As we wrap up the semester and many of you turn your attention to your Batten application(s), the Admissions team decided to compile a comprehensive list of resources to help you prepare the strongest possible application.

A great place to begin is our application walkthroughs. We have step-by-step guides to starting an application and navigating the new application portal. If you prefer to see this in video format, we’ve got you covered!

• Minor Application Walkthrough
• BA Application Walkthrough
• Accelerated MPP Application Walkthrough
• Navigating the Batten Application Portal

As you begin to craft your application, check out what the admissions committee is focused on in its review. Additionally, be sure to avoid common misconceptions so you don’t take yourself out of the running unnecessarily!

• What We Look For In An Undergraduate Application
• What We Look For In An Accelerated MPP Application
• Tips for Applying to Batten
• Common Application Misconceptions

We always recommend applicants connect with the UVA Career Center for a quick resume review through drop-in advising! You can also utilize their one-on-one appointments and the online resume review tool VMock. They are the best sources of information on format, length, and the types of content you should choose to highlight. The Admissions team does not have a preference for length or format, so we recommend you ask the experts!

A major portion of your application are your essay(s): your chance to tell us in your own words about your interests in policy and your desire to be at Batten. Make sure your essays are personal, and not simply written in a way that you think would make you a strong candidate. Be sure to check out some tips from our Batten Ambassadors and the Admissions team.

The final piece of the application for BA and Accelerated MPP applicants are recommendation letters. (Students applying for the Minor do not submit any letters of recommendation.) Our goal is to learn more about you as a student and potential leader poised to create impact through your recommendations. Strive for balance in your recommendations (one “academic” and one “other”), in addition to selecting recommenders who can fill in gaps in your application materials or particularly highlight your strengths. Read our most recent post about maximizing your recommendations!

Still have questions or want feedback on your application materials? Sign up to be connected to an Ambassador from now through application deadlines, or consider signing up for the Batten Latinx Network's Virtual Application Workshop during January Term!