I applied to policy programs this past year and deadlines for decisions are coming up. I got in everyhwere I wanted but my aid packages are not what I was hoping for. In retrospect I should’ve applied to some safety schools in hopes of getting a full ride, but I didn’t. My ¨best¨ aid package is from GW, where it would end up costing me $20K/year plus room and board, so in all probably about $100K over 2 years. I’m not looking forward to the prospect of gradauting with 100K in debt and going into government work.

I only took the GRE once and got a 1460, and I’m pretty sure I could improve that to at least 1500 or so (hopefully more) if I retake. I don’t know all that much about policy schools but I’m thinking that it’s kind of like med school – it doesn’t really matter if you go to a top 10 school once you get out into the workforce, unless you’re gunning for a top, top job. So it would probably make a lot more sense to go to a 2nd tier school if you could get full funding there. So I guess I’m wondering – are there “2nd tier” schools that give full packages to strong candidates (and if so, any suggestions for schools to look at)? I’m not sure if it makes sense to wait a year, volunteer somewhere overseas or travel in the meantime, then reapply with hopes of getting a full ride somewhere. Any advice?

Thanks.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1279390&forum_id=3#14679529)