Princeton University Graduate Application

The statement of purpose should explain the applicant’s commitment to a career in public service, showcase strengths, and provide an overview of background, goals, and academic and professional aspirations, and how a SPIA graduate degree can help you accomplish them. This should be two to four pages, double spaced. Applicants wishing to address any weaknesses in the application should include a separate, succinct, fact-based addendum.

We want to get to know you on a more personal and individual basis. To do so, applicants must respond to this prompt: “We all come from somewhere and it shapes us — both in who we become and what we value. Tell us your story and what has shaped you.” One page, double spaced.

The personal statement should not exceed 500 words and must be written in English. The goal of the personal essay is to give you space to highlight your unique personal and professional story and share how it has helped to prepare you for success in graduate school.

Identify a problem in domestic or international affairs, discuss its complexity, and propose policy recommendations. The memo should demonstrate the ability to provide critical analysis of an issue, to write cogently, and offer reasonable and realistic recommendations. Four pages, double spaced.

SPIA has four additional questions to help us understand you better.  Your answers should be 100 words or less.

Applicants who plan to pursue a certificate should submit an additional statement explaining the rationale for enrolling in a certificate program. This should be one page, double spaced. 

List employment activities, community service, education, and academic and professional honors. Include a brief annotation of job responsibilities, leadership, and awards. The résumé should be presented in sufficient detail so that the admissions committee has an accurate picture of the applicant’s professional trajectory — such as promotions or job progression, leadership profile, and impact.

There is no prescribed undergraduate major for the MPP degree. The admissions committee evaluates all undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Transcripts can be unofficial.

The grade point average from each degree-granting education program must be provided. Applicants must convert their GPA to a 4.0 scale if needed here.

As a general rule, recommendations should include one professional, one academic, and one from someone able to comment on the applicant’s commitment to public service. References should understand the applicant’s reasons for applying to the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, as well as the person’s goals and strengths. Occasionally, MPP applicants are unable to submit an academic letter of recommendation given the time from undergraduate or graduate study.

Financial aid is need-blind and does not consider an applicant's financial resources, in conjunction with any external scholarships offered by partnerships with government agencies or other fellowships. Any dependents who will accompany the applicant while in residence should be noted.

English language test scores are required for all applicants whose primary language is not English, whose undergraduate instruction was not entirely in English as certified by the institution or who have not completed at least one year of full-time graduate study entirely in English as certified by the institution.  Additional information about this Graduate School requirement is available at this site.