With our Early Action deadline behind us and our January 5 (deadline with fellowship consideration) and February 5 (final deadline) deadlines approaching, we’d like to provide some more information on our application essays.
For general essay tips, we recommend checking out our blog entry on writing a strong essay.
For the MIA/MPA program applications, the following essays are required:
- Personal Statement
- Describe future self to future employer, or current self to future employer
- Optional Essay
A quick tip on the Personal Statement
In addition to sharing your personal story, this is an opportunity to indicate a clear trajectory for your professional and personal development. This is the chance to share how SIPA can fit into your path for moving forward. We encourage you to be as detailed as possible when writing this essay.
What to include on the Future Career Essay
The purpose of this essay is to provide a space for prospective applicants to identify their professional strengths and establish a ‘personal pitch.’
Imagine writing a short cover letter to your ideal employer.
- What skills would you want to highlight?
- What previous experience makes you an exceptional candidate?
- What professional qualities do you bring to the table?
More on the Optional Essay
Please keep in mind that this is an optional essay. If you feel that you do not need this additional space, then do not feel obligated to fill in this space. However, if there is something you feel you could not express in other areas of the application, please use the optional essay to share this with the Admissions Committee. This is your opportunity to highlight what makes you unique as an applicant, or to offer greater detail into a part of your application that you feel you should address. We’re looking for the whole picture on our applicants, so the more information you provide, the better.
Our SIPA community prides itself in having a diverse student population, made of a myriad of personal and professional stories. We look forward to reading your essays and learning more about YOU!
