Undergraduate Application Resources

Now that apps are open to the Accelerated MPP, Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Leadership, and Public Policy & Leadership Minor for entry into Batten in Fall 2023, here is a comprehensive list of resources to help you prepare the strongest possible application.

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

• Public Policy & Leadership 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. 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

The UVA Career Center is a wonderful resource as you are preparing your resume and other materials. If you have quick questions, we recommend you take advantage of drop-in advising! You can also schedule one-on-one appointments for more in-depth review of any of your materials, as well as use the online resume review tool VMock. The UVA Career Center is the best source of information on format, length, and the types of content you should choose to highlight in your resume. The Admissions team does not have a preference on length or format, so be sure to consult 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 component of the application for BA and Accelerated MPP applicants are recommendations. (The Minor does not require recommendations.) Our goal through your recommendations is to learn more about you as a student and leader prepared to make an impact. Strive for balance (we suggest one “academic” and one “other”), in addition to selecting recommenders who can fill in gaps in your application materials or otherwise highlight your strengths. For more advice, read this post about maximizing your recommendations! 

Still have questions or want feedback on your application materials? Sign up for our Application Workshop on November 15 or drop-in on open office hours Fridays 2-4 PM in Garrett Hall 106 through December 2. We’ll also provide opportunities for 1:1 assistance virtually or over email throughout Winter Break… keep an eye out for these and other application resources in our weekly newsletter in the coming weeks!