"Speaking Truth to Power"
Admissions
Applications for admission are reviewed by admission committees, composed of faculty, administrators, and students. The admission committee must determine both an applicant’s ability to successfully complete the MPP core curriculum, as well as his/her commitment to public policy.
Admission decisions are based on an evaluation of the statement of purpose, essay, three letters of recommendation, academic record and test scores, history of employment and experience. Excellence in any one area does not ensure admission. The admissions review process is based upon a comparison of qualifications among all those who apply, including but not limited to academic performance, in order to assemble a class diverse in student background, experience, and interests. Interviews are not part of the review process.
Key Elements for Admission
A Commitment to Public Policy
GSPP’s goal is to admit those applicants who can get the most from the GSPP master’s program and who will use what they learn to be active participants in the formulation, adoption, and implementation of better public policy. One of the applicant’s goals should be to convince the admissions committee of this commitment. This can be reflected in the quality of work experience, the statement of purpose, or the analytical essay.
Education
Students at GSPP represent a wide range of academic backgrounds. Most students have degrees in social sciences, with a smaller number having undergraduate majors in humanities, biological or physical sciences, mathematics or engineering. Some students already have advanced degrees. GSPP does not require prior quantitative training; however prior course work in introductory statistics or first-year calculus, and introductory economics, is strongly recommended.
Writing and Analytical Skills
How students approach problems and the ability to write clearly and coherently is instrumental in public policy analysis. The committee will pay close attention to the applicant’s statement of purpose and response to the analytical essay question.
Standardized Tests
All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test. The LSAT and GMAT cannot be substituted for the GRE. Test scores must be less than five years old. To assist you in preparing to take the GRE, free GRE Preparation Tests are now available online at: www.GRE.com.
All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL and IELTS tests taken before June 2006 will not be accepted. To send an official score report, the institution code for Berkeley is 4833 and the department code for public policy is 1903.
Three Letters of Recommendation
The most helpful letters are from persons who have supervised the applicant’s work in either an academic, employment or community service capacity, and who can evaluate the applicant’s intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, leadership potential, and promise in the field of public policy analysis and management.
Background and Life Experiences
GSPP recognizes that a student population that reflects the most diverse state in the country is key to the continued study of current, relevant social issues and policy problems. We are looking for people who are dynamic and driven, representing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences, particularly those who wish to develop the tools and skills necessary to change our world for the better.
The Value of Work Experience
Although GSPP does not require work experience for admission, typically each entering student has had at least three years of relevant work experience. GSPP believes work experience adds tremendous value to class discussions and helps students to develop a context for problem solving and policy analysis.
The Admissions Cycle
GSPP begins accepting applications in September for the following Fall term. There are no rolling admissions. There are no spring admissions.
We recommend that applicants collect and submit their credentials, including sealed letters of recommendation and transcripts, in one envelope. This assures that all necessary materials will be received by the application deadline. We suggest that you provide your letter writers and registrars with stamped, self-addressed envelopes for return to you. An exception to this is the submission of test scores, which are sent separately to the admissions office by the testing agency. A copy of your GRE scores should be submitted by you pending receipt of the official test results.
As you might expect, the admissions office is inundated with mail and phone calls throughout the admissions cycle. GSPP will notify you via email if your application is complete or if any pieces are missing.
Requests for Deferment
Deferments are rarely granted and done so only if unanticipated and compelling circumstances develop after admission that create the need to request deferred enrollment. Applicants may submit a written request for deferment, addressed to the assistant dean. Petitions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Financial awards may not be deferred to another academic year. Therefore admitted students who are granted a deferment must reapply for financial aid.
Exception: Students who choose to join Teach For America are automatically approved for a two-year deferment upon receipt of required documentation.
What We Look For
GSPP looks for an outstanding academic record, strong letters of recommendation, and high GRE scores. Primary weight is given to the undergraduate GPA earned after the first two years, however the School evaluates the entire academic record. Although there is no requirement for undergraduate major work, it will be to your advantage to have taken an introductory economics course, as well as a first-year calculus or introductory statistics course prior to admission. In addition, we try to select a class that is diverse in terms of policy interests and life experiences. Unusually strong work experience or recommendations may offset weaknesses in grades or tests scores.
There is no advantage or disadvantage, in the admissions review process, to being a California resident.
Profile of the Fall 2007 Entering Class
| Number of applicants | 421 |
| Size of entering class | 78 |
| Percent men | 37.5% |
| Percent women: | 62.5% |
| Minority students: | 27.5% |
| California residents | 60% |
| Out-of-state | 27% |
| International students | 13% |
| Average years of work experience | 4.5 |
| Average age | 28 (range: 21-42) |
| Average GPA: | 3.6 (range: 2.9-4.0) |
Average GRE test score: Quantitative: International Students Average TOEFL: |
710 (range: 380-800)
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