As we prepare to welcome our newest cohort of Master of Public Policy to Grounds for the start of orientation, we are excited to share a bit more about the new MPP students joining us this fall. Our MPP cohort is comprised of both traditional two-year postgraduate MPP students who already have an undergraduate degree and Accelerated MPP students who begin our program in their final year of undergraduate study at UVA. Below, you will find additional information about the Accelerated MPP portion of the cohort. 

This year, we admitted 43 of 47 of initial applications, or 91% of applicants, into the Accelerated MPP. We admitted students from nine states across the country, including Colorado, Florida, and Illinois. Almost half of admitted students identified as non-white (47%), and students with an international connection (either primary or dual citizenship outside the US) represented 20% of the admitted Class of 2024. Five percent of students identified as first generation. Women comprise almost three-quarters of this portion of the cohort.

We admitted students with GPAs that ranged from 3.38 to 3.98. Most students (middle 50%) had a GPA that fell within the 3.6-3.8 range. Students in this cohort are majoring in degrees throughout the College, including Cognitive Science; Environmental Thought and Practice; Political and Social Thought; and Psychology, in addition to students from the School of Education and Human Development (Youth & Social Innovation). Students are active volunteers through Madison House and other volunteer organizations, are engaged in a variety of CIOs and undergraduate research opportunities, and hold part-time positions across Grounds including in Housing and Residence Life, and Orientation and New Student Programs. Their extracurricular activities on Grounds vary from the Office of African American Affairs Peer Advisor program, to the Honor Committee, the Q* Anthology of Queer Culture, Student Council, and the Cavalier Marching Band. Additionally, our students work and intern in roles throughout Charlottesville and beyond, including with congressional campaigns and representatives, the US State Department, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Together, our differences make us stronger. Together, we are Batten. We look forward to bringing in the next group of committed policy leaders in the months to come! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email at BattenAdmissions@virginia.edu or make an appointment to discuss the Accelerated MPP with Anne!