We are pleased to see applications from prospective students for our masters’ programs for the Fall 2018 semester beginning to arrive. If you are currently working on your application, we wanted to provide some information and direction that may be helpful.

Submission Deadline
The deadline to apply for one of our masters’ programs is Monday, January 15, 2018 by 11:59 p.m. EST.  We understand that sometimes letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, etc. may be a little late. We will be as flexible as possible, but you must ensure that your application is submitted by January 15, 2018. Our team is in the process of reviewing submitted applications to ensure that they are complete and updating the status of the application.

The application is available online through the Rackham Graduate School website.

Transcripts
For the purpose of the admission review, you may upload unofficial copies of transcripts from your degree-granting institution(s) with your online application for the admissions committee to review. You are also welcome to upload unofficial transcripts from any other institutions you may have attended, but you are not required to do so. All transcripts need to be uploaded as one document. We do ask that you provide it in a format that is easy to understand. Some applicants have used advising report formats that are difficult to follow.

Friend Account
When you begin your application, you are prompted to create a friend account, which enables you to access your application. Applicants sometimes get locked out of this account and need to have it reset. If you experience this situation, you should contact the Rackham Admissions office. You can either email rackadmis@umich.edu or you can call 734-764-8129. We are unable to unlock friend accounts, so you must contact Rackham directly.

Application Fee Waivers
The Ford School is able to provide application fee waivers to individuals who have participated in the following programs:

– Teach For America
– Peace Corps (at least three months removed from their service)
– AmeriCorps (at least three months removed from their service)
– Active U.S. Military
– U.S. Military Veterans

To request these fee waivers, complete the Ford School’s volunteer service form. After requests are submitted, applicants receive an email from fspp-admissions@umich.edu asking for a Letter of Verification from their organization (Letters of Verification must include dates of service). Upon receipt of the Letter of Verification and subsequent approval of the request for fee waiver, applicants will receive their fee waiver code via email with additional instructions. If you are applying for a fee waiver from either Rackham or the Ford School, please allow at least a week for processing.

The Rackham Graduate School offers fee waivers to graduate students with financial need, Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) alumni, and current AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and Vista volunteers. To receive your Rackham fee waiver approval in a timely manner, please follow Rackham’s Instructions for fee waiver requests.

Detailed information about necessary application materials can be found on our application checklist page, as well as information for International Applicants. As always, please be sure to contact us with any questions at fspp-admissions@umich.edu or by calling 734-764-0453.