Heres a Few Dos and Donts on Your SIPA Application COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Heres a Few Dos and Donts on Your SIPA Application COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog We know youre in the thick of preparing your applications. Here are a few pointers on how to apply. Remember, our next deadline is coming up fast on January 5th, 2018. Dont miss out on SIPA fellowship aid consideration and submit your app by this date. We are also in the process of reviewing our Early Action applications; decisions will be released by early January! Dos 1. Take your time on creating the Quantitative Resume This part of the SIPA application may seem like a chore, but it’s important for the admissions committee to really understand the applicants quantitative background. You can also use this section to showcase any research that you have done, professional work or classes that you have taken to bolster your quantitative background. My best advice is take your time on this section and make sure it is polished! 2. Take advantage of the Optional Essay Applicants often ask if it is crucial to fill out this section of the application…..and the answer is it all depends. If you have anything that you are concerned about on your application, like your GRE Scores, a low GPA, or not having enough work experience, this is where you can really take the time to explain yourself. The admissions committee will not make any assumptions on your application and this is the opportunity that you have to fill in those gaps or red flags. Don’ts 1. Avoid having a vague Personal Essay Statement This is the one section of your application you will be able to show your personality and convey your goals post-graduate school. The more confident and specific you can be in your personal statement the better it will be for you to tell your story. I would say avoid listing all of your accomplishments from your resume because believe it or not, it happens and it’s not compelling to read. 2. Make sure you address your essays and tailor personal statements to SIPA and not another school We understand that most applicants are also applying to other graduate programs in addition to SIPA, however, it is important applicants are diligent and address their essay to the correct school. The last thing that you want to happen is to submit a very generic essay and then address it to the wrong school.