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Applying to the Program
PEPM 2010-2011 Application Deadline is January 1st, 2010
Admission to the Program in Economic Policy Management is competitive, based on academic excellence and superior professional qualifications. The size of the entering class is limited to ensure that participants receive the individual attention that the intensive program demands. For admission, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
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Hold an undergraduate degree with a record of superior academic accomplishment, and preferably with strong economics content.
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Demonstrate proficiency in the English language adequate for study at the masters level. A score of at least 580 (237 on the computer-based exam, or 90 on the Internet-based exam) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is the best evidence of proficiency. The minimum score on the IELTS exam is 7. Applicants with stronger test scores will be considered more competitive. If TOEFL scores cannot be presented, applicants should present any available evidence of English-language skills, such as a substantial period of study in an English-language environment, good performance in English-language courses, or letters of support from a reference qualified to comment on English skills. (Applicants with weak English skills who are strong in other respects will have the opportunity to improve their language skill through tutoring and course work at Columbia.)
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Demonstrate verbal and quantitative aptitude by taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or by providing comparable evidence of their aptitude. Such evidence could include, but would not necessarily be limited to, satisfactory performance in economics and mathematics courses at the university level.
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Have had a meaningful professional exposure to economic policymaking.
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Demonstrate an intention to pursue a career in economic policy management.
Applicants with less than two years of relevant work experience may not be considered for admission to the program. Significant experience of at least four or five years is preferred.
Admissions Procedure
SIPA utilizes an online application system that helps expedite the receipt and tracking of information. Applicants are able to track the receipt of documents via the online application site once an application form and fee have been submitted.
Starting with the spring 2010 application cycle 100% of the application process can be completed on line. All documents, including transcripts and test scores can be uploaded to the application Web site for admission consideration. Sending hardcopy materials can delay the evaluation of your application and we recommend that you submit as many materials via the online application site as possible. We will use unofficial copies of transcripts and test scores for admission consideration. Candidates offered admission will later be required to supply official transcripts and test scores prior to enrollment.
We strongly encourage all applicants to submit all of the required documents through the SIPA application Web site. The online application website will re-open for the 2010 application cycle after August 15th, 2009.
Section One of the application includes the application form (mainly biographical information) and the application fee. Section Two of the application includes the personal statement, résumé requirements, transcripts and test scores. We encourage applicants to submit Section One as soon after August 15th as possible. Applicants are not able to proceed to Section Two until Section One has been completed.
Our online site allows applicants to submit all of the required documents on line.
To apply all of the following must be submitted:
- Section One
- Application form
- Application fee
- Section Two
- Personal statement - broken into three parts
- 1) Please elaborate upon your professional goals and how has your prior employment/volunteer experience helped to prepare you to meet these goals? Your response should be no more than 400 words.
- 2) Describe what you consider to be your most significant past or present contribution to a community. Your response should be no more than 400 words.
- 3) Please provide any additional information about yourself that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. Your response should be no more than 200 words.
- Standard Résumé/CV
- Quantitative/Language Résumé/CV - note that a sample will be available on the application Web site.
- Test Scores
- GRE or GMAT for all applicants
- TOEFL or IELTS exam for applicants that speak English as a second language. Columbia also offers a language test. For details click here.
- Three letters of recommendation: The names of the individuals you chose can be submitted on the application Web site any time after beginning the application.
You are required to submit transcripts from all colleges, professional schools, and universities attended (including Columbia). Again, our preferred method is that you upload unofficial copies of your transcripts to the application Web site. When scanning transcripts to upload, be sure to scan the reverse side of the transcripts if applicable or any additional pages that include comments on the grading system used. Transcripts not in English must be translated into English prior to uploading. We recommend using a high quality scanner for this process.
If you wish to have transcripts mailed to our office the registrar should seal the transcript in an envelope, sign across the seal, and return it to you. Do not open these envelopes or break the seals. Some universities may prefer to send transcripts directly to our office. If this is the case, please have official transcripts sent to:
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
420 West 118th Street, 4th Floor
Mail Code 3325
408 International Affairs Building
New York, NY 10027
All documents, except foreign transcripts judged irreplaceable, become the property of Columbia and cannot be returned. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
If a person writing a letter of recommendation for you wishes to do so in another language please see to it that the letter is sent to an official translator. Letters submitted this way should be mailed to our office. The translator should include both the translated copy and the official copy of the letter in a sealed envelope, along with their contact information.
All applicants must submit the completed application forms, letters of recommendation, and required transcripts by January 1, 2010.
Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the School.
For information on Scholarship support, click here.
All questions concerning admissions and financial aid should be directed to SIPA's Office of Admission and Financial Aid, or to pepm@columbia.edu.