Becoming Batten

Batten is thrilled to welcome 72 new students to our Public Policy & Leadership minor, and 45 students into the Social Entrepreneurship minor, representing a wide array of backgrounds and academic interests. This year’s cohort includes students ready to make a significant impact in their fields. Read on to learn more about our incoming classes of minors

This fall, we welcome 98 talented students to our MPP Class of 2026, selected from a competitive pool of 446 applicants. Representing 23 states and 8 countries, these students come from 43 undergraduate institutions, including UVA, and bring a wide range of professional experiences, from biotechnology to military service. With a strong mix of backgrounds and perspectives, they embody the vibrant, global community that makes Batten unique. 

With summer break coming to a close, the Admissions team is busy preparing for the fall semester. We are excited to offer some great ways to connect with our team in-person and virtually, no matter where you are. Before we outline the different ways for you to visit Batten, we will introduce ourselves. 

Are you about to start your first or second year at UVA and feeling uncertain about the best path for you? Dive into our latest blog post from the Batten Admissions team! Discover essential tips and strategies to kick off your fall semester with confidence, especially if you're eyeing a future at the Batten School.

As we break for the summer, the Batten Office of Admission reflects on this year’s events and provides tips to help you prepare for next year’s application cycle. 

Ready to take your first steps into the world of policy? Discover how the Bridge to Batten program can transform your journey with a dynamic CR/NC seminar, expert guidance from Batten faculty and staff, and continuous mentorship opportunities from current Batten students. Read on to hear from 2024 Teaching Fellow, Wyatt Carter, about what makes Bridge to Batten so special. 

With shopping carts open and course enrollment for the fall on your mind, the Admissions team is sharing helpful tips and classes to consider as you prepare for application to the Batten School.

One question our current students frequently get asked is what sets Batten apart. Recent Lead Ambassador R.J. Rhodes sat down with a fellow Batten alumnus to share why they chose the Batten School. Read on to learn more.

It’s that time again! With course enrollment for the spring on your mind, the Admissions team is sharing helpful tips and classes to consider as you prepare for application to the Batten School.

One question our current students frequently get asked is what sets Batten apart. Recent alumni RJ Rhodes sat down with a few of Batten’s current MPP students to ask them why they chose the Batten School. Read on to learn more. 

Interested in an early perspective on the Batten experience? Hear from third-year BA and Lead Ambassador, Wyatt Carter as he discusses life at Batten. Read on to learn about the classes he’s enrolled in, finding community with his peers, and juggling outside commitments with a full course schedule. 

Meet our dynamic team of Lead Ambassadors to learn all about their Batten experience. Each Ambassador brings a unique perspective on life at Batten, and you will see them at many of our events throughout the year. Read on to meet our undergrad and postgrad Lead Ambassadors!