Skip Navigation
more options

Admissions

Admissions: How to Apply and What to Expect

Admissions Process

  • CIPA has a rolling admissions program, admitting qualified students throughout the year. As numbers of applicants have been increasing, admissions may be closed at any point when the class is full. Candidates are urged to apply between November and January.
  • A faculty committee evaluates individual applications. We generally notify you of our decision within 3 weeks of receiving your complete application.
  • You will need to submit all of the following before your application is complete:


Official Application
  • Complete Cornell's Graduate School application online. If you have questions, you may contact the Cornell Graduate School office at 607-255-4884.
Overall academic record; transcript
  • Submit copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
  • Admitted students who accept the admissions offer are required to submit an offical paper transcript prior to matriculation.
GRE scores
  • Scores must be sent to:
    Cornell University Code: 2098
    Public Affairs Department Code: 2204
  • CIPA does NOT accept GMAT or LSAT scores in lieu of
    GRE scores.
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.
  • Please note: Cornell University does NOT accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam in lieu of the TOEFL.
An extensive written Statement of Purpose (500 words maximum)

Applicants should address the following points:

  • Why you are applying to the program
  • Personal and/or professional experience that have led to your interest in Cornell's MPA program
  • Your future goals--how you would put an MPA graduate education to use
  • Examples of volunteer work, positions of responsibility, and any other life experiences that have contributed to your interest in public affairs
Essay (1,000 words maximum)
  • Briefly describe an area of public affairs to which you would like to make a contribution
  • Discuss what you would like to see accomplished in this area
  • Explain how you would go about initiating, supporting and sustaining changes in this area so as to enhance public well-being and public services.

Meeting You in Person

It would be ideal to meet all our Fellows before we complete our admissions process, but since about half our students come from outside North America, that is impractical. We do encourage you to meet our admissions staff at the recruiting events listed on our schedule online. You may also attend the CIPA Open House, held each spring, or arrange a personal visit to campus


Qualifications for Admission

Because our pool of applicants is large, and has been increasing in numbers and qualifications in the recent years, our admission process is very selective. We offer places in our incoming classes to persons who present clear evidence of ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program and the most demonstrated ability and/or potential to contribute to the broad domain of public affairs.

We look for persons with potential for leadership in this domain, as evidenced by professional work experience and by community, extracurricular or other relevant engagement. We appreciate good academic preparation in the social sciences and economics, plus analytical methods; however, applicants with strong background in some area of public affairs and who are prepared to gain such knowledge and skills will be considered. Public affairs can include careers in the public, private or NGO sectors, in applied work like journalism and philanthropy, and can range from community to international organizations.


Financial Aid

We provide some funding to more than 80 percent of our Fellows. CIPA itself, however, is unable to provide anyone with full support. We notify candidates of their CIPA fellowship award at the same time that we make our offer of admission to the program.

We encourage you to explore all available sources of external funding, including grants provided by your current employer. Many of our CIPA Fellows have won fellowships from Fullbright, Truman, World Bank, and other programs.

Integrity of Application 

Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.


Back to the Top