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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the application
deadline?
February 1 is the priority deadline for full consideration for financial
aid for full-time study the following fall semester. The priority deadline for
the M.P.A. Career Enhancement Option (part-time study) is April 15. Admissions occur on a rolling basis until the final deadline of July 1. Please note that applications received by the priority dates receive optimal consideration for admissions and financial aid.
Are applications
accepted after those dates?
Yes. However, full-time applicants who meet the February 1 deadline
are given priority consideration for research assistantship placements.
M.P.A. Career Enhancement Option students who apply by April 15 are
given priority consideration for semester-long scholarships. Applications
are accepted until the University's final deadline
of July 1 for fall admissions.
Can I apply for spring admission?
Yes. The application deadline for spring admission is December 1. The
bulk of research assistantships are awarded for fall admission. There
are limited opportunities for financial aid beginning in the spring
semester.
I went to UD as an undergrad. Will that help or hurt my chances of admission?
What about those who say you should go to a different institution for
graduate school?
In recent years, about one third of our incoming class has been comprised
of UD graduates. We are quite familiar with the quality of UD academic
programs, as well as UD professors who may provide recommendations. We
look to admit academically talented students, no matter their
undergraduate institutions. We also look to admit a diverse class in
terms of undergraduate institutions, majors, cultures, and life experiences.
Being a UD graduate alone doesn't help, nor hurt, your chances of admission.
Those who advise students to attend a different institution for graduate school may be thinking more of research degrees instead of professional degrees. It is rare for our graduate students to have had undergraduate courses with our professors, so you'll have plenty of exposure to new faculty members and their research and public service activities.
What undergraduate majors do you prefer to admit?
We welcome applications for the master's programs from ANY undergraduate major.
In fact, we've literally had students with majors from A to Z: art to zoology.
Our programs are interdisciplinary in nature, so all academic backgrounds
are respected.
At the same time, it is helpful for students to have exposure to the social sciences. Depending on the program, many students find having some background in economics and statistics helpful, but it is not necessary.
What should I look for among the programs I am considering?
Different applicants look for different qualities in graduate programs.
You should look for strength in the attributes most important to you.
Surveys show that our graduate students chose UD because of our strong
academic programs, the high level of financial assistance, the Delaware
Model (integration of theory and practice), the internship program,
and the availability of their desired specialization or concentration.
What makes the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy at
UD stand out?
Time and again, we are told that the opportunities and
the people are what
sets us apart from other public affairs institutions. Through our program
of research assistantships our students have remarkable opportunities for
professional development. The School is also a community of people dedicated
to our field and supporting student success. In fact, our postive atmosphere is an attribute that impresses many visitors and is enjoyed by those in our community.
How do I set up a visit?
We welcome you to set up a visit to learn more about the program. However,
before you arrive, we'd like for you to spend time reviewing this
web site and curriculum information to facilitate better conversations
with faculty.
We'd also like to get to know more about you so we can set up a productive visit. Please be prepared to let us know which specialization or concentration area(s) and research center(s) you're considering. We'd also like you to submit a resume to help us match you with appropriate people during your visit and let us know your major, previous college or university, and GPA. Then contact the School office at (302) 831-1687 or email us at suapp@udel.edu. We'll arrange a personalized set of meetings with faculty and/or students and staff.
Should I submit all of my application materials together or wait until
I take my GREs?
It's best to submit your application and any materials that are ready
as soon as possible. It is NOT necessary to wait to send all of your
materials together. For example, you may need to wait for a letter from
a reference or two. It's okay for things to arrive at different times.
Your GREs can be added to your record when they're received. Please note,
however, that an admissions decision cannot be made until your record
is complete.
Can I request a waiver for the GREs?
All of the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy's graduate programs
require submission of GRE scores. Few waivers are granted because GRE
scores are considered a helpful component of the applicant's credentials. However, exceptions are sometimes granted for applicants who have taken
other
standardized
tests or those who have earned a previous graduate degree. Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants
who would like to request a waiver should include a letter in their
application stating the reason for their request. It would
be wise for applicants to follow up soon after their application is
submitted
to determine if the request has been granted. Please note that if a waiver is not granted, the applicant will need to submit GRE scores before an admissions decision can be made. This delay could disadvantage an application.
If I have low GRE scores can I still be admitted?
Admissions decisions are based on the the applicant's full spectrum
of credentials. This includes standardized test scores, as well as
previous academic performance, rigor of previous academic programs
and institutions,
recommendations,
career
and volunteer experience, and commitment to one's chosen field. We
have found that at the master's level, undergraduate grades are the
best predictor of graduate academic success.
You can check the statistics page to find out the mean GRE score for recently admitted classes. Obviously, some students scored higher than the average and some scored lower than the average. Some applicants may be advised to retake the GREs to improve their score and their chances of admission.
What's the difference between the M.A. and M.P.A.
programs?
We've developed a matrix that compares the two master's programs.
Click here to find out more about the difference between
the M.A. and the M.P.A. programs.
How
can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status online through the Office of Graduate Studies website. If you have difficulty or have a question, you can call the Office of Graduate Studies office at 302-831-2129. You can also call our office at 302-831-1687.
When will I hear about an admissions decision?
Good question! Applicants are always anxious to hear. All applications
are individually reviewed by the faculty admissions committee. The
first round of admissions decisions are made in early March to those
of the applicant pool who are most qualified.
The first round of notifications, then, are made in mid- to late-
March.
Once students admitted in the first round have decided whether to accept UD's offer, there may be additional spaces in the class or funding slots available, so some applicants may hear in April or May. In a few cases, especially those that are late, applicants may hear over the summer.
If I get accepted and want to enroll at Delaware, what are the
next steps?
You will be formally notified of your admissions decision by letter from
the Office of Graduate Studies. You will need to send back your form
indicating whether you accept the admissions offer.
If you are awarded a research assistantship, in a few weeks or so you will be mailed a letter with pertinent details along with a contract. Please sign and return the contract as soon as possible.
Once you return your forms accepting the admissions offer and the research assistantship contract, your next official communication from the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy will come in late July. This letter will contain information for new students about registering for classes, etc.
In the meantime, check out our web pages for new students for information about advisement, orientation and beginning your program.
My question isn't listed here. What can I do?
We welcome inquires! Please call our office at 302-831-1687 or email
us at suapp@udel.edu.
School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy
184 Graham Hall |
University of Delaware |
Newark, DE 19716
phone 302 831 1687 |
e-mail suapp@udel.edu
| fax 302 831 3296
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