Run of Show: SIPA Application Roadmap

I’ve been on the other end of the application process, scrambling to organize deadlines, juggling recommenders, and requesting mentors to review my materials. Here are a few tips that worked for me that helped me not only get my materials in on time, but secure a seat in the Fall 2024 Cohort:

Step 1: Create a Spreadsheet

Google Sheets is a great place to start. Not only will you learn a new skill as you create a living resource for yourself, but you will be able to have a visual record of all your upcoming deadlines, requirements, and outreach all in one place. If you are applying to more than one program, this can be a way to track all your requirements in one place. 

Sample Row Labels: Program, Deadline, Start Date, Essay 1, Essay 2, Recommender 1, Recommender 2, Submission Date

Bonus Tip: If you’re a visual person, color code your spreadsheets to track progress

Step 2: Make a Schedule & Set Deadlines 

Find your program’s application deadline!!!! Especially if you would like to be considered for a fellowship. The deadline for fellowship consideration is earlier than the final deadline, so make sure you know what date you’re aiming to submit your materials for. SIPA’s deadlines can be found here.

Different programs have different application deadlines, don’t make the silly mistake of preparing your materials without knowing when you need to submit. 

Start your application early and familiarize yourself with the materials you will need to submit. The trick to not feeling overwhelmed is to phase out each individual step. Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming when you’re thinking about the whole picture rather than the individual pieces. Don’t get stuck with decision fatigue. Take it one task, one email, one writing sample at a time. Working on your application for 15 minutes a day adds up to almost 2 hours each week.

Step 3: Connect with Current Students

There is no better way to gain insight into the application than connecting with

SIPA Ambassadors who can give you advice on what worked for them when they were applying. Our current list of Ambassadors can be found here.

If you’re in New York City, consider whether a class visit is feasible to get a feel for the classroom. If making it to the city is not an option, be sure to attend an Information Session virtually. 

Step 4: Research for Inspiration 

Search through the SIPA website for articles, professors, or classes you find interesting. Is there a member of the faculty who has published some groundbreaking research recently? Maybe someone posted on LinkedIn about a campus event they attended. If you’re on social media, scroll through SIPA’s instagram to see what current students and alums are up to. Figure out what makes you excited about attending SIPA, then weave those themes into your essays. 

Step 5: The Final Check

Before you hit submit, spend some time doing a thorough review of all the materials you’re submitting. Make sure you’ve read and understood the instructions for each section of the application and have uploaded all the required documents. If possible, have someone proofread your essays for a grammar and clarity check. If you’re submitting a GRE/GMAT score, have you checked to make sure you uploaded the correct material and that your score hasn’t expired? 

Step 6: Submit (early!)

If you start early, you can submit early. Don’t wait until 11pm on the day your application is due to finalize your materials and submit. 

If you have any specific application related questions, don’t wait until the day your application is due to contact the Office of Admissions. 

All that’s left to do is to hit submit….

Well, then there’s the video essay of course. Many PA’s have shared their tips on the video essay component in past blog posts, so I encourage you to review their insights as you prepare to complete the final step of your applications.