Archive for Application Tips – Page 73

Application Process Visual Aid: The Big Picture

I often find flow charts and diagrams to be incredibly helpful in understanding processes and procedures.  Sometimes text can be a little dizzying and having information displayed in a visual format can lead to a more clear understanding of the “big picture.”  In an attempt to give applicants a view of the entire application process on a single page I put together a diagram for your consideration.

The diagram includes two different parts.  One part is composed of steps that do not necessarily have an order and it is beneficial to consistently spend time reviewing the information provided.  The second part lays out the application process, as well as what happens after decisions are made, in chronological format.

The screen shot below will give you an idea of what the chart looks like.  To view a copy that you can save and print please click here.

I recommend that applicants print this document and place it somewhere easily within view at home.  It will serve as a reminder of the “big picture.”  By reviewing the document on a consistent basis and utilizing the hyperlinks that are provided you can help to ensure that you are doing all that you can to prepare the best application possible along with pursuing possible funding opportunities.

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Top 10 Tips for Communicating With Our Office

This entry is a compilation of our “Top 10″ list for you to consider when communicating with our office, searching for information, and applying.  10 entries were posted and this entry serves as a single place where you can access all of them in one place.

My hope is that this information will allow you to find answers to your questions as quickly as possible, receive timely responses from our office, and avoid delays.

Click on the individual 1-10 listings to be directed to the original posts that have all of the details.

Number 1 – Use the same email address when communicating with our office and when applying.

Number 2 – Avoid Creating a Duplicate Online Application.

Number 3 – Avoid copying several parties on the same email and avoid long emails.

Number 4 – Thoroughly review our FAQ Page.

Number 5 – When leaving a voice mail message speak slowly, clearly, and state your telephone number twice.

Number 6 – If you must mail something to our office, use a private mail courier.

Number 7 – Check out our student, alumni, faculty, staff interview page.

Number 8 – Familiarize Yourself with Expenses and Start searching for fellowhips/grants as soon as possible.

Number 9 – Attend an information session or recruitment event.

Number 10 – Subscribe to this blog!

Office Communication Top Ten List – Entry #10

This is the tenth and final entry in our “Top 10″ list for you to consider when communicating with our office and applying.

Number 10 – Subscribe to this blog!

The best way to stay up-to-date regarding matters of admission is to subscribe to this blog.  Yes the SIPA Web site is a great source of information and you should familiarize yourself with it, but for the most part the Web site is static and is rarely updated.  We try to update it as needed, but the blog is much more informative as far as the day-to-day things going on in our office.

Over in the right menu there is an empty box with “Subscribe” written below it.  Simply enter your email and each and every time this blog is updated, you will receive an email message letting you know here is new content.

Why is it a good idea to subscribe?  Well for one we try to monitor common questions and post answers to the site for mass consumption.  Two, this is your window into the admission cycle.  We will update you on what is going on in our office.  And finally, this is a great way to find out more about what is going on at SIPA and to learn about fellowship opportunities.  You can consider this to be the most interactive Web space concerning matters of admission and financial aid.

Spring 2010 Application Notes

Just a reminder to those applying for spring 2010 admission that the deadline is fast approaching.  The deadline is October 1st – all documents should be uploaded or in our office by this date.  Any information received after October 1st will be considered late.  Please take the necessary steps to ensure information is submitted to our office on time.

Here are a few notes regarding spring admission:

  • Our goal is to have decisions published via the application site in early November.  We do not have a specific date set, it partially depends on the number of applications received.  Continue to follow this blog for updated information.
  • Admitted applicants will have until December 1st to pay the required $1,000 enrollment deposit.
  • U.S. Citizens and permanent residents should plan on filing the 2009-2010 FAFSA as soon as possible.
  • Everyone should be searching for external scholarships now.  Get started here.
  • Unfortunately we do not have a loan program for international students that does not require a cosigner at this time.  International students should be considering cosigner options at this point if they plan on borrowing through a loan program.
  • We are unable to provide SIPA fellowships for applicants that start in the spring.  Spring students can apply for second year SIPA fellowship funding.
  • Orientation will take place the week of January 11th, 2010.
  • Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 19th.

Office Communication Top Ten List – Entry #9

This is the ninth entry in our “Top 10″ list for you to consider when communicating with our office and applying.

Number 9 – Attend an information session or recruitment event.

While I realize not everyone can make it to New York, if you can the best way to obtain information is to attend an information session.  If you live nearby or are visiting New York this is probably the best way to learn about our programs and how to put together a competitive application.  Due to the large number of visitors and our small staff we are unable to arrange walk in appointments.  You are always welcome to visit and someone will assist you, however we are rarely able to provide extensive individual counseling appointments.

If you would like to schedule an information session, which are held every Monday at 6pm and every Friday at 12pm excluding holidays, it is best to send an email to [email protected] and then we can confirm the session with you.

We also attend recruitment events across the country and internationally as I mentioned in this blog post here. However, you are always welcome to come to the office during business hours and ask a few questions or obtain information.

"The most global public policy school, where an international community of students and faculty address world challenges."

—Merit E. Janow, Dean, SIPA, Professor of Practice, International and Economic Law and International Affairs

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