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 2025, 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.  

• BA Application Walkthrough *if you want to be considered for both the BA and Minor in Public Policy & Leadership, be sure to submit this application.
• Accelerated Master of Public Policy Application Walkthrough
• Minor Application Walkthrough
• Master of Leadership and Public Policy Application Walkthrough
• Certificate in Public Policy Application Walkthrough
• Certificate in Public Leadership Application Walkthrough

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 is 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 tips from our Batten Ambassadors and the Admissions team.

The final component of the application for BA and Accelerated MPP applicants is 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 13 from 5:00-7:00 PM or attend open office hours with an Ambassador on Fridays 2:00-4:00 PM in Garrett Hall Room 203 through December 13. 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!