This is the fourth entry in our “Top 10″ list to assist you with understanding the process of submitting your 2102 admission application to SIPA.  This entry is focused on advice regarding our résumé requirements.

The first thing to take note of is that we require applicants to submit two separate résumés.  This may seem strange at first but I believe this entry will clear up any confusion.

Traditional Résumé

The first résumé is no surprise.  You could refer to this as your “traditional” résumé and everyone applying probably has had a working résumé for some time.  A traditional résumé includes, but is not limited to, information such as:

• Positions held (employment and internships) – include specific dates please

• Academic degrees and other academic achievements

• Volunteer, public service, political work completed

• Memberships in honorary societies and awards for service or leadership

• Extracurricular activities and particularly if an MIA applicant – foreign travel undertaken, including purpose and length of stay.

Please note that readability is very important.  We do no recommend using very small font and extended margins.  When applying for a job many people feel compelled to use these tactics to keep their résumé to a page or two.  This résumé is for graduate school consideration and the Committee encourages applicants to list all relevant information and to not use a small font or extended margins in an attempt to cram a great deal of information into a very small space.  A résumé that is longer but easier to read is much preferred over a short résumé that is hard to read.

Put another way – we like white space.  Committee members have to read several hundred applications and small fonts and cramped formats are very difficult on the eyes.  When it doubt, use 12 point font and normal margins – the Committee will thank you for it.

On a final note, we do not recommend that applicants use graphics or non-standard fonts.  Let the content of your résumé speak for you.  The font chosen should be easy to read and graphics (other than bullets and bold face) do not enhance the readability of a résumé.  Common fonts that are easy to read include Arial, Calibri, and Tahoma.

Quantitative/Language Résumé

The second résumé will focus exclusively on an applicant’s background with quantitative methods and language learning/ability.

Quantitative Methods

The core curriculum at SIPA includes required coursework in economics, statistics, and financial management.  The Committee is therefore quite interested in the quantitative aptitude of applicants to our program.  This most typically includes coursework and/or professional experience related to mathematics, statistics, and economics.  Also of note  can be quantitative experience as it pertains to areas such as science or engineering.

Unfortunately, academic transcripts rarely provide in depth descriptions of the actual content of coursework completed.  For example, a class labeled as “Principles of Economics” on a transcript provides little detail on how much focus was placed on the use of quantitative methods.  And with the large number of international applicants to SIPA, often times transcripts translated into English will just list a class as “Mathematics” thus giving the Committee little information on the actual content/level of math studied.

Providing the opportunity for applicants to list detailed information pertaining to quantitative preparation/experience will allow for better explanations of past academic and professional experience.  The goal is to be able to allow applicants to list full descriptions of courses included in a course catalog or in the syllabus used in a class.

Language Learning/Ability

Proficiency in a second language is a graduation requirement of the MIA program but is not a requirement of the MPA program (unless an MPA student chooses to major in Economic and Political Development).  Proficiency is defined as the ability to use a second language at an intermediate level.  Academically this is defined as the ability to achieve a grade of “B” or better in an intermediate level 2 language course.

Incoming  MIA students who speak English as a native language will be tested in a second language of their choice upon entering into the program.  Due to the intensity of the MIA program at SIPA, it would be quite difficult for an applicant with no previous language study to achieve intermediate level proficiency in two years of study.  The Committee therefore wishes to see at least elementary level proficiency in a second language when evaluating an MIA applicant for admission.

If an incoming native English speaker passes the proficiency exam administered shortly after beginning the program, no additional language study is required.  If the grade achieved on the exam is not sufficient, to prove proficiency a grade of “B” or better must be achieved in an intermediate level 2 language course during the time at SIPA in order to graduate.

For MPA students that speak English as a native language, second language learning is optional so it is not required to include language learning information in the second résumé.  However, if an MPA applicant does have experience in a second language we encourage them to provide this information because it provides us with additional information on your background. 

Please do note that there is one exception to the language requirement for the MPA program.  If an MPA applicant chooses the Economic and Political Development concentration, second language proficiency is a requirement just like in the MIA program.

For applicants that do not speak English as a native language, the second résumé will provide an opportunity to elaborate further on time spent studying English and other languages.  This can of course include academic study but can also include additional information not included in transcripts or test scores such as time spent living in English speaking environments.

Details on Quantitative/Language Learning

The second résumé is meant to provide applicants with the ability to provide detailed information which can include:

• Name/level/grade/institution pertaining to classroom courses.

• For classroom courses, a description of the course and specific learning objectives (best done by providing a description from a course catalog or a syllabus that was used for the class).  If it has been a number of years since you graduated, a description from a current course catalog found on your school web site can suffice.

• Examples of working knowledge of the subject matter as demonstrated in academic or professional settings.

• Tests taken and grades/scores achieved.

• Specific certificates earned.

• In the case of second language learning, the following information is useful:

1. Information on time spent in a foreign country where the language is spoken.  Or, if the second language was spoken in your home country please provide the context (i.e. did you grow up in a home where a second language was spoken but your academic training was in another language?).
2. Details regarding professional/volunteer/personal use of the language.
3. Specific details/examples regarding writing, reading, speaking, and listening ability.

One question you might have is, “If the course is listed on my transcripts or noted in another part of my application, is it necessary to include it in the Quantitative/Language  résumé?”

The answer is yes.  It is okay to be redundant or to include the same information that might be listed in another part of the application in this section.  Seeing the information twice, but in more detailed format in the résumé portion, is what the Committee is seeking to achieve.

You can view samples of this résumé by clicking here.  Do note that the sample is only a guide.  The level of detail you wish to include is entirely up to you.

If you have been out of school for a while, do not feel compelled to spend hours and hours trying to search for old syllabus or text book titles/authors.  The point of the résumé is not to put you through some sort of time trial, it is meant to provide information on the core learning from the course/experience.  The example résumé was borrowed from an applicant that applied to SIPA while still in college, and is meant to only be a sample.  Simply provide as much information as you can and you will be fine.

The following post was submitted by Brittney Bailey.  Brittney is working in our office this year and she, along with several other students, are contributing posts throughout the year.  Another helpful entry on this topic written from an administrator standpoint can be found here.

_____________________

One of the most common questions we at admissions are asked is:

“What are my chances of getting into SIPA if I am a younger applicant?  Do I even stand a chance?”

Usually these questions come from prospective students who have been out of school for 1 or 2 years or those who are in their final year of their undergraduate program and want to transition straight into graduate school.  And many times, these specific questions are deferred to me.

I entered SIPA one year after graduating from undergrad and was commonly marked as the “baby” of every group assignment or SIPA bonding-experience.  The reality is that SIPA does lend itself to students who exude a certain clarity and confidence in what they want to do and know how their degree program will specifically fit into their career goals. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but older students with more professional experience generally fall into this category.

So, from one “young” student to another, I wanted to list a few key tips to keep in mind when approaching the admissions process to professional schools like SIPA.

Be aware of the statistics

• About 5%-10% of accepted students come directly from undergrad each year. These students tend to have extraordinary academic records, significant internship and/or study abroad experience and a fairly clear idea of what career path they want to head on.   Note, the more substantive the internship experience, the better. Yes, having lots of internships at big name organizations can look good on your resume.  But keep in mind that the Admissions Committee does more than glance at this section.  They expect to see a CV longer than one-page (see resume entry here), unlike a typical job resume, and are really looking at content.  So, making sure that even a few internships, fellowships or part-time jobs can better demonstrate your ability to handle relevant and substantive work is vital.
• In many cases though, students with very strong academic backgrounds are not offered admission but are in fact, encouraged to reapply after gaining a year or two of relevant work experience.  Applying for competitive or prestigious short-stint programs like Teach for America, the Peace Corps or Fulbright and Luce Scholarships are a good stepping stone into graduate programs that can further give you the hard skills, connections and credentials you need to advance in an international affairs career.

Think Quant!

• I could not stress enough the need to familiarize yourself with quantitative analysis before applying to SIPA.  Honestly, I avoided quant classes like the plague during my undergraduate career, even though basic economics courses were required as part of my international relations degree.  This was definitely to my detriment! Although I ended up loving my economics courses at SIPA, especially those that applied to development, I have always felt as if I were playing “catch up”.  Having a few courses in Micro and Macroeconomics, statistics, and mathematics under your belt are incredibly important tools for the SIPA experience and any international affairs or policy career.  Not only do they make your transition into graduate school much easier, but they serve as a form of “leverage” in the application process when being benchmarked against many students who have years of applied, practical knowledge.

Be clear about career objectives

• As a young student, you inevitably have less “tools” to work with.  Your CV will most likely have less pages than an average SIPA student who was the Director of an NGO on the Thai/Burma border working with refugees for five years or who moved up the ranks as a Senior Analyst at Citibank in New York, Hong Kong and New Delhi offices.  Not to worry! Even if your goal is to essentially become one of your peers, a SIPA degree can very well enhance these career paths. Being as clear as possible in your personal statement about how to achieve this path is imperative.  Ask yourself regularly: What do I think I want to do? Have I already taken all of the basic steps to get there?  And how will this degree at SIPA and many of its components – from the concentration, specialization, professors, locale to the potential student body – help me to get to this goal?It’s not a simple question to answer at whatever age.  But, it’s an imperative one to address and drive home in your personal statement, particularly as a student with limited professional experience.

Don’t be afraid to “stay out of the game” (for a bit)

• I know that this is usually not the answer people want to hear.  But speaking from personal experience, had I gone through the admissions process all over again I would have spent another year or two working in international development.  In fact, after my first year at SIPA, I took off some time, in part, to do just that. Gaining the additional professional experience helped me to really refine my objectives at SIPA.  I am much more confident in what I have to offer to a future employer and what I need to take from the program here.  Staying out of the SIPA game for just a few years can really enhance how well you play once you’re in it.

Having said all this, it is possible to be a young student at SIPA and make the most of your experience.  I hope these tips, at the very least, help out some of you who have asked this common question.

This is the fourth entry in our “Top 10″ list to assist you with understanding the process of submitting your admission application to SIPA.  This entry is focused on advice regarding our résumé requirements.

The first thing to take note of is that we require applicants to submit two separate résumés.  This may seem strange at first but I believe this entry will clear things up.

Traditional Résumé

The first résumé is no surprise.  You could refer to this as your “traditional” résumé and everyone applying probably has had a working résumé for some time.  A traditional résumé includes, but is not limited to, information such as:

• Positions held (employment and internships)

• Academic degrees and other academic achievements

• Volunteer, public service, political work completed

• Memberships in honorary societies and awards for service or leadership

• Extracurricular activities and particularly if an MIA applicant – foreign travel undertaken, including purpose and length of stay.

As has always been the case, with this traditional résumé we do not recommend trying to keep it to a single page in length.  A one page résumé is more aligned with applying for a job.  This résumé is for graduate school consideration and the Committee encourages applicants to list all relevant information and to not use a small font or extended margins in an attempt to cram a great deal of information into a very small space.  A typical résumé in this format submitted to SIPA is three to four pages in length.

Put another way – we like white space.  Committee members have to read several hundred applications and small fonts and cramped formats are very difficult on the eyes.  When it doubt, use 12 point font and normal margins – the Committee will thank you for it.

On a final note, we do not recommend that applicants use graphics or non-standard fonts.  Let the content of your résumé speak for you.  The font chosen should be easy to read and graphics (other than bullets and bold face) do not enhance the readability of a résumé.  Common fonts that are easy to read include Arial, Calibri, and Tahoma.

Quantitative/Language Résumé

The second résumé will focus exclusively on an applicant’s background with quantitative methods and language learning/ability.

Quantitative Methods

The core curriculum at SIPA includes required coursework in economics, statistics, and financial management.  The Committee is therefore quite interested in the quantitative aptitude of applicants to our program.  This most typically includes coursework and/or professional experience related to mathematics, statistics, and economics.  Also of note  can be quantitative experience as it pertains to areas such as science or engineering.

Unfortunately, academic transcripts rarely provide in depth descriptions of the actual content of coursework completed.  For example, a class labeled as “Principles of Economics” on a transcript provides little detail on how much focus was placed on the use of quantitative methods.  And with the large number of international applicants to SIPA, often times transcripts translated into English will just list a class as “Mathematics” thus giving the Committee little information on the actual content/level of math studied.

Providing the opportunity for applicants to list detailed information pertaining to quantitative preparation/experience will allow for better explanations of past academic and professional experience.  The goal is to be able to allow applicants to list full descriptions of courses included in a course catalog or in the syllabus used in a class.

Language Learning/Ability

Proficiency in a second language is a graduation requirement of the MIA program but is not a requirement of the MPA program.  Proficiency is defined as the ability to use a second language at an intermediate level.  Academically this is defined as the ability to achieve a grade of “B” or better in an intermediate level 2 language course.

Incoming  MIA students who speak English as a native language will be tested in a second language of their choice upon entering into the program.  Due to the intensity of the MIA program at SIPA, it would be quite difficult for an applicant with no previous language study to achieve intermediate level proficiency in two years of study.  The Committee therefore wishes to see at least elementary level proficiency in a second language when evaluating an MIA applicant for admission.

If an incoming native English speaker passes the proficiency exam administered shortly after beginning the program, no additional language study is required.  If the grade achieved on the exam is not sufficient, to prove proficiency a grade of “B” or better must be achieved in an intermediate level 2 language course during the time at SIPA in order to graduate.

For MPA students that speak English as a native language, second language learning is optional so it is not required to include language learning information in the second résumé.  However, if an MPA applicant does have experience in a second language we encourage them to provide this information because it provides us with additional information on your background. 

Please do note that there is one exception to the language requirement for the MPA program.  If an MPA applicant chooses the Economic and Political Development concentration, second language proficiency is a requirement just like in the MIA program.

For applicants that do not speak English as a native language, the second résumé will provide an opportunity to elaborate further on time spent studying English and other languages.  This can of course include academic study but can also include additional information not included in transcripts or test scores such as time spent living in English speaking environments.

Details on Quantitative/Language Learning

The second résumé is meant to provide applicants with the ability to provide detailed information which can include:

• Name/level/grade/institution pertaining to classroom courses.

• For classroom courses, a description of the course and specific learning objectives (best done by providing a description from a course catalog or a syllabus that was used for the class).  If it has been a number of years since you graduated, a description from a current course catalog found on your school web site can suffice.

• Examples of working knowledge of the subject matter as demonstrated in academic or professional settings.

• Tests taken and grades/scores achieved.

• Specific certificates earned.

• In the case of second language learning, the following information is useful:

1. Information on time spent in a foreign country where the language is spoken.  Or, if the second language was spoken in your home country please provide the context (i.e. did you grow up in a home where a second language was spoken but your academic training was in another language?).
2. Details regarding professional/volunteer/personal use of the language.
3. Specific details/examples regarding writing, reading, speaking, and listening ability.

One question you might have is, “If the course is listed on my transcripts or noted in another part of my application, is it necessary to include it in the Quantitative/Language  résumé?”

The answer is yes.  It is okay to be redundant or to include the same information that might be listed in another part of the application in this section.  Seeing the information twice, but in more detailed format in the résumé portion, is what the Committee is seeking to achieve.

You can view samples of this résumé by clicking here.  Do note that the sample is only a guide.  The level of detail you wish to include is entirely up to you.

If you have been out of school for a while, do not feel compelled to spend hours and hours trying to search for old syllabus or text book titles/authors.  The point of the résumé is not to put you through some sort of time trial, it is meant to provide information on the core learning from the course/experience.  The example résumé was borrowed from an applicant that applied to SIPA while still in college, and is meant to only be a sample.  Simply provide as much information as you can and you will be fine.

One thing SIPA requires as a part of the admission process might seem a bit odd when your first hear it – we require two résumé documents.  While this might seem a bit burdensome or odd, I assure you it is in the best interests of both applicants and Committee members who review applications.

Both résumés are required – the second résumé is not optional.  The point of this entry is twofold:  to both explain the reasoning and provide advice on meeting this requirement.

Traditional Résumé

The first résumé is no surprise.  You could refer to this as your “traditional” résumé and everyone applying probably has had a working résumé for some time.  A traditional résumé includes, but is not limited to, information such as:

• Positions held (employment and internships)

• Academic degrees and other academic achievements

• Volunteer, public service, political work completed

• Memberships in honorary societies and awards for service or leadership

• Extracurricular activities and particularly if an MIA applicant – foreign travel undertaken, including purpose and length of stay.

As has always been the case, with this traditional résumé we do not recommend trying to keep it to a single page in length.  A one page résumé is more aligned with applying for a job.  This résumé is for graduate school consideration and the Committee encourages applicants to list all relevant information and to not use a small font or extended margins in an attempt to cram a great deal of information into a very small space.  A typical résumé in this format submitted to SIPA is three to four pages in length.

Put another way – we like white space.  Committee members have to read several hundred applications and small fonts and cramped formats are very difficult on the eyes.  When it doubt, use 12 point font and normal margins – the Committee will thank you for it.

Quantitative/Language Résumé

The second résumé will focus exclusively on an applicant’s background with quantitative methods and language learning/ability.

Quantitative Methods

The core curriculum at SIPA includes required coursework in economics, statistics, and financial management.  The Committee is therefore quite interested in the quantitative aptitude of applicants to our program.  This most typically includes coursework and/or professional experience related to mathematics, statistics, and economics.  Also of note  can be quantitative experience as it pertains to areas such as science or engineering.

Unfortunately, academic transcripts rarely provide in depth descriptions of the actual content of coursework completed.  For example, a class labeled as “Principles of Economics” on a transcript provides little detail on how much focus was placed on the use of quantitative methods.  And with the large number of international applicants to SIPA, often times transcripts translated into English will just list a class as “Mathematics” thus giving the Committee little information on the actual content/level of math studied.

Providing the opportunity for applicants to list detailed information pertaining to quantitative preparation/experience will allow for better explanations of past academic and professional experience.  The goal is to be able to allow applicants to list full descriptions of courses included in a course catalog or in the syllabus used in a class.

Language Learning/Ability

Proficiency in a second language is a graduation requirement of the MIA program but is not a requirement of the MPA program.  Proficiency is defined as the ability to use a second language at an intermediate level.  Academically this is defined as the ability to achieve a grade of “B” or better in an intermediate level 2 language course.

Incoming  MIA students who speak English as a native language will be tested in a second language of their choice upon entering into the program.  Due to the intensity of the MIA program at SIPA, it would be quite difficult for an applicant with no previous language study to achieve intermediate level proficiency in two years of study.  The Committee therefore wishes to see at least elementary level proficiency in a second language when evaluating an MIA applicant for admission.

If an incoming native English speaker passes the proficiency exam administered shortly after beginning the program, no additional language study is required.  If the grade achieved on the exam is not sufficient, to prove proficiency a grade of “B” or better must be achieved in an intermediate level 2 language course during the time at SIPA in order to graduate.

For MPA students that speak English as a native language, second language learning is optional so it is not required to include language learning information in the second résumé.  However, if an MPA applicant does have experience in a second language we encourage them to provide this information because it provides us with additional information on your background. 

Please do note that there is one exception to the language requirement for the MPA program.  If an MPA applicant chooses the Economic and Political Development concentration, second language proficiency is a requirement just like in the MIA program.

For applicants that do not speak English as a native language, the second résumé will provide an opportunity to elaborate further on time spent studying English and other languages.  This can of course include academic study but can also include additional information not included in transcripts or test scores such as time spent living in English speaking environments.

Details on Quantitative/Language Learning

The second résumé is meant to provide applicants with the ability to provide detailed information which can include:

• Name/level/grade/institution pertaining to classroom courses.

• For classroom courses, a description of the course and specific learning objectives (best done by providing a description from a course catalog or a syllabus that was used for the class).

• Examples of working knowledge of the subject matter as demonstrated in academic or professional settings.

• Tests taken and grades/scores achieved.

• Specific certificates earned.

• In the case of second language learning, the following information is useful:

1. Information on time spent in a foreign country where the language is spoken.  Or, if the second language was spoken in your home country please provide the context (i.e. did you grow up in a home where a second language was spoken but your academic training was in another language?).
2. Details regarding professional/volunteer/personal use of the language.
3. Specific details/examples regarding writing, reading, speaking, and listening ability.

One question you might have is, “If the course is listed on my transcripts or noted in another part of my application, is it necessary to include it in the Quantitative/Language  résumé?”

The answer is yes.  It is okay to be redundant or to include the same information that might be listed in another part of the application in this section.  Seeing the information twice, but in more detailed format in the  résumé portion, is what the Committee is seeking to achieve.

You can view samples of this résumé by clicking here.  Do note that the sample is only a guide.  The level of detail you wish to include is entirely up to you.

If you have been out of school for a while, do not feel compelled to spend hours and hours trying to search for old syllabus or text book titles/authors.  The point of the résumé is not to put you through some sort of time trial, it is meant to provide information on the core learning from the course/experience.  The example résumé was borrowed from an applicant that applied to SIPA while still in college, and it meant to only be a sample.  Simply provide as much information as you can and you will be fine.

I wanted to take a moment to provide some insight to those that plan on applying for a future semester.  While it is possible to log in to our application at the current time to create an account, it is not yet possible to apply for the spring 2011 or fall 2011 semesters.  Our goal is to have the application live and running by August 15th.  I will keep you updated on our progress on this blog.

At this point we recommend that you wait to log in to create an account as we will be making some changes to the application in July and August.  It is fine if you have already created an account, however after the new application goes up you will want to make sure to start at the beginning of the application and review any information you filled in as some of the required fields might change.

The deadline for spring 2011 admission will be October 1st and the deadline for fall 2011 admission will be January 5th.

We will be taking the application down for a few weeks to implement the technical changes for the coming year.  This will likely occur during the first two weeks of August so we can test the system.  Our changes should not stop you from starting to work on your application materials.  Many of things we ask for will remain constant.  For example:

• We will still require transcripts from all schools attended since graduating from high school.  Thus you can start accumulating copies of your transcripts for submission.  We do allow applicants to scan copies and upload them to our application site.  This is the recommended method.

• We will still require two résumés.  A full description of this requirement can be found by clicking here.

• We will still require either the GRE or the GMAT, and for those that speak English as a second language, the TOEFL or IELTS.

• We will still require three recommendations.  These should be academic or professional, in other words, individuals that have supervised you in the classroom or in the work place.

We will most likely be making some changes to the personal statement so that is something at this point in time that is not decided.  The Admissions Committee hopes to have the final questions/statements ready by the end of July and I will post them to this site as soon as they are finalized.

Some applicants have contacted our office and asked how they may submit supplementary materials with their application.  At SIPA we only include the materials we ask for on the application site when we forward a file to the Admissions Committee.  We therefore do not accept supplementary materials such as writing samples from applicants.  There are two main reasons for this.

First, we wish to be fair to all applicants.  To use a common expression, the Committee wishes to “compare apples to apples.”  If we allowed one applicant to include supplemental materials it would not be fair to the rest of the applicant pool.  In evaluating applicants it is important that each applicant be judged upon the same criteria.

Second, the Committee must read several thousand applications in approximately a six week period and we are confident that we can do so based upon the current materials we require from applicants.  Although an applicant may wish to include a writing sample or a copy of a thesis completed at the undergraduate level, perhaps copies of certificates earned, or achievements noted in publications of some sort, the Committee simply would not have the time to read and/or review such materials.

While the Committee does not allow for the submission of supplementary materials, there is a way for applicants to inform the Committee of personal achievements.  Instead of sending in full copies of supplemental materials to note personal achievements, applicants may include such information in the résumé/CV.

At SIPA we are not concerned with the length of your résumé/CV.  This document may be as long as you believe is necessary to summarize your qualifications for our program.  Applicants should also not feel pressure to conform to typical résumé/CV standards that might be associated with applying for a job.  When applying for a job it is common to limit your résumé to a page or two – but when applying for graduate school the process is different and the typical résumé we review is three to four pages in length.

The résumé/CV may include whatever information you feel is important to informing the Committee of your qualifications as well as circumstances that may have impacted your academic or professional record.  For example, let us say that an applicant suffered a serious illness while completing their undergraduate degree and dealing with the illness impacted academic performance.  This is something that could be noted in the résumé/CV in a section labeled “Miscellaneous Academic Information.”

Or perhaps an applicant is particularly proud of their undergraduate thesis – maybe the applicant won an award or was invited to a conference to present their thesis.  While we will not accept a thesis to forward to the Committee for evaluation, an applicant would be welcome to briefly summarize their thesis and any associated awards or recognition in the résumé/CV.

So while the application process at SIPA does not allow applicants to submit supplemental materials, you may exercise discretion by including information that you feel is pertinent for the Committee to be aware of in the required résumé/CV.

My staff did a great job during crunch time this past week and we were able to meet our deadline to make the new application for this year available. We are most excited about the fact that 100% of the required documents and information required to be considered for admission can be submitted on the application site – there is no need to send us a single document via postal mail.

We changed our philosophy this year and rather than requiring official documents from every single applicant, we will only require that official copies of transcripts and test scores be submitted if an applicant is admitted and chooses to enroll. It did not make a lot of sense for us to require official documents from everyone when in the end, required documents are only really necessary for those who enroll.

So, applicants now have the ability to upload academic transcripts and we will allow applicants to self report test scores – official score reports are not required to be considered for admission.

The application is broken into two sections:  Part 1 and Part 2.

Part 1 is comprised of three sections:

1. Application form (mostly biographical information)
2. Names of those who will be submitting letters of recommendation
3. Application fee

That’s it.  Part 1 is quite simple and does not take long to fill out. We recommend that you complete Part 1 as soon as possible so that you become an active applicant in our system and so that the system can send out messages with detailed instructions to those that will be writing recommendation letters for you.

Part 2 will not become visible until Part 1 is submitted.  Part 2 will allow you to:

1. Upload your personal statement
2. Upload the two required résumés
3. Indicate your native language and second language ability
4. Submit your test scores
5. Upload academic transcripts

Please note that test scores can be updated anytime in the system up to the deadline.  This means that you can submit Part 2 anytime you like, and come back before the deadline to update scores.

Let’s say that it is early December and you have everything finished, have taken the GRE previously, but will be taking the GRE again in late December. In this example there is no need to wait to submit Part 2.

You can go ahead and submit/upload everything and return later in December to indicate your new test scores.  Do note that once you submit Part 2 the only section you will be able to update is the test score section.  The system will not allow you to update your personal statement, résumé, or transcripts once Part 2 has been submitted.

That’s it.  Be sure to read the instructions on the site carefully and to get started simply click here.  The deadline for spring consideration is October 1st and the fall deadline is January 5th.  We look forward to working with you!

We have been working hard over the past month or so to get the admission application ready to go for the coming year.  Each year we try to modify to the application in an effort to make the process more streamlined and I am pretty pleased with the changes we are implementing for this year.

If you have been following the blog recently you are probably well informed of the changes we are making.  I thought I would put all the recent entries in one place for ease of reference.  Below are links to the entries where I have documented the changes we are making.

We have already received a few questions regarding our new quantitative/language résumé and we now have a document available with examples/instructions.  You can view the document by clicking here.

We are doing everything we can try to meet our deadline of August 15th to make the application available.  There have been a few bumps in the road so there might be a slight delay, however please remember that you can review all of the instructions needed to get started by visiting our Application Checklist Page.

The checklist page is meant to provide you with the specific information we need while the entries below provide further insight into what you should pay particular attention to in preparing your application.

Stay tuned and as soon as the application goes live I will post an entry to this site with the announcement.

Post #1:  Changes in Process for 2010

Post #2:  Résumé /CV Changes

Post #3:  Transcript Submission Changes

Post #4:  Personal Statement Changes

Post #5:  Test Score Submission

I wanted to let everyone know that each summer we take our application off line for a period of time to perform maintenance and implement changes to improve the process.  Yesterday we posted a message on the application site stating that the application is currently unavailable.  Our goal is to have the application up and ready to go for the coming year on August 15th.

Just because the application is down for maintainence does not mean that you cannot read about the requirements.  I recently completed an update to our application information page.  Please click here to read about the application requirements, deadlines, and program information.  Please stay tuned to the blog as well because I will continue to post detailed information related to the application requirements and changes that we are making to the process this year.

In a recent post I mentioned that the Admissions Committee has decided to make some changes to the application process in the coming year.  As the title of this post suggests, I will be laying out the changes in a series of entries in the coming weeks.

One of the changes may at first seem a bit burdensome, but I assure you it is in the best interests of both applicants and Committee members who review applications.  In the past we have asked for the submission of one résumé.  Starting with the spring 2010 cycle we will be asking for two résumés (note that we consider CV and résumé to be interchangeable terms).

Traditional Résumé

The first résumé will be the “traditional” résumé we have always asked for as a part of the application process.  A traditional résumé includes, but is not limited to, information such as:

• Positions held (employment and internships)

• Academic degrees and other academic achievements

• Volunteer, public service, political work completed

• Memberships in honorary societies and awards for service or leadership

• Extracurricular activities and particularly if an MIA applicant – foreign travel undertaken, including purpose and length of stay.

As has always been the case, with this traditional résumé we do not recommend trying to keep it to a single page in length.  A one page résumé is more aligned with applying for a job.  This résumé is for graduate school consideration and the Committee encourages applicants to list all relevant information and to not use a small font or extended margins in an attempt to cram a great deal of information into a very small space.  A typical résumé in this format submitted to SIPA is three to four pages in length.

Quantitative/Language Résumé

The second résumé will focus exclusively on an applicant’s background with quantitative methods and language learning/ability.

Quantitative Methods

The core curriculum at SIPA includes required coursework in economics, statistics, and financial management.  The Committee is therefore quite interested in the quantitative aptitude of applicants to our program.  This most typically includes coursework and/or professional experience related to mathematics, statistics, and economics.  Also of note  can be quantitative experience as it pertains to areas such as science or engineering.

Unfortunately, academic transcripts rarely provide in depth descriptions of the actual content of coursework completed.  For example, a class labeled as “Principles of Economics” on a transcript provides little detail on how much focus was placed on the use of quantitative methods.  And with the large number of international applicants to SIPA, often times transcripts translated into English will just list a class as “Mathematics” thus giving the Committee little information on the actual content/level of math studied.

Providing the opportunity for applicants to list detailed information pertaining to quantitative preparation/experience will allow for better explanations of past academic and professional experience.  The goal is to be able to allow applicants to list full descriptions of courses included in a course catalog or in the syllabus used in a class.

Language Learning/Ability

Proficiency in a second language is a graduation requirement of the MIA program but is not a requirement of the MPA program.  Proficiency is defined as the ability to use a second language at an intermediate level.  Academically this is defined as the ability to achieve a grade of “B” or better in an intermediate level 2 language course.

Incoming  MIA students who speak English as a native language will be tested in a second language of their choice upon entering into the program.  Due to the intensity of the MIA program at SIPA, it would be quite difficult for an applicant with no previous language study to achieve intermediate level proficiency in two years of study.  The Committee therefore wishes to see at least elementary level proficiency in a second language when evaluating an MIA applicant for admission.

If an incoming native English speaker passes the proficiency exam administered shortly after beginning the program, no additional language study is required.  If the grade achieved on the exam is not sufficient, to prove proficiency a grade of “B” or better must be achieved in an intermediate level 2 language course during the time at SIPA in order to graduate.

For MPA students that speak English as a native language, second language learning is optional so it is not required to include language learning information in the second résumé.  However, if an MPA applicant does have experience in a second language we encourage them to provide this information because it provides us with additional information on your background. 

Please do note that there is one exception to the language requirement for the MPA program.  If an MPA applicant chooses the Economic and Political Development concentration, second language proficiency is a requirement just like in the MIA program.

For applicants that do not speak English as a native language, the second résumé will provide an opportunity to elaborate further on time spent studying English and other languages.  This can of course include academic study but can also include additional information not included in transcripts or test scores such as time spent living in English speaking environments.

Details on Quantitative/Language Learning

The second résumé is meant to provide applicants with the ability to provide detailed information which can include:

• Name/level/grade/institution pertaining to classroom courses.

• For classroom courses, a description of the course and specific learning objectives (best done by providing a description from a course catalog or a syllabus that was used for the class).

• Examples of working knowledge of the subject matter as demonstrated in academic or professional settings.

• Tests taken and grades/scores achieved.

• Specific certificates earned.

• In the case of second language learning, the following information is useful:

1. Information on time spent in a foreign country where the language is spoken.  Or, if the second language was spoken in your home country please provide the context (i.e. did you grow up in a home where a second language was spoken but your academic training was in another language?).
2. Details regarding professional/volunteer/personal use of the language.
3. Specific details/examples regarding writing, reading, speaking, and listening ability.

One question you might have is, “If the course is listed on my transcripts or noted in another part of my application, is it necessary to include it in the Quantitative/Language  résumé?”

The answer is yes.  It is okay to be redundant or to include the same information that might be listed in another part of the application in this section.  Seeing the information twice, but in more detailed format in the  résumé portion, is what the Committee is seeking to achieve.

You can view samples of this résumé by clicking here.  Do note that the sample is only a guide.  The level of detail you wish to include is entirely up to you.

SIPA is a professional school and we take career development very seriously.  Our job is to produce graduates who can hit the ground running and make an immediate difference in the policy world.  Meg Heenehan is the Executive Director of the Office of Career Services (OCS) and she recently sat down to speak with us about the services her office provides.

There are many activities and opportunities directed by OCS that promote professional development including workshops, recruitment fairs, job and internship postings, and even a professional development class.  OCS not only helps students to market themselves, they also market our degree programs to potential employers.

Graduates also have life long access to the services OCS provides.  So whether it’s 10, 15, or 20 years down the road, you can contact OCS to brush up your résumé and cover letter or network with alumni.

To view the full video with Meg please click here (Time of Video, 6:48).

When application files are assembled at SIPA we only include required documents in the admission file. This means that we do not accept writing samples, addendums, or any other information that is not listed as a required document. However, applicants can include pertinent information that demonstrates aptitude for our program or is important to providing information about your background in the résumé/CV that is submitted.

There is no need to stick to a purely professional format when submitting a résumé to SIPA. Most of all this means that you should not concern yourself with submitting a one page résumé. A one page résumé may be standard when applying for a job, but the Admissions Committee at SIPA has no problem with longer résumés. The average résumé submitted to SIPA is about three pages. It is okay to include special sections in your résumé to expound on your aptitude or explain special circumstances.

For example, it is always a good idea when applying to SIPA to include special sections highlighting your quantitative and language preparation. The language preparation is particularly important for MIA applicants because of the requirement to be proficient in a second language to graduate. If your transcripts clearly show that you enrolled in language classes, it is not a bad idea to include this information again in your résumé. Other pertinent information may include time spent living in a foreign country, private study of languages (i.e. Rosetta Stone), or involvement in language groups.

In addition, it is wise to have a special section in your résumé that highlights your quantitative preparation for our program. This can include a list of coursework in quantitative methods as well as research or work projects that incorporate quantitative analysis. Many applicants also choose a recommender that can highlight successful application of quantitative methods in the classroom or in the workplace.

Applicants can also include miscellaneous sections in the résumé describing unique circumstances or projects. For example, if an applicant’s overall grades were strong at the undergraduate level but suffered one semester due to personal circumstances of some sort (i.e. sickness or family emergency) this information could be included in a special section on your résumé. And while we do not want students to submit a copy of their thesis or substantial academic or work projects, applicants can include special sections that summarize work done on special academic or professional projects.

Do not worry about packing a lot of information into a small number of pages by using small fonts or margins. Include information that you believe is relevant and realize that we are not concerned with keeping your résumé to a single page.