How to Get Into a Top Public Policy School: Admissions Guide
A Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) or Public Administration (MPA) from a top-tier school can open doors to careers in government, nonprofits, think tanks, and international organizations. But how competitive is the admissions process? What can you do to increase your chances of acceptance into a top public policy program?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting into a top MPP or MPA program, including GPA requirements, GRE/LSAT tips, personal statement strategies, and scholarship opportunities.
1. What Are the Top Public Policy Schools?
Some of the best public policy and administration programs in the U.S. include:
Top MPP Programs (Policy Analysis & Research Focused)
📍 Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
📍 Princeton University (Woodrow Wilson School)
📍 University of Chicago (Harris School of Public Policy)
📍 Georgetown University (McCourt School of Public Policy)
📍 University of California, Berkeley (Goldman School of Public Policy)
Top MPA Programs (Government & Leadership Focused)
📍 Syracuse University (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs)
📍 Indiana University (O’Neill School of Public & Environmental Affairs)
📍 New York University (Wagner School of Public Service)
📍 University of Southern California (Price School of Public Policy)
📍 Columbia University (School of International and Public Affairs - SIPA)
🚀 Pro Tip: If you want to focus on policy analysis, research, and data-driven decision-making, an MPP is better. If you want to focus on public sector leadership, management, and administration, an MPA is a better fit.
2. MPP & MPA Admissions Requirements: What Do You Need to Get In?
1. GPA & Academic Background
✅ Competitive GPA: 3.5+ is ideal for top programs, but many accept students with 3.0+ if they have strong experience.
✅ Relevant Majors: Political Science, Economics, Public Affairs, International Relations, Sociology, or Law are common.
✅ Work Experience Matters: Unlike law school, many top MPP/MPA programs prefer applicants with 1-3 years of professional experience.
💡 What If Your GPA Is Low?
Show strong professional experience or high GRE scores to compensate.
Address it in an optional statement if there were extenuating circumstances.
2. GRE, GMAT, or LSAT: Do You Need a Test Score?
✅ Many top MPP/MPA programs have dropped the GRE requirement but still consider it if submitted.
✅ If required, a competitive GRE score is 310+ (Verbal + Quantitative).
✅ Some programs accept LSAT scores instead of GRE.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re applying to law school and MPP/MPA programs, use your LSAT score to avoid taking the GRE.
3. Work Experience & Internships
✅ Top programs prioritize applicants with 1-3 years of experience in government, nonprofits, consulting, or advocacy.
✅ Valuable experiences include:
Working in a government office (Congress, state/local government, or international organizations).
Interning at a think tank, advocacy group, or nonprofit.
Having a role in campaigns, public service, or economic policy research.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re applying straight from undergrad, emphasize internships, leadership roles, and policy-related research.
4. Strong Personal Statement
✅ A compelling personal statement is critical. Your essay should:
Clearly explain why you want an MPP or MPA.
Connect your past experiences to your policy goals.
Show why this specific program is the best fit for your career.
💡 Example Strong Opening Hook:
"Sitting in a crowded town hall, I watched as community leaders struggled to pass a policy that would help low-income families. That moment solidified my desire to work at the intersection of public policy and social justice."
🚀 Pro Tip: Avoid generic statements like “I want to change the world.” Be specific about your goals.
5. Letters of Recommendation
✅ Top schools require 2-3 letters of recommendation.
At least one letter from a professor (if applying from undergrad).
At least one letter from an employer or supervisor (if you have work experience).
🚀 Pro Tip: Give recommenders your resume and personal statement so they can write a stronger, personalized letter.
3. How to Strengthen Your Public Policy Application
✅ 1. Gain Policy or Government Experience
Intern with a policy-focused nonprofit, government agency, or think tank.
Work in local government, international development, or legislative affairs.
✅ 2. Take Quantitative Courses
Some MPP programs require statistics, economics, or data analysis coursework.
If your undergrad coursework was weak in these areas, consider taking an online class (Coursera, edX, etc.).
✅ 3. Apply Early for Fellowships & Funding
Many top MPP/MPA programs offer full funding for select students.
Apply for external public policy fellowships (e.g., Presidential Management Fellows Program, Rangel Fellowship, PPIA Fellowship).
🚀 Pro Tip: Applying early (September–November) increases your chances of receiving funding!
4. Final Tips: How to Get Into a Top MPP/MPA Program
✅ Start early: Research schools at least a year before applying.
✅ Gain work experience: Most programs prefer students with professional experience in policy, government, or nonprofit work.
✅ Take quantitative courses: Many MPPs require some background in economics or statistics.
✅ Write a compelling personal statement: Explain why you want a career in policy and how their program fits your goals.
✅ Consider dual degrees (JD-MPP, JD-MPA): If you’re also considering law school, a dual degree may be an option.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you're passionate about policy change but don’t want to practice law, an MPP/MPA is the best path.
Final Thoughts: Is Public Policy Grad School Right for You?
If you’re passionate about:
✔️ Government policy, data-driven decision-making, and leadership → Apply for an MPP/MPA.
✔️ Law, regulations, and courtroom advocacy → Consider a JD instead.
✔️ Shaping policy with a legal background → Look into JD-MPP or JD-MPA programs.
🚀 Want more help? Join Kappa Alpha Pi’s pre-law & policy network to connect with mentors in public policy and law!
