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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline? Is it a postmarked deadline?
Applications must be postmarked on or before January 1 if you wish to be considered for a La Follette School fellowship. March 15 is the postmarked deadline for general admission.
What are the prerequisite courses for admission?
For the MPA, prerequisite courses are an introductory course in microeconomics, introduction to statistics and an American government course. For the MIPA the prerequisites are: Introductory courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, introduction to statistics, intermediate level of a second language, and a course in comparative politics or international relations.
Can I apply without the prerequisite courswork?
A student can apply without all of the prerequisites. If the application is strong in other ways (for example, strong GRE scores, relevant experience) the admissions committee may decide to admit the student on the condition that the prerequisite coursework is completed before the start of the program.
Do you have spring admission?
No, we offer fall admission only.
What do I need to know about the application process?
There are three steps to the application process.
Step 1. Apply on-line to the University of Wisconsin - Madison Graduate School. Please refer to the following websites for instructions and information.
Graduate School Checklist
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/gschecklist.html
Graduate School Requirements
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/requirements.html
Graduate School Online Letters of Recommendation Process
Submit three letters at
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/elorinstructions.html
The three references should include at least two faculty members who are
familiar with the applicant's academic work.
Step 2. Send the following application documents directly to:
Admissions Committee, La Follette School of Public Affairs
1225 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
Two official transcripts from each institute attended
Statement of purpose (can be done electronically)
Resume
Step 3. Once you have taken the GRE and/or TOEFL be sure that the Educational Testing Service (ETS) has the codes to electronically submit your scores to the University of Wisconsin.
What are the institution and department codes for GRE scores?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison institution code is 1846. The La Follette School of Public Affairs department code is 2204.
The Graduate School application asks for major codes.
What are the major
codes for La Follette School programs?
MPA is 837; MIPA is 577
May I substitute the GMAT or LSAT for the GRE?
No, you must submit GRE test scores; no substitutions are accepted.
Are there special forms for the letters of recommendation?
You must follow the Graduate School's online Letters of Recommendation Instructions.
For which degree programs are international applicants eligible?
International applicants may apply for admission into either the MIPA or MPA program. However, international applicants should be aware that their background will be an asset when applying to the MIPA program. Those applicants interested in the MPA program are advised that the MPA program assumes a good knowledge of American government and that MPA graduates generally intend to apply their learning in an American setting.
Is there a separate fellowship form?
No. Simply check box 14 on the on-line application and make sure your application materials are submitted by January 1.
What is the average GRE scores?
The average verbal GRE score for enrolled 2007 candidates was 562. The average quantitative GRE score for enrolled 2007 students was 630.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your own application through your UW student center. Your student center information will be sent to you as soon as you submit an application to the graduate school.
How will my application be evaluated?
Applications are carefully reviewed by an Admissions Committee of La Follette School faculty. The committee looks for evidence of strong academic achievement, relevant experience, and potential for success in our graduate programs and in public service careers.
When will I receive notification of my admission?
We begin sending our admission letters in late February. Your acceptance letter will also include any fellowship offer you may receive. If you letter does not mention a fellowship offer, then you will need to rely on outside sources for funding.
How do I arrange a visit to the La Follette School?
If you wish to visit the La Follette School, contact Mary Treleven, our Graduate Student Services Coordinator to set up appointments at 608.262.3582 or mtreleven@lafollette.wisc.edu.
Does the La Follette School have a visit day for accepted students?
Yes. Applicants accepted for entry in the fall will be encouraged to visit Madison and the La Follette School on a visit day in March or April, prior to the notification deadline. Accepted applicants may visit at any time, although the visit day is when faculty are scheduled to meet and talk to prospective students, and when you can meet your potential classmates. You will be notified of the visit day upon or shortly after acceptance.
Are there additional resources on the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus that would be helpful to a prospective graduate student?
The University of Wisconsin - Madison Graduate Student Collaborative offers information and resources online at their websites. These include the Guide to Graduate Student Life and campus-wide events calendars. A list of websites may be found at:
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/education/funding/index.html