You’ve been admitted, now what?

First of all, congratulations! 

Whether you decide or not to join the SIPA community (we hope you do!) take a moment to celebrate this impressive accomplishment. We know the time and effort that you put into your application and you deserve to recognize your achievements. 

After celebrating, now comes the time to carefully consider your decision. To help you make that informed decision, SIPA offers numerous resources. 

Connect with SIPA 

Firstly, make use of the tools available that SIPA offers even before joining our vibrant community. Here are several ways you can do that: 

• Schedule a call with the Admissions Team (often a current student)

• Meet with one of our 21 SIPA Student Ambassadors

• Listen in on a currently offered course (Only for MIA, MPA AND MPA-DP)

• Explore our mini-lecture series

• Tour SIPA and Columbia University 

SIPA Financial Aid Office

We understand the financial commitment it takes to make the move to New York and enroll at SIPA. The SIPA Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping its students explore all available means to finance their education. If you haven’t already done so, go through the published resources to learn about the types of financial aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships and assistantships available to SIPA students, both from SIPA directly and other funds made available University-wide.

Learn what makes SIPA special

For more than 75 years, SIPA has been educating professionals who work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world. Through rigorous social science research and hands-on practice, SIPA’s graduates and faculty strive to improve social services, advocate for human rights, strengthen markets, protect the environment, and secure peace, in their home communities and around the world. Here are several reasons that makes SIPA stand out beyond the coursework components: 

• Our Centers and Institutes

• Our Capstone Workshops

• Our Global Student Body 

• Our education Extending Beyond the Classroom

• Our Faculty that are both researchers and practitioners from around the world

• Our powerful Alumni Network (connect with some here)

Responding to your Offer

Now comes the moment to make the decision and we hope that you have carefully considered what’s best for you. You are faced with three options:

1. To Accept: We are so glad that you are making this decision! Please respond to your SIPA offer of admission through SIPA's application system. You will be required to submit the Enrollment Response form and a non-refundable deposit by the deadline date. 

2. To Defer: MIA or MPA candidates may submit a request to defer enrollment for one semester or one year with the permission of the Admissions Committee. Generally, requests are granted only for very compelling reasons. Please see here for more information regarding this process. 

3. To Decline: While we are certainly disappointed that you will not be joining the Seeples community, we understand that this must've not been the easiest decision. Please respond through SIPA's application system and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Next Steps after Accepting your Offer 

The anticipation begins, but there are numerous items you need to complete prior to joining SIPA in the Fall. In your admissions letter, you should have received a link to a Welcome Portal that outlines everything you'll need to do. Here are 3 things I recommend you get started on right away:

1. Submitting an official transcript from each university you attended. This process may take a while, especially for students who attended an international institution. Please follow the instructions carefully on the Welcome portal to avoid any delays or issues. 

2. Apply for on-campus housing. Columbia Residential Housing is available for a limited number of Columbia University graduate students and priority is typically given to incoming students. You will only be able to apply after having paid your admissions deposit, and received and activated your UNI. 

3. Apply for your student visa or other required documentation after submitting your enrollment form and enrollment deposit.

Congratulations once again as you embark on this next chapter in your life! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to the SIPA Admissions Office ([email protected]).