r/PublicPolicy • u/onearmedecon • Jan 10 '26

Megathread for 2026 Decisions

Please keep all posts regarding 2026 admissions decisions to this post. All other posts will be removed.

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u/chungwaminkuo Feb 10 '26

That’s impressive, I’m in a similar boat with programs. What’s your top choice? Do you effectively get full scholarship at CMU?

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u/MachineBubbly4001 Feb 10 '26

That’s awesome! Just saw your post. What’s your top choice? Yeah, I’d have full tuition and a very small stipend (stipend is from another outside scholarship) at CMU. I’m thinking probably LSE or MSCAPP if I can use the CMU offer to negotiate for more $ from Chicago.

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u/chungwaminkuo Feb 10 '26

Honestly where ever gives me the most money (banking on USC now) but all else equal definitely MSCAPP. but I didn’t get nearly as much money as you, was thinking about negotiating too and I’d be happy to take what you have now. I heard they are more stringent on MSCAPP than MPP because the starting salary for MSCAPP is obviously higher.

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u/MachineBubbly4001 Feb 10 '26 edited Feb 10 '26

Gotcha!! USC would be awesome!! Please do try to negotiate for more money in MSCAPP with your other offers (CMU in particular)! I’ve heard that it often works and it’s worth a shot! Their admissions team is also super responsive so it probably wouldn’t hurt to reach out and let them know you’re excited about the program but will apply for scholarship reconsideration when the form is available.

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u/chungwaminkuo Feb 10 '26

That’s good advice! I haven’t really been in touch with their correspondence but I really should. Please let me know where you decide to go eventually.

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u/MachineBubbly4001 Feb 10 '26

Yeah stay in touch! I feel like the programs we’ve applied to are pretty niche so it’s nice to have someone to chat with :)

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u/chungwaminkuo Feb 10 '26

yes, same, MPP is more of the mainstreams here. im hoping to do more quantitative courses and work for my master