Review the most up-to-date instructions on applying for admission.
By Katie Kelsall, Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid
Admissions season can be both an exciting and heartbreaking time, especially if you are applying to highly selective institutions. At ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, we receive thousands of applications from inspiring candidates, but unfortunately, we cannot offer a place in our class to each of them. If you found that you were not admitted to one of our master’s degree programs this year, don’t let that discourage you from pursuing your academic goals. You may be a great fit at another institution, or you may want to consider reapplying to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø in the future. Every year, we admit candidates who previously applied.
While we cannot provide individualized feedback on any candidate’s application, we encourage you to thoughtfully consider these aspects of your application as you approach reapplying.
Quantitative ability
Each of our master’s degree programs includes a quantitative component. When we evaluate applications, we look for evidence that candidates have the ability to succeed in quantitative courses. If you are required to submit a GRE/GMAT score for your program (see test requirements), you may want to consider studying further and retaking the exam. You may also think about taking additional quantitative courses, such as statistics or economics, to demonstrate your quantitative ability.
Work experience
First, be sure to understand the work experience criteria for each of our programs: the two-year MPA Program and Mid-Career MPA Program, both require work experience, three years and seven years, respectively. Our MPP and MPA/ID Programs do not require work experience, but on average, students in those programs have at least two years of professional experience. Furthermore, our students find that bringing their professional experience into the classroom makes for a more engaging and productive experience. You may want to think about getting more professional experience, particularly related to public service, before reapplying.
Essays
If you reapply for admission within three years, you may reuse some application materials, including transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. While it’s possible some of your application essay content is still relevant when you reapply, we highly recommend refreshing them. Be authentic in your writing. Think about meaningful experiences, accomplishments, and perspectives that you can bring to the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community. As a reapplicant, you will also be asked to write an additional short statement that explains what has changed since your last application. Finally, be sure to thoroughly proofread each essay and have someone who knows you well read your essays and provide honest feedback.
Program fit
While there is some overlap in our four master’s degree programs, each has unique criteria and curricula. It is possible that things have changed since your last application, and you may be a better fit for a different program. Before reapplying, familiarize yourself with each program’s application requirements and determine which one is right for you.
We know that applying to graduate school is no small feat. Not only is the application itself a lot of work, but everything you’ve done up to this point—your coursework, professional experience, community, and public service—has taken passion and effort. No matter where your academic pursuits take you, we hope you know your contributions to public service are important and valued.
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