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Applying to the Program
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) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is the best evidence of proficiency. 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 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, preferably in a public agency or nongovernmental organization.
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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
Potential applicants can order application materials and/or apply online at http://app.applyyourself.com/?id=COL-spa. Online applications must be accompanied by a $75 application fee; paper applications must be submitted with a $90 application fee. Because the fee covers the cost of processing the application, it is not refundable and is not credited toward tuition. As the form stipulates, the applicant should also ask the registrar of each of the colleges or universities he or she has attended to send official transcripts of the applicant's academic record back to the applicant or directly to the admissions office.
All applicants must submit the completed application forms, letters of recommendation, and required transcripts by January 1, 2008.
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:
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Mail Code 3325
420 West 118th Street, Room 408
New York, NY 10027
Tel: 212-854-6216
Fax: 212-854-3010
E-mail: sipa_admission@columbia.edu