Batten Undergraduate Application Resources
Applications to all Batten programs, including the Accelerated MPP, BA in Public Policy & Leadership, and Public Policy & Leadership Minor, are open! To help with the application process the Batten Admissions team has compiled a variety of resources to review before getting started.
As we wrap up the semester and many of you turn your attention to your Batten application(s), the Admissions team has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to help you prepare the strongest possible application.
A great place to begin is our posts on 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 from Batten’s Annual Application Workshop
- 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. The Career Center is the best source of information on format, length, and the types of content you should choose to highlight. The Admissions team does not have a preference on 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 recommendations. (The Public Policy & Leadership Minor does not require recommendations.) Our goal through recommendations is to learn more about you as a student and potential leader poised to create impact. Strive for balance (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 the start of the spring semester, or consider attending pop-up advising with the Career Center at 15|15 on January 15 and January 20!
