Admission Requirements and Deadlines
MPA Application
Full-time and Executive MPA applicants should submit the following materials:
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Application for Admission (Full-time MPA deadline is January 15. Next Executive MPA deadline is March 1 to start in the Summer 2013 semester)
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$70 Application fee payable by credit card or check to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania".
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Personal statement - Essay should be approximately 1,000 words and should demonstrate a commitment to public service, career goals, and an understanding/fit to the Fels program. Further instructions are available on the online application.
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Resume
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Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. All applicants should upload unofficial copies of their transcripts to the online application system. Only applicants admitted to the MPA program will be required to submit official transcripts and should do so upon notification of admission. All international transcripts should be translated into English.
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Three letters of recommendation including at least one academic letter from a recommender who has taught the applicant.
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Standardized test scores - Students taking the GRE should submit their scores to code 2893 (no dept. code is necessary). All applicants MUST submit standardized test scores. LSAT or GMAT scores are also accepted in lieu of GRE scores. Please note that LSAC and GMAT will not report official scores to non-law/non-business schools. Applicants submitting LSATs or GMATs should mail a copy of their score report to the Fels Admissions Office.
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TOEFL or IELTS Scores - Applicants who have not attended an English-speaking university for at least two years are required to submit scores for either test. TOEFL test takers should use code 2926.
Executive MPA Application
-
Application for Admission (next deadline: July 1st to start in Fall 2013)
-
$70 Application fee payable by credit card or check to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania".
-
Personal statement - Essay
should be approximately 1,000 words and should demonstrate a commitment
to public service, career goals, and an understanding/fit to the Fels
program. Further instructions are available on the online application. -
Resume
-
Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. All
applicants should upload unofficial copies of their transcripts to the
online application system. Only applicants admitted to the MPA program
will be required to submit official transcripts and should do so upon
notification of admission. All international transcripts should be
translated into English. -
Three letters of recommendation including at least one academic letter from a recommender who has taught the applicant.
-
Standardized test scores - Students
taking the GRE should submit their scores to code 2893 (no dept. code
is necessary). All applicants MUST submit standardized test
scores. LSAT or GMAT scores are also accepted in lieu of GRE scores.
Please note that LSAC and GMAT will not report official scores to
non-law/non-business schools. Applicants submitting LSATs or GMATs
should mail a copy of their score report to the Fels Admissions Office.
-
TOEFL or IELTS Scores - Applicants
who have not attended an English-speaking university for at least two
years are required to submit scores for either test. TOEFL test takers
should use code 2926. -
Personal Interview - All
Executive MPA applicants are required to have an interview.
Certificate Application
Certificate applicants should submit the following materials:
- Application for Admission
- $70 Application fee payable by credit card or check to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania".
- Personal statement - essay should be between 250-500 words.
- Resume
- Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. All
applicants should upload unofficial copies of their transcripts to the
online application system. Only applicants admitted to the MPA program
will be required to submit official transcripts and should do so upon
notification of admission. - TOEFL or IELTS Scores - Applicants who have not attended an English-speaking university for at least two years are required to submit scores for either test. TOEFL test takers should use code 2926.
- Three letters of recommendation including at least one academic letter from a recommender who has taught the applicant.
- Personal interview
Non-Degree Application
- Application for Admission
- $70 Application fee payable by check to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania".
- Personal statement - statement should be no more than 250 words.
- Resume
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Personal Interview
Applications will not be reviewed until all material has been received by the Fels Admissions Office. Please note that all materials submitted to the Admission Office become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned under any circumstances.
Deadlines
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|
Full-time MPA |
Executive MPA or Certificate |
Non-Degree |
|
Fall |
|
January 15 for maximum financial aid consideration; Notification by March 15 |
July 1; Notification by August 1 |
August 15 |
|
Spring |
|
Space permitting, we will accept applications through November 1; Notification by December 1. Please contact admissions office to inquire about available spaces. |
November 1; Notification by December 1 |
December 15 |
|
Summer |
|
n/a |
March 1; Notification by April 1 |
April 15 |
Campus Visits
Prospective applicants are welcome to visit Fels and meet MPA staff, faculty, and students; tour the campus; and sit in on classes. To schedule a visit, contact the Admissions Office at felsinstitute@sas.upenn.edu or call 215.746.6684 to make arrangements. You can also take a virtual tour of Penn's campus.
Questions
For answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Admissions Blog page.