Ford School masters program applications opened back in September, and if you’re considering applying for our Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Affairs degree programs in the next two months, here are some things that might be helpful need to know.

WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is a two-year, 48 credit program that trains students with a broad range of policy interests for a wide set of jobs – providing a toolbox of research, analytical, and management skills that are highly transferable across sectors and issue areas. And starting in Fall 2019, MPP students will have the option to declare concentrations in five areas: public policy and analysis methods; public & nonprofit management; social policy;  international policy; and international economic development. This program is great for prospective students looking to begin a career in policy or public service.

The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program is a mid-career program being launched in Fall 2019 for applicants with substantial work experience in the public policy realm. MPA students will take some courses with our MPP students, and will also have several unique learning experiences tailored to their small cohort of accomplished professionals. The 33-credit degree program can be completed in 9 months with a full course of study and is a great option for prospective students with at least five years of experience in government, military, private sector government affairs, or the nonprofit sector looking to continue or advance their career in policy or public service.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

Applications for both degrees opened on September 6th and are open until 11:59PM EST on January 15, 2019. Applicants will then be notified of admissions decisions by mid-March 2019.

WHERE DO I APPLY?

Applications to the Ford School go through the Rackham Graduate School application!

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?

Here’s a checklist of the documents and information you will need to submit for the Ford School masters program applications:

1. Essays: The Ford School requires two, 500-word essays – the Academic Statement of Purpose and a Personal Statement. Both essays can convey to the Admissions Committee information that cannot be found in transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, or resumes. They explain the applicant’s reasons for wanting to pursue a Master in Public Policy or Public Affairs at the Ford School. Applicants should be mindful that the statements are also an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate succinctly and clearly.
2. Test scores: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) aptitude test is required for MPP applications only. Students considering dual degree programs may be able to substitute GRE scores with those from another test. Applicants to the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program may submit GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores if they want (Note: When registering for the GRE or sending additional score reports, applicants should use the University of Michigan code #1839).
3. Resume or curriculum vitae: We need a current resume or c.v., not to be confused with your personal statement!
4. Letters of recommendation: The Ford School requires three letters of recommendation that reflect your academic and, if relevant, job capabilities and experiences. We encourage applicants to submit letters of recommendation electronically— please see the online application for instructions.
5. Transcripts: All applicants should upload an official or unofficial transcript with your online application in ApplyWeb. You may also upload additional transcripts from any other institution you attended.

If you have questions or encounter difficulty with the application process, please contact our staff in Student and Academic Services Office by calling 734-764-0453 or by emailing fspp-admissions@umich.edu. We’re happy to help however we can before January 15th!

Every year, the Ford School’s Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP) organization coordinates a Pipeline Initiative to assist applicants in completing applications for the Ford School’s graduate programs. While the first round has passed, the second round applications for the Pipeline are open until the end of the week!

As you continue your application process, we decided to talk to two former Pipeline Applicants who are now Ford School masters students and current Pipeline Mentors. Check out our conversation with Alex Weaver and Emma Dolce! And at the bottom, check out our instructions for participating in the Pipeline Initiative.

Why did you sign up for Pipeline when you were applying to Ford?

Alex: While I felt I knew the rules of the road for my MBA application, I was relatively lost on how to compose an Academic Statement of Purpose, or a Personal Statement. Good thing I asked for guidance too, because after submitting my draft of my Personal Statement to Pipeline, my mentor (very politely) told me that what I had written sounded like an Academic Statement!

Emma: I signed up for the Pipeline Initiative because it seemed like a good way to get insider help on my application and connect with a current Ford student. Visit days are great but if you can’t make it to campus it can be hard to get “face time” with actual students. My mentor was super helpful in explaining the ins and outs of the program and also giving me and a better picture of the Ford School and greater UM community.

What made you decide to volunteer to be a Pipeline mentor?

Emma: I signed up to be a Pipeline mentor because I wanted to give back and help other students with the application process and share what I love about the Ford community. Applying to any kind of grad program is daunting and exhausting and overwhelming and I hope that by being a mentor I can make things just that much easier for another student.

Alex: Paying it forward. I might not be here without the wise guidance of my Pipeline mentor.

What do you think makes the Pipeline Initiative important?

Alex: All applicants deserve equality of opportunity, in terms of being armed with the insight to be able to put their best Ford application forward. Pipeline helps with that.

Emma: The Pipeline Initiative is important because it can help people who might not be very familiar with the grad school application process make the most of it. Like I said, applying to grad school is a big undertaking and I think it’s important for programs to make the process as accessible and equitable for everyone as they possibly can. The Pipeline Initiative is just one small piece of that accessibility.

What advice would you give to someone who’s applying for a graduate program at the Ford School (or anywhere else)?

Emma: Make a plan and stick to it. I wrote out a little post-it note what I was going to do and when (July- research programs and start studying for the GRE, September- contact references, October- take the GRE, November- write essays etc.) and I stuck it next to my bed so I would see it all of the time (yes, this is super nerd status but I stand by it!). This helped me stay on task and see the bigger picture. I also think keeping your self-confidence high is really important. The application process can be really draining especially when you’re working or also still in school. It’s important to remind yourself you are talented and accomplished and you totally got this!

Alex: If possible, based on your circumstances, visit, sit in on a class, and meet or talk with current students and admissions staff. For any graduate program, online research can only take you so far.

What is SCPP Pipeline?

The goal of the Pipeline Initiative is to help prospective students navigate the application process and to provide the student perspective on being a member of the Ford School community. We particularly welcome inquiries from students of color to help increase the diversity in our programs.

How does it work?

This outreach program pairs a prospective student, like yourself, with a current graduate student who will act as a mentor and provide guidance on the application process. For example, mentors can read through your personal statement and provide feedback on your resume. Current students will be paired with applicants based on a variety of factors, i.e. policy interests, undergraduate institution, career goals, etc.

What’s the timeframe?

Mentors will be provided to prospective students during two submission rounds. All application materials must be received by the application deadlines to be paired with a mentor on the corresponding Match Date. We will do our best to match prospective students who submit their application after the application date.

How do I Register for Pipeline?

1. Complete the following survey to help us pair you with a student mentor:

2018 Pipeline Initiative Registration Form

2. For feedback purposes, submit your personal statement draft as a word document, saved as “FullName_Pipeline_PPS.doc”, to amricha@umich.edu with the subject line: “Pipeline Personal Statement: FullName”.

If you have any questions, please email SCPP’s Pipeline Chair, Audrey Richardson, at amricha@umich.edu.

Please note: The Pipeline Initiative is a voluntary program under the leadership of the Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP). Participation in the Pipeline Initiative does not guarantee admission into the MPP or MPA programs.

Every year, the Ford School’s Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP) organization coordinates a Pipeline Initiative to assist applicants in completing applications for the Ford School’s graduate programs. Post below is this year’s Pipeline Initiative announcement; interested students can apply for the first round by the end of this week or the second round at the end of November!

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Under the leadership of Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP), we are excited to launch this year’s Pipeline Initiative!

What is SCPP Pipeline?

The goal of the Pipeline Initiative is to help prospective students navigate the application process and to provide the student perspective on being a member of the Ford School community. We particularly welcome inquiries from students of color to help increase the diversity in our programs.

How does it work?

This outreach program pairs a prospective student, like yourself, with a current graduate student who will act as a mentor and provide guidance on the application process. For example, mentors can read through your personal statement and provide feedback on your resume. Current students will be paired with applicants based on a variety of factors, i.e. policy interests, undergraduate institution, career goals, etc.

What’s the timeframe?

Mentors will be provided to prospective students during two submission rounds. All application materials must be received by the application deadlines to be paired with a mentor on the corresponding Match Date. We will do our best to match prospective students who submit their application after the application date.

How do I Register for Pipeline?

1. Complete the following survey to help us pair you with a student mentor:

2018 Pipeline Initiative Registration Form

2. For feedback purposes, submit your personal statement draft as a word document, saved as “FullName_Pipeline_PPS.doc”, to amricha@umich.edu with the subject line: “Pipeline Personal Statement: FullName”.

If you have any questions, please email SCPP’s Pipeline Chair, Audrey Richardson, at amricha@umich.edu.

Please note: The Pipeline Initiative is a voluntary program under the leadership of the Students of Color in Public Policy (SCPP). Participation in the Pipeline Initiative does not guarantee admission into the MPP or MPA programs.

Each year, the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in an intensive seven-week Junior Summer Institute (JSI) before their senior year. During their program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good. With an alumni network of 4000 individuals who share similar interests, PPIA is a great opportunity for undergraduates who want careers in public service.

For more than three decades, the Ford School has been proud to host a PPIA JSI, where we provide the following:

• A $1,000 stipend during the seven-week program (increasing to $1,500 for 2019)
• Cost of travel expenses
• Housing and meals
• Books and related course supplies
• Library and computer access
• Training in statistics, microeconomics, policy, and writing
• Opportunity to participate in policy modules led by Ford School faculty
• Enrichment and professional development activities with PPIA alumni and supporters of the program and the Ford School

The Fellowship is open to all undergraduates who expect to graduate between December of 2019 and August of 2020. If you are interested in applying for the 2019 Fellowship, go to the website and submit your application by November 1, 2018: http://www.ppiaprogram.org/ppia/

If you would like to learn more about PPIA at the Ford School, please contact us by calling 734-764-0453 or by emailing fspp-admissions@umich.edu.