The various Admissions Committees have signed off on the essays that will be included on the application this year and they are listed below.  In future posts we will offer advice on how to submit compelling responses.

The first essay option noted applies to all of our Master’s programs and is optional.  It is not seen as a negative if no response is offered to essay number one. The questions associated with each individual program are mandatory and the word limits are firm. The Admissions Committee expects applicants to follow all instructions and adhere to the stated word limits.  

For some programs we are also making some changes to the resume/CV portion of the application and an upcoming blog post will provide details and more information.

Fall 2013 Application Essays

All Programs - Essay 1 (Optional)

If you have any concerns about your prior academic background, or if you believe the Admissions Committee may have concerns, please give a brief explanation of your performance in college, or your standardized test scores (750 word limit).

MPP and MPA2

Essay 2

The HKS motto, evoking our Presidential namesake, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your leadership and service, and how an MPP/MPA2 from HKS will prepare you to do so (500 word limit).

Essay 3

Describe an example of commitment to a goal from your work, academic, or personal life.  This does not need to be dramatic—or even successful—but should speak to your capacity for sustained effort.  Please focus on one specific example, rather than a summary of the résumé/CV we have asked you to provide (500 word limit).  

MPA/ID

Essay 2

Discuss your decision to choose international development as your professional career. Also, explain how developing your analytic skills relates to your career in development (750 word limit).
    
Essay 3

Describe an event or experience in which you exercised a significant decision-making, management, or leadership role (750 word limit).
    
Essay 4

Describe a public policy or public management problem related to international development and analyze a range of solutions (750 word limit).
    
Essay 5

At least one college level course in microeconomics, macroeconomics and multivariable calculus must be completed before enrollment. Statistics and linear algebra are desirable, but not required. Explain how you have met these requirements, or how you propose to meet them before enrolling in September. Please include descriptions of mathematics courses you have taken that covered calculus and multivariable calculus, as well as descriptions of any courses whose titles do not clearly indicate the content (e.g. Mathematics II or Advanced Mathematics). Official descriptions copied from your college’s course catalogue or on-line course catalogue are preferred.
    

MC/MPA (Including Mason Program)  

Essay 2

Submit a statement that discusses your career goals, as well as the factors that led you to select the Mid-Career MPA/Edward S. Mason Program as a means of furthering your personal and professional goals. Be as specific as possible in describing how your expected course of study will enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve these goals (750 word limit).

Essay 3

Describe your most substantial professional and/or public service contribution in which you exercised a significant leadership role in furthering the public good. (750 word limit).


MPP and MPA/ID Applicants Applying to the HKS/HBS Joint Degree

Joint Degree Essay

How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level (400 word limit)?