Admission Process
A typical MPA/MPP program/school seeks applicants from diverse academic, professional, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Many programs look for two or more years of professional experience after completing the undergraduate degree.
For admission MPA/MPP schools consider applicants’ academic performance, the range of courses taken, results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) & Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL), applicants’ statement of purpose, relevant professional experience and faculty and employer recommendations. Personal interviews are not part of the admission process in most of the MPA/MPP schools, but visiting the MPA/MPP schools of your choice is encouraged.
How to apply
Applications to MPA/MPP schools are administered through each University’s Graduate School. You must fill out a general graduate application indicating MPA/MPP program as your choice.
For many MPA/MPP schools you can use both online and paper based applications to apply. Please note that applying online is cheaper. If you would like to apply using a paper based application, request to have one sent by mail from the MPA/MPP school. As more and more academic institutions phase out paper based application, you will notice that many MPA/MPP schools encourage you to apply online. You will find links to online applications of MPA/MPP schools on the web sites of each program, which you can find through the searchable database of our web portal.
Deadlines
Deadlines for applications to MPA/MPP schools vary from late December to early February. All application materials including GRE and TOEFL scores, recommendation letters, resume and official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended must be submitted by the required deadline. We strongly encourage you to check web sites of each MPA/MPP school to learn the application deadline and start the application process as early as possible.
Application Fee
Applicants to graduate programs in the U.S. including MPA/MPP schools, are required to pay a fee for processing of the application. The amount of this application fee varies from university to university. Some MPA/MPP schools apply a reduced fee for applications submitted at least one month earlier than the required deadline.
Required Application Documents
The required application documents are similar across MPA/MPP schools. These documents include:
- Completed online or paper application form.
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- Official GRE Score
- Official TOEFL Score
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
Completed Application Form
As part of your application to MPA/MPP schools you will need to fill out an online or paper application form. You can either request a paper application form or use the online application form to apply.
Official Transcripts
For application to the MPA/MPP schools you will also need to submit an official undergraduate transcript from all colleges or universities attended. Note that submitting all transcripts describing your good academic performance increases your chance of admission.
English Language Proficiency Tests
Most MPA/MPP schools require international applicants to submit English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results, which serve as an indicator of your proficiency in English.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from your employers or professors is are required for application to almost all MPA/MPP schools. Make sure that your recommendation letters are personalized, and address your achievements and potential.
Many graduate programs prefer to receive two letters of recommendation from professors/instructors and one recommendation from an employer for applicants who have recently graduated. Applicants with significant work experience may wish to obtain all three recommendation letters from work-related professionals.
Statement of Purpose
As part of your application you are required to submit a statement of purpose that explains your motivation for applying to an MPA/MPP program, your academic and professional background, and your expectations from the degree. Some programs may request you to address specific questions or elaborate on specific issues in your statement of purpose. Please check with each MPA/MPP program about what they are looking for in a statement of purpose.
Resume
You should submit your resume as part of your application. Some programs require that your resume be no more than two printed pages.
