Maxim’s Top 10 Tips for Completing your Application!

Prospective students, welcome! As the December 20 Priority Fellowship Consideration Deadline approaches, I would like to share ten tips for completing your SIPA application. I hope they will help you in feeling more confident when you are ready to submit.

1. Proofread Personal Information

   Let's start easy. I know this part seems very unimportant, but making sure that your details are correct, is noteworthy. You wouldn't believe how many people submit their name, citizenship, or address incorrectly. It is not impossible to change them later if admitted, but it makes everything easier to have it correct.

2. Test Scores: NOT at-home

   We encourage all applicants to submit their GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge scores where relevant. However, please bear in mind that we do not accept test scores from exams taken at home. Therefore, TOEFL and other exam reports that indicate a "Home Edition" will not be accepted by the Admissions Office.

3. Being considered for the MPA/MIA program if unsuccessful.

   MPA applicants have the option to be considered for the MIA program if their MPA application is unsuccessful, and the same system works for MIA applicants. If you select such an option, do not forget to check that you submitted all the relevant documents. For example, in the current cycle, if you select that you want to be considered for the MIA as an MPA applicant, you will also need to submit a language resume, as indicated by the portal.

4. Transcripts include all of your coursework with grades

   Very important! When you submit transcripts from your previous studies, please make sure that the transcripts include all of your coursework, including transfer credits, if applicable. If your transcript only says TR instead of a grade for each of the courses, you will be required to provide us with a transcript that includes all of the grades. Therefore, if you did an exchange year abroad, or transferred to one or more institutions, attach their transcripts as well.

5. Transcript Evaluation Completed/In Progress

   If admitted to SIPA, you will be required to provide a course by course evaluation for all non-US transcripts. If you already have a transcript evaluation completed or in progress, do not forget to provide your reference in the Education section. Once again, for a SIPA application, unofficial transcripts are sufficient at this stage.

6. All quantitative courses included?

   Quantitative courses are important when considering your application. If you enrolled in any quantitative courses that you have not included in the Quantitative Experience section, be sure to put them there so that we are able to assess your quantitative proficiency correctly. 

7. Proofread resume and essays

   I'm sure you were expecting this tip, and rightfully so. Typos in applications are some of the most unfortunate ways why applicants might not reach their dream outcome. A single typo does not mean that your application will be disregarded, but seeing typos across your application does not show your application in the best light. Also, don't worry if English is not your mother tongue - after all, there are so many students at SIPA who don't have English as their first language, including myself. Be natural in expressing yourself and I'm sure that the Admissions Committee will appreciate it.

8. Recommenders, try to submit early!

   I would greatly advise you to talk to your recommenders early on so that they can write and submit your recommendation for SIPA as soon as possible. Receiving all your recommendation letters before submitting the application is not required, but I would personally recommend it. In any case, please make sure that we receive your recommendation letters before the relevant application deadline. 

9. Fee and Video Essay

   Lastly, after submitting your application and paying the application fee, do not forget to submit the video essay that will appear after a payment has been made. Please read the instructions of the video essay carefully before recording it, as you will only have one attempt. But don't be afraid, the video essay is just one of many parts of your application, so you can take it rather as a little bonus and an opportunity for us to learn a bit more about you.

10. Submit and Relax:)

    After completing all the steps of  your application, paying the fee, and submitting your video essay, you can relax. At this point, you will have spent weeks or months working on your application, and I think it's great to acknowledge all the hard work you put into the process. Now, you just need to wait, and get ready to hear some, hopefully, exciting in the months to come.