The graduate school search process can be long and stressful, between researching different program options and having informational calls to filling out the applications and ultimately choosing the best program for you. If you are feeling stuck in the application process, read the advice from our current students on how you can build a compelling graduate school application.
“Finding your people is as important as finding the right program. As you do your research, try to talk to as many current students, alumni, and staff as you think about the right community in which you want to spend two years. As I applied to Batten and lived in DC, I went to an open house led by Dean Solomon, members of the admissions team, and a panel of recent alums. As I considered leaving work to return to school, it was so helpful to hear from those alums about the kind of culture they found at Batten and how it has helped them in the careers coming out of the program.”
Porter Bowman, Class of 2028
“Know your ‘why’ when considering graduate school, the program, and when writing your essay components. I had a period where I wasn’t sure what my next step was and was considering a plethora of options, but when my supervisor sat down with me and asked me what my ‘why’ is, it shifted how I was approaching my options. It helped me to think about why I was leaving my job, why I wanted to get an MPP, and why I wanted to be at Batten. Reflecting takes practice, and if you can start doing it early in your decision-making process, you’ll find yourself reaching a decision much easier.”
Sarai Warrick, MPP ‘27
“Everyone in Batten has a passion for making the world a better place in their unique way. Don’t just write what you think an admissions team wants to hear. Instead, tell your story and let your passions guide your essays. Find a balance between details on your policy areas of interest and details about you personally. I also recommend writing out your responses, letting them sit for a few days, then going back to edit with a fresh perspective and with the help of an advisor!”
Elizabeth Delaney, MPP/MPH ’28
“When writing your application, take time to reflect on your lived experiences and how they’ve shaped the way you see the world. Think about what moments drew you toward policy, whether something you witnessed, experienced, or worked on, and how those experiences guide your goals and the future you want to build. For example, in my own application, I wrote about how Appalachia has been the common thread of my life, from growing up in East Tennessee to returning after college with Teach For America to teach elementary school in Kentucky and West Virginia, and how that journey inspired my commitment to advancing policy for those communities and led me to Batten.”
Abby Anger, MPP ‘26
“For me, the right graduate school had a multitude of necessities that couldn’t be found on an application: location, environment, alumni network, course content, etc. I considered as many factors as possible in my application process to make sure all my bases were covered! I found the process most rewarding when the required short- or long-answer questions allowed me to envision my time as a part of the program. If I wasn’t able to imagine myself answering honestly on why I wanted to be a student there, I struct it from my application list!”
Brett Navarro, MPP ‘26
Applications for Batten’s Master of Public Policy program are open now, with the first application deadline happening this Friday! Feel inspired by our Ambassadors’ advice to join our community? Submit your application today!
