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Admissions

Admissions: Requirements and Procedures

International Students (click here)

The CIPA program attracts a diverse pool of applicants who have studied in an unusually wide range of disciplines. While no specific background or undergraduate major is preferred, those with experience in policy decision-making or implementation are strongly encouraged to apply.

We look for students with potential for public policy leadership evidenced by professional work, community, extracurricular, or other relevant experiences.

Admission to CIPA is selective. A faculty committee evaluates individual applications based on the following:


Official Application
Overall academic record; transcript
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
GRE scores
  • Scores must be sent to:
    Cornell University Code: 2098
    Public Affairs Department Code: 2204
Two (2) letters of recommendation
Current résumé
TOEFL scores
  • Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to achieve the following minimum scores on the new (2005) Internet-based test version of the TOEFL: writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, speaking 22.
An extensive written Statement of Purpose

In the written "Statement of Purpose," all applicants should address the following points:

  • Why you are applying to the program
  • Personal and/or professional experience that led to your interest in Cornell's M.P.A. program
  • Your future goals (how you intend to put your M.P.A. degree to use)
  • Examples of volunteer work, positions of responsibility, and any other life experience contributing to your interest in public affairs (the committee is particularly interested in activities that show evidence of your commitment to civic engagement)
  • Evidence of ability to communicate clearly through writing



The committee looks for sound analytic preparation or prior professional work experience in fields relevant to public affairs, such as economics, politics, public administration, planning, sociology, and law.
Although admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, it is best to submit applications from November through January. You may complete Cornell's Graduate School application on-line or download an application and submit it by mail.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Cornell Graduate School office at 607-255-4884.



International Students

English Language Proficiency Test

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL and submit the official score to Cornell. Only students who have studied for two or more years at a college or university where English is the language of instruction located in a country where English is the native language are exempt from the TOEFL.

TOEFL scores must be sent directly to:
Cornell University School Code: 2098
Public Affairs Department Code: 80


Application Protocol

CIPA Admissions faculty and staff will not communicate with third-party organizations regarding the status of an applicant.  Applicants must submit a personal e-mail address and a home street address to which correspondence may be sent, as well as a home or cell phone number where they may be reached.  When submitting admission material, applicants must verify that they have written their own statement of purpose and that all supporting documentation is legitimate.

International Student Qualifications

For more information, click here.

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