIPA, but I’ve also heard how much columbia opens doors for people and how much the degree was absolutely worth it, even with little aid.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. working on studying for the GRE right now. also applying for an MPA for Rutgers and NYU so I can compare what a financial wise decision would be.

Thank you!

Hello! I am a College sophomore (Politics/Government major) weighing two very different grad school paths for a career in policy/advocacy work — interested in areas like criminal justice reform and healthcare policy. I’m deciding between a secular MPP (e.g. Georgetown) and a Licentiate in Social Sciences from the Angelicum (Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome), which is a 2-year graduate-level program (Baccalaureate → Licentiate → Doctorate structure, roughly Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD equivalent) focused on ethics, law, and politics, accredited through the Holy See rather than US regional accreditation. My main questions: how do US employers or grad admissions committees typically treat a foreign degree that isn’t labeled “Master’s” even when it’s the graduate tier, and does a credential evaluation (WES etc.) actually solve that in practice? Would an MPP-style curriculum (stats, econometrics, program evaluation) be something I’d need to backfill separately if I went the Licentiate route, or is that less of an issue than I think? Has anyone gone the “niche foreign/religious graduate degree” route and later pivoted to a more conventional policy job, and how’d that go? Basically trying to figure out how much this choice locks me into one path versus keeping options open.

Hi HKS/SIPA alums! I’m trying to get a better sense of the post-graduation experience and would really appreciate hearing from those who’ve gone through it.

Career outcomes: What role did you move into after graduating, and what sector/organisation are you currently in?

Did you end up working in the US, or did you return to your home country?

Pre-MPP/MPA experience: How much did your previous work experience help in securing your role? Did you make a significant career switch?

Nature of work: What does your current role actually involve, and is it broadly what you expected to be doing after the degree?

What would you do differently in terms of capacity building—prioritise data analytics, deepen domain expertise?

Thanks!

Hey everyone, I graduated from college last year and was able to find a job the beginning of this year in public policy as an analyst. My performance is good, the pay/work life balance is GREAT, but I don't know if I have my heart in this job. I am grateful that I have this job, given how tough the market is. But I can't help but shake this feeling that this job, maybe even this field, isn't the right one for me.

I don't think I explored different fields enough during college to really see my options, nor did I take enough challenging classes (my degree is in Public Policy). I took the minimum amount of classes to graduate with honors and summa cum laude and called it a day. I shied away from taking classes I heard were difficult because I didn't want to risk making a B. And I stuck with a topic I wasn't interested about for my thesis and procrastinated the whole way through.

All of this is to say that I regret not challenging myself and regret not exploring Political Science/Philosophy/creative fields/academia more in general. I'm a big believer in good governance and thought I would find a career working in a progressive NGO fulfilling, but every day I have to force myself to do my tasks, otherwise I procrastinate till the last minute.

My employer is pretty niche, however. It's a regional NGO focused on maternal health policy. I only got this job because my friend was able to get me an internship here when I couldn't find anything, and they were so happy with my performance they gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I never saw myself working on this policy issue, even though I do see its importance.

I'm just feeling trapped here. Now, when I go to look for jobs, everything I am qualified for would be paying me the same/less *in higher cost of living areas*. I would need a couple more years to be qualified for higher paying jobs.

One other possibility is that I just hate where I live. It's a terrible, suburban city with nothing to do if you aren't a college student. I could see if my employer lets me move since we work remote, but it was part of my contract that I stay here.

What options do I have? Should I try to get a job with a different policy focus? Try working for a city/state government? Go back to school for a masters/phd?

I apologize for the rant, I'm just at my wits end on what to do. I have a life and job people my age would kill to have yet I'm so depressed, it makes me feel so guilty and ungrateful.