ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

What motivated you to host a Coffee Hour event?

Even after only one semester, the MPA/ID Program has had a profound impact on me. I’ve met an incredible group of smart, driven, and impact-oriented classmates who continuously challenge and broaden my perspective. It’s a truly unique experience, and I wanted to pay it forward by helping others learn more about the program.

Tell us more about the Coffee Hour event with prospective students in Nairobi.

The event allowed for an informal but engaging discussion with about seven attendees. We sat around a table and talked through their questions about the program, the application process, and life at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. The group was diverse, consisting of consultants, venture capital professionals, and development startup employees—all from different educational backgrounds.

What were some of the most common questions you received, and how did you address them?

Is my English good enough for the MPA/ID Program?

If your language of instruction has ever been English, you’ll be absolutely fine. Many students in the program are multilingual, and fluency in multiple languages is a huge asset!

How should I think about building my application and story?

Focus on your aspirations and answer two key questions:

• Why can’t I do what I am aiming to succeed in today?
• How can the MPA/ID Program help me achieve these goals?

Think of your application as a puzzle. Each component—essays, recommendations, resume, etc.—should fit together to tell a cohesive story.

What if I haven’t taken the MPA/ID prerequisites?

MPA/ID students have a wide variety of undergraduate majors—there’s no single path to the program. Prerequisites can be taken online from various universities, so there are many options to fulfill them.

Do I need to worry about my GMAT/GRE scores?

The Admissions Committee views the application holistically. You should take the test early so you have the flexibility to retake it if needed.

How do students fund their education?

Financial aid is available through ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s application process, but there are also external scholarships which you should definitely pursue. Explore multiple funding sources!

Did anything stick out to you from the Coffee Hour event?

The global reach of the MPA/ID Program is incredible. We had a prospective student who had landed in Nairobi that very morning but still made it to the session after reaching out to Katie Chen, one of the other co-hosts. Moments like those remind me how diverse, driven, and connected our community is.

What additional advice would you give to prospective students?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your application should be deeply personal, but getting feedback from friends, family, and colleagues can help refine your story.

Also, take advantage of the MPA/ID Program team. Carol Finney, Sarah Olia, and Erin Meade are incredibly responsive, and unlike many other graduate programs, you’ll actually get personalized responses from the program staff themselves. They’re an amazing resource—use them!