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Advice to Avoid Panic

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

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As easy as we try to make the application process, I understand that there can be complications and questions. Each year we receive panicked emails around the admissions deadline and no matter how easy we try to make the process, I am sure we will never eliminate every possible issue. I thought I would highlight some examples of emails from the past in the hope that you can learn from others that have applied before you. Names/data/etc. have been changed from the original emails.

Do note that we will work with applicants if we believe a good faith effort has been made to submit documents by the deadline and there is a complication of some sort.

In addition, many of the common questions we receive are answered in the online instructions so you can save yourself time and stress by carefully reading the instructions.

Check the Appropriate Boxes/Links/Menu Items

Email: I am writing to inform you that I unfortunately checked the wrong concentration in my application for the MIA program which I just submitted online. My apologies! In the first part of the application I checked “Human Rights”. Instead it should read: “Urban and Social Policy.” Can you please make this change for me?

Email: My name is Sally Applicant. On the application I mistakenly entered “Spanish” as my undergraduate language of instruction. The correct answer is “English”. I would very much appreciate it if someone in the SIPA Admissions office would update my file accordingly.

Advice/Answer: As you might imagine, it can be disruptive to our processing when we receive requests to amend information submitted in the application. Make sure you pay close attention when clicking the options that are a part of the application. Having to make manual changes slows the process down and may delay the processing of your application.

Understand our Process

Email: My name is Jon Applicant and I wonder if you could tell me if you have received a copy of my GRE report?

Advice/Answer: At SIPA GRE scores are self reported on the admission application, we do not look for official test reports until after applicants have been admitted and paid a deposit. For a dedicated entry on this topic, click here.

Email: My name is Cinderella and I am concerned that my online application does not reflect that GRE scores were submitted. I entered the scores on the application but the status reads “Not Received.” Why is this since I self reported the scores?

Advice/Answer: We must print each application submitted and manually check it for accuracy and completion. As you might imagine, with thousands of applications this can take a number of weeks. We appreciate your patience and each applicant will receive an email when the completed application has been forwarded to the Committee for review. Rest assured that we will work with applicants if there is an issue but we feel a good faith effort was made to get all of the required documents in on time.

Respect the Deadline

Email: My name is Peter Piper and I am a prospective student applying to your MIA program. I will have all of the elements of my application completed and submitted by the deadline except for one letter of recommendation. I had asked one of my professors on December 19 to write a letter of recommendation for me and he responded that he would be able to do this by the deadlines that I had given him. Yesterday I wrote reminding him of the deadline, and I received a response this morning saying that he is traveling in Wonderland and would not be able to complete the letter of recommendation until he returns to the US next week.

Advice/Answer: Make sure to communicate with those writing letters on your behalf well before the deadline. Starting your application early is recommended because our system will allow you to send out reminders to your recommendation letter writers. For instructions on how to send reminders, click here.

Email: I have been unable to obtain my transcripts from my undergraduate institution because I contacted them and they are closed for the holidays. What can I do?

Advice/Answer: Applicants should contact the schools they have attended well in advance of the deadline to make sure transcripts on time. Please respect that it can take schools some time to process transcript requests.

Document Tracking

Email: I submitted my application but mailed my transcripts. It is one day after the deadline but my transcripts show as not received. Please check and get back to me as soon as possible.

Advice/Answer: During the busy portion of the application process (both before and after the deadline) we are unable to respond to each individual email we receive. We have a process in our office and part of this process is to print a file, check to see if all of the documents/information were submitted online and if not, to match documents to the file.

In order to process files as quickly as possible, we first seek to complete applications that were submitted 100% online.

If an application is incomplete after we print it, we will set it aside and seek to match related documents after we have gone through all of the applications submitted. It is therefore in your best interest if you can submit 100% of your documents on line. If for some reason a document was mailed, we appreciate your patience as we complete the processing of files in our office. As soon as a file is complete, we will notify you via email.

Also note, we do not track documents submitted to our office prior to an application being submitted. We will seek to match documents sent to our office after an application has been submitted.

Status of Recommendation Letters

Email: Can I submit my application if one of my referees has not yet uploaded their recommendation letter? I have been waiting for the letter to be uploaded before I submit and don’t want to “cut it to close.” Will my referee be able to upload their letter if my application is already submitted (even if the letter is uploaded before the deadline)?

Advice/Answer: The status of recommendation letters should not impact the submission of your application. Recommendation letters are tracked in a different application module. We link information in the two modules and thus submission of your application should be completed when you are ready. Do not let the fact that recommendation letters have not been received stop you from submitting your application.

Double Check Documents Prior to Uploading

Email: My name is Ted Typo. I was checking the résumé I uploaded and realize I uploaded a draft copy with many misspellings and typos. I know you are so busy now, but can I replace them?

Advice/Answer: There are times when we may be able to add documents to a file after the deadline, however this is not always possible. Once a file is complete and printed, it makes a journey to several Committee members. We cannot spend our time trying to track down files once they have been sent out for reading so make sure the documents you upload are complete and correct as of the deadline.

We Accept only What We Ask For

Email: My name is Extra Effort and I submitted an on-line application yesterday. I looked for a place to upload an addendum to my application but could not find a place to do so. Can I email it to you?

Advice/Answer: Applicants to SIPA should only submit the information we request. If you wish to include an addendum of any kind, there are two possible places to do this. First, we are not concerned with the length of the résumé submitted. If you wish to include information you believe is important for the Committee to be aware of, you may include such information in your résumé.

Also, if you feel the need you can use part 3 of the personal statement to include information you wish for the Admissions Committee to be aware of. We do not allow for the submission of any documents beyond what we ask for on the application.

If You Mail Something, Use a Tracking Number

Email: Hello, my name is Porter Postal and I mailed my transcript to your address about a week ago. It has not been tracked yet, can you tell me if you have received it?

Advice/Answer: First, we prefer that 100% of your documents be uploaded to our application site. If this is not possible and a document does need to be mailed, we highly recommend sending the document via a mail courier that provides a tracking number.

We can receive hundreds of documents around the deadline and it takes a great deal of time to process and track. If you ask for a tracking number, as soon as we sign for it the courier will provide you with notice that the document has been delivered and you only need to wait for us to track the document in our system. For a dedicated entry on this topic, click here.

Updating Application Files

Email: My name is Sally Suspense and I just learned that I won a fellowship. I know it is 5 days after the deadline but can I send you a new résumé to show this?

Advice/Answer: Similar to the text above regarding double checking your documents before uploading them, it is not always possible to update a file once the deadline passes. Once a file is complete and printed, it makes a journey to several Committee members. Unfortunately we cannot spend our time trying to track down files once they have been sent out for reading so while you are welcome to ask if we can update a file, understand that we might not be able to do so.

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My final piece of advice in this entry is this . . .

Each year close to half of our applicants submit an application within 72 hours the deadline. I understand human nature and that it is often common for people to wait until the last minute, but my advice is to submit your application a few days before the deadline. Getting your application in early likely will keep you from last minute issues that have caused problems for others in the past.

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Categories : Academics, Admissions, Application Tips

Tags : Application, application tips, deadline, documents

Top 10 Application Tips #5 – Submission of Documents

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Monday, December 6th, 2010

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This is the fifth entry in our “Top 10″ list to assist you with understanding the process of submitting your admission application to SIPA. This tip is closely tied to one that appeared in our other Top 10 Series focused on communicating with our office. This important tip directly relates to the application process so I am including it in this list as well, along with some additional important insights.

I want to emphasize once again that our preference is that all applicants submit 100% of the documents and information required to apply via our web site. In a “perfect world” if all of your information and associated documents are submitted online, they will print out in order all at one time and we can review your application for completion without having to look for documents that have been mailed. This is the fastest and most efficient way for us to process applications. Remember that we ask applicants to self report test scores on the application and we accept/prefer uploaded copies of transcripts. We also encourage letters of recommendation to be submitted online.

We do understand that some applicants will have to mail transcripts or that letters of recommendation may come in via mail. Some schools will only mail transcripts and some individuals are not comfortable with technology and wish to mail letters of recommendation.

If something does need to be mailed we highly recommend using a private mail courier. Columbia is a huge university with one central mail room. All “standard” mail is funneled to the main mail room and it can take a week or more for mail to be sorted and sent on to us.

By utilizing a private mail carrier the parcel will be sent directly to our office, avoiding delays. Also, we highly recommend getting a tracking number whenever something is mailed to our office. This way, the moment we sign for the package the courier will log delivery and you will be notified if you have signed up for email notification.

If you know that a letter or transcript will be mailed to our office, I offer the following advice – provide the recommender or school with a prepaid envelope for mailing. For example, if a recommender tells you that s/he will not be uploading their letter, visit a mail carrier and prepay for an envelop addressed to our office with a tracking number. Then give this envelop to the recommender or school that is going to mail the document. This simplifies the process for the recommender or school and provides you with a tracking number so that as soon as we sign for it, you will know.

Question: If all of my documents are not submitted online, will my application review be impacted in any way?

Answer: The answer is both yes and no to this question. First the “No.” How documents are submitted has no impact upon the decision the Committee makes. So although we prefer that documents be submitted online, we do not penalize applicants in any way if a document is received by mail.

Now the “Yes.” If documents are mailed to our office it will take us longer to track them in our system. Again, when we complete an application has no impact on the ultimate decision, as long as all of your documents/information is submitted by the deadline. However, if documents are mailed it will likely take us longer to complete the tracking process. This means that you will likely have to wait longer for us to confirm that all of your documents have been received.

In summary, how documents are submitted has no impact on the admission decision, however it can impact how long it takes us to inform you that your application has been completed.

Question: Is it okay if I mail my personal statement and résumé in addition to submitting them on line?

Answer: No. Please upload your two résumé documents and your responses to the personal statement. Do not send paper copies of these documents to our office.

Question: Can I mail other documents to your office? For example, a copy of my undergraduate thesis or a policy memo I composed?

Answer: No. Please only submit the documents we ask for on the application site. I know this may sound harsh, but we want treat all applicants the same and we only have roughly six weeks to review several thousand applications.

However, we do encourage applicants to list relevant skills/experience/projects in the résumé, and if this means your résumé is longer than a “typical” résumé that is fine.

So for example, if you completed a thesis would like to provide a brief synopsis in your résumé, that would be completely acceptable. For full details on our résumé preferences, see this entry.

On a final note for this entry, even if 100% of the documents/information required to apply are submitted online, it can take us up to two weeks to send out a confirmation message stating that an application is complete. We appreciate your patience as we work as quickly as possible to make sure all of the information submitted is readable and complete. When a file has been certified as complete, we will send an email message.

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Categories : Admissions, Application Tips

Tags : application tips, mail, postage, recommendation, transcripts

International Dual Degrees Explained

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

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A while ago we posted an entry on the nuances of our dual degree programs with other Columbia schools. In that entry I made mention of the fact that we also have partnerships with schools in other countries. We refer to these dual degrees as international dual degrees. The following entry is meant to provide information on these programs. For information on the Columbia programs, please see this previous entry.

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SIPA has partnered with a number of international institutions around the globe to offer a variety of dual degree programs. Such programs allow students to study public policy from two different academic, cultural, and professional perspectives. After a two-year program of study, students are awarded both the relevant SIPA degree and a degree from our partner institution, thereby earning two masters degrees in the same amount of time it takes to obtain one.

SIPA currently offers dual degree programs with its Global Public Policy Network partners, which include Sciences Po Paris, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the University of Singapore. We also have partnerships with the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, Fundação Getulio Vargas Escola de Administração de Empresas (FGV) in São Paulo, and the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy.

There are two types of Dual Degrees: Flexible Dual Degrees and Fixed-Track Dual Degrees. Each type has a specific application process.

In the case of the flexible dual degrees, students who are already admitted to either SIPA or a partner institution apply to a dual‐degree program during the course of their first year of study. If admitted, they study at the partner institution in their second year. For example, you have been accepted to SIPA for a Fall 2011 start date and during your first year at SIPA, you decide to apply to the Dual Degree program with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP). You apply to the program in Spring 2012 and upon acceptance, pursue your second year of studies in Singapore, beginning in Fall 2012. At the end of the two years, you receive a degree from both SIPA and the LKYSPP.

In the case of the fixed-track dual degree, students apply to both SIPA and our partner institution at the same time. Their application is reviewed by a joint-committee comprising of representatives of both schools. If admitted, students begin their course of study at SIPA and proceed to the partner school in year two (with the exception of the Sciences Po MIA – students start in Paris and finish in New York). For example, you apply to the SIPA MIA or MPA/LSE MPA program for a September 2011 start date. You submit your application in January 2011 and are notified of the decision in April. Upon admittance, you begin your studies in New York and finish in London during the 2012-2013 academic year. At the end of the two years, you receive a degree from both SIPA and the LSE.

Flexible Dual Degrees are offered for the following programs: the LSE MPA, Sciences Po MPA, LKY Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Hertie School of Governance MPP. All programs are open to MIA and MPA students at SIPA. This means that you can apply to the LSE MPA program in the spring of your first year at SIPA, whether you are enrolled in the MIA or MPA program. At the end of your two years, you will earn either an MIA or an MPA from SIPA and an MPA from LSE.

Fixed-track Dual Degrees are offered for the programs outlined above, as well as: the Sciences Po MIA, Fundação Getulio Vargas MPP or Master in International Management, and Tokyo University MPP. Unlike flexible dual degree programs, this is a fixed sequence of study. In other words, if you apply to the Sciences Po/SIPA MIA program, you will earn an MIA from Sciences Po and SIPA. You cannot switch into the MPA program for your second year SIPA.

Note that the language of instructions for all programs is English, except for the Sciences Po MIA, which is conducted in French and the Fundação Getulio Vargas MPP track, which holds instruction in Portuguese.

You may be wondering what the pros and cons of each track are. While the flexible track is more, well, flexible, you need to plan your course of study carefully to make sure that you will be able to fulfill the requirements at both schools. The fixed-track lays out clearly your course of study at both institutions. Admission rates vary depending on the program, fixed versus flexible, and the strength of the competition in any given year. Finally, regarding tuition: it’s paid to the institution you are enrolled in.

For more information on dual degrees, visit the GPPN website http://sipa.columbia.edu/academics/gppn/index.html, or contact Tan Nguyen, Assistant Dean, Office of External Relations: tn2102@ columbia.edu

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Categories : Admissions, Application Tips, Columbia University

Tags : application tips, Berlin, Brazil, dual degree, England, France, germany, Japan, london, Paris, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo

To Be or Not to Be Afraid of Quantitative Classes at SIPA

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Monday, November 29th, 2010

· 1 Comment

The following entry was contributed by Lacey Ramirez, a second year student at SIPA. Lacey is working in our office this year and she, along with several other students, are contributing posts throughout the year.

To supplement Lacey’s entry below, let me note that SIPA encourages all applicants admitted for the fall term to participate in a web based math tutorial that takes place in the summer. Because the tutorial is web based students can participate from any place in the world as long as there is access to a computer with an Internet connection. Information on the tutorial is made available each May after the deposit deadline passes.

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Admittedly, I did not do too great on the quantitative section of the GRE when I was applying to graduate school, despite hours and hours of studying. But really, I hadn’t taken a serious math course since high school. I took Introduction to Micro-and Macro- Economics in college, but the professor taught them conceptually and did not use a serious amount of math. I also took Introduction to Probability and Statistics, and the professor was a visitor and not very good.

However, as a professional in development I realized the importance of understanding quantitative methods and its application. Thus, when I was applying to graduate school I specifically chose programs that emphasized courses in quantitative skill development. I explained in my application that I recognized I had a weak background in mathematics and economics, but that I strove to learn these subjects.

I was very excited when I was accepted to SIPA and wanted to prepare the summer before I started my courses. I looked into calculus programs and other quantitative courses at my local community colleges, not only had I missed a lot of the application deadlines, but they were also quite expensive. So I went to the local library, and I checked out the summer recommended books suggested by SIPA in the Admission’s preparation documents sent to me. I also used the math camp materials they sent me to practice. I probably put in about 10 hours a week, and I got even a little more serious right before school started.

The quantitative based courses at SIPA are quite rigorous, but I was excited by the challenge. I utilized the tutors and the teaching assistants (T.A.s) for guidance and help solving the problems sets. I also met with the professors, who are very approachable and accessible, in their office hours. Also, we work in teams on all the problem sets in both Economics and Quantitative Analysis, and I learned so much working with my very talented, intelligent peers to solve the problems.

In the end, I refused to believe that a person is a “math person” or not and I have excelled in both Economics and Quantitative Analysis. Sure, I was a little rusty at first, but the more courses I take in the field of economics the more I understand. That is also to say, the professors at SIPA are very good, and it is the reason why I have been able to finally learn these very important, useful fields.

I am now specializing my degree in Advanced Policy and Economic Analysis and I’m taking statistics courses in the Ph.D. Statistics Department of Columbia in conjunction with my SIPA courses. During my time at SIPA, I’ve developed a passion for economics that is influencing my career ambitions and direction. I now fully recognize that my understanding of economics is central to my professional success, and it will help me to be leader in my field. I am applying to jobs in economic development, and I hope to one day pursue my Ph.D. in Economics. So in the end, I think if you have the will and the way this powerful brain is capable of learning new and useful information.

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Categories : Application Tips, Columbia University, Meet Seeples

Tags : application tips, economics, math, statistics

Top 10 Application Tips #4 – Résumés

Posted by Columbia SIPA

· Monday, November 22nd, 2010

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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:

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?).
Details regarding professional/volunteer/personal use of the language.
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.

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Categories : Admissions, Application Tips

Tags : Application, application tips, economics, quantitative methods, resume

"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