The policy memo is a required component of the MPA and MPP application. What makes a good policy memo?  In fundamental terms, a good memo will provide details on how you would identify challenges, assess solutions, and implement them into practice.

To explore this question in more detail, we consulted with members of our admissions committee for some helpful tips on how you can write the best policy memo for your application.

Pick a topic that matters to you.

When writing on a topic you are passionate about, your personality and voice are more likely to shine. When you are interested in the topic, you will write with more conviction, clarity and expertise and this effort is what we hope to see in your memo.

Although it may be tempting to discuss a hot button issue, do not feel the need to discuss these if that is not where your interests and expertise reside. Write about the issues you care about most.

Be direct, and give us your bottom line up front.

State your policy issue and recommendations clearly and directly. We should not have to hunt through your memo to understand what you are writing about and which side of the issue you favor.

Recommended actions should be clear.

Recommend a specific solution to the problem or issue your memo seeks to tackle. Connect the background with your evidence and proposed action.

Write how you would speak.

There is no need to try to impress our committee with complex verbiage and platitudes. Write clearly and concisely, in such a way that your language and recommendations are accessible. Write in an active voice and keep your sentences to the point.

Structure your memo.

Your memo’s format should flow and enhance readability. It should not read as one long essay. Divide it into sections and use headings. Do not bury major themes in the middle of a paragraph – instead, make them clear and upfront.

Additionally, format your memo in a style that suits you. Some will use MPA, while others will choose APA. Feel free to use whatever format fits your style of writing and tells your story. We have no preference, as long as your memo is structured and clear.

In summary, please consider this sample outline:

• Description and significance of an issue or problem
• Evidence and scope of the issue or problem
• Factors contributing to the issue or problem
• Recommendations or conclusions to the issue or problem
• Counter-arguments against the issue or problem (as well as a rebuttal to these counter-arguments)
• Implementation issues for any recommendations (i.e. political, economic, environmental, technical)

Finally, we recommend you pay attention to details while writing. Ensure your policy memo is logical, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and original. Your ideas and voice should read clear throughout the memo, so try avoiding recycled papers or copying from the work of others.

Keep in mind that the policy memo serves as one portion of your application, something that will be factored into our holistic application review process. Speak with confidence and discuss a policy issue that resonates with you!