Five supporting documents to be submitted
Five supporting documents are required for all applicants. Application materials must be received by January 15 for admissions consideration.
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1. Essays
The Academic Statement of Purpose should be a concise essay about your professional and academic goals (500 words). The admissions committee is interested in how this graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The academic statement is uploaded on page 9 of the application under the section titled Program-Specific Information.
A Personal Statement is also required for all applicants (500 words). This statement is meant to convey how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. The personal statement is uploaded on page 10 of the application under the section titled Additional Essay and Information.
Both essays provide an opportunity for the applicant to convey to the Admissions Committee information that cannot be found in transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, or resumes. Essays should clearly explain the applicant’s reasons for wanting to pursue a Master in Public Policy or Public Affairs, areas and questions of interest, and why the Ford School, in particular, is the best place to pursue these objectives. Applicants should be mindful that the statements are not only an opportunity to demonstrate their strong interest in public policy and public affairs, but also to demonstrate their ability to communicate succinctly and clearly.
A new, additional question in the application asks about your quantitative and analytical preparation. Respond with information about courses you may have taken in college and/or work experiences where you have utilized quantitative skills.
2. Test scores
Applications for 2021-22 academic year only: GRE scores are optional for applications from students seeking to enroll in the MPP program in the 2021-22 academic year. GRE scores are typically required of all applicants, as we have found them to be useful indicators of academic preparation for our core curriculum. However, in light of disruptions caused by COVID-19 to people’s ability to prepare for and take the GRE, the Ford School is making GRE scores optional for MPP applications for the 2021-22 academic year.
Applications without GRE scores will not be disadvantaged in our holistic application review process. However, if you would like to submit GRE scores, test scores dated before August 2015 are no longer valid. GRE scores are due the same day your completed application is due (January 15, 2021), thus you should plan to take the GRE by no later than early November.
Students applying for the joint JD/MPP (University of Michigan Law School and the Ford School) may submit the LSAT in place of the GRE. Students applying for the joint MBA/MPP (University of Michigan Business School and the Ford School) may submit the GMAT (institution code: SN1-J6-77) in the place of the GRE. Test(s) must be taken within five years of application and preferably no later than the December preceding admission. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have test results submitted to the University. (Note: When registering for the GRE or sending additional score reports, applicants should use the University of Michigan code #1839.)
Applicants to the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program: The submission of GRE, GMAT or LSAT scores is optional; submitted scores are not subject to any time limit.
3. Resume or curriculum vitae
A current resume or curriculum vitae must be submitted. Applicants who apply online should attach this under the section asking for a resume. Please do not confuse this with your statement of purpose, two separate documents must be submitted. The resume is uploaded on page 8 of the application under the section titled Employment History; Resume and Financial Assistance.
4. Letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capabilities and experience of the applicant. We encourage applicants to submit letters of recommendation electronically—please see the online application for instructions. If you have any questions or difficulty submitting your letters of recommendation, please email fspp-admissions@umich.edu.
5. Transcripts
All Applicants: Please upload an official or unofficial transcript with your online application in ApplyWeb. You may also upload additional transcripts from any other institution you attended.
An official transcript from your undergraduate degree-granting institution must be submitted to Rackham Graduate School only after an offer of admission is made. Visit this link for information on how to submit an official transcript to Rackham Graduate School.
International applicants
International students must submit additional documentation with their application. Please see our International Applicant Materials for full requirements.
Dual degree applicants
Dual degree applicants may need to fill out additional documentation as well. Please see our Dual Degree Applicant page for information.