ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

With the fall semester behind us, Carol Jin MPA/ID 2025 and J.B. Branch MC/MPA 2025,  two of the Fall 2024 Graduate Student Ambassadors, reflect on their time meeting with and helping prospective students. Although the application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year has passed, Carol and J.B. will continue to meet with prospective students in the spring. 

Read their reflections on the fall semester below.
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Our favorite moments from the fall

J.B.: I enjoyed getting to know the students who were applying and offering them a transparent perspective of Harvard Kennedy School. I attended many graduate admissions events prior to coming here, so this fall, I was able to pay it forward.

Carol: My favorite part of working as a student ambassador was meeting prospective students who share the same goal of serving the public interest. Through weekly events and one-on-one meetings, I had the opportunity to reflect on my own ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø journey, share my experiences, and convey how much I value and love the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community. Additionally, it was inspiring to hear the passion and stories of prospective students. It was truly an honor to listen to their aspirations and to play a supportive role by encouraging them throughout their application process and future endeavors.

Advice to applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year

J.B.: It takes a long time to find out if you were accepted. Admissions decisions are typically released around mid-March at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. I had a countdown on my phone but otherwise ignored application portals. I also made an effort to plan fun events between submitting my application and the decision coming out. That way, I focused on something that was seven days away, as opposed to thinking about the admissions decision which was 90 days away.

Carol: First of all, give yourself a well-deserved high-five! Completing the application process is no small feat, and you’ve made it through! Personally, I found the application process rewarding because it gave me an opportunity to reflect deeply on my goals and experiences, and I hope you found it equally meaningful.

Secondly, take some time to rest and recharge. You’ve worked hard preparing for standardized tests, writing essays, and managing tight timelines, so this is the perfect moment to give yourself a break—you’ve earned it!

Lastly, stay connected with ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø through various platforms. Reach out to current students or alumni to learn more about the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø experience or follow ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø on social media to stay updated on what’s happening on campus. These connections can give you valuable insights and keep you excited about the possibilities ahead.

Best of luck to all applicants! I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø soon.

Other reflections

J.B.: There are so many resources available at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø that it can feel overwhelming at times. If you are accepted, I’d consider spending some time looking more into what you want to pursue or research. By summer, many students already have a strategic plan regarding how they’ll navigate the school. I began my research in the fall term, which resulted in a learning curve between the other students and me. I eventually found my pace of things, but it took a while. Being able to do that quicker would have been helpful.

Carol: Time has truly flown by—I can’t believe I’ve completed three-quarters of my ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø journey. It’s bittersweet to realize I only have one more semester before I’ll need to say goodbye to the beautiful ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø campus and the incredible community here.

Serving as a student ambassador has undoubtedly been the highlight of this semester. Prospective students’ enthusiasm and stories have been incredibly inspiring and have made this experience so meaningful for me.

Now I truly wish you all a smooth and successful conclusion to the year. Have a restful holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and time spent with loved ones!