Admissions FAQ and Contact Information

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY IF I HAVE A 3-YEAR BACHELOR’S DEGREE?

Applicants with three-year bachelor degrees may be eligible for admission. The applicant’s grades and course selection will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine adequate preparation for graduate study. Three-year degrees from countries that are members of the European Higher Education Area, Canada, and Australia are eligible. For applicants from India, if the degree has been earned in Division I and the awarding institution is accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of “A” or better, we will consider that as the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree (this stance is taken from the World Education Services recommendation on three-year degrees from India). Because of our holistic admissions process, we cannot determine an applicant’s eligibility prior to receiving a submitted application.

CAN I APPLY WITHOUT MICROECONOMICS?

YES! The microeconomics prerequisite (for the MPP and MIDP programs only) needs to be completed by the time of proposed matriculation rather than the application date. If you have not taken a microeconomics class by the application deadline, admission to the program may be granted with the understanding that you take a microeconomics course prior to August 1 of your matriculating year. The course should be for a grade, at least three academic credits, and taken at any accredited institution, whether online, overseas or at a community college. Students are required to submit a transcript as proof of completion.

On the application there is a section where you can indicate if you are in the process of taking a course.

IB, Coursera and AP credit is not accepted for this prerequisite.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

At the McCourt School, we have an Early Action Deadline (December 1), a Priority Deadline (January 15) & a Final Deadline (March 1). International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by either the Early Action or Priority Deadlines.

Those applying with a completed application by December 1 (Early Action) will be considered for scholarship and they will be notified of their decision by mid-January.

Those applying with a completed application by January 15 (Priority Deadline) will be considered for scholarship and they will be notified of their decision by mid-March.

Note, the only difference between the Early Action and Priority Deadlines is the time frame by which you get your decision.

Those applying to the MPM-National Urban Fellows program need to apply through the NUF site by January 15.

Those applying with a completed application by March 1 (Final Deadline) will be considered for scholarships only if any funding remains and will be notified of their decision by mid-April.

To avoid overwhelming server traffic generated by the high volume of applications we receive, candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible prior to each deadline. Also, we encourage applicants to pull together all required materials (transcripts, essays, test scores, supplemental documentation, and recommendations) prior to applying.

NOTE: International candidates needing visas are strongly encouraged to apply by the Early Action or Priority Deadlines, as this will give them time to work with the Georgetown University International Student & Scholar Services Office & the US Embassy to obtain a student visa.

DOES MCCOURT HAVE ROLLING ADMISSIONS?

Only the Certificate in Health Policy has rolling admissions.

For the other degree programs, if you apply by December 1 (Early Action deadline), you will get a decision by mid-January. If you apply by January 15 (Priority deadline), you will get a decision by mid-March. If you apply by March 1 (Final deadline), you will get a decision by mid-April.

CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

YES! Applications for each program are reviewed by different Admissions Committees, so you can submit applications to more than one program during the same application cycle. You would, however, need to submit an application and application fee to each program.

Because the MPP and MPP-Evening program are the same (except for the schedule of completion), applicants interested in both programs do not have to submit separate applications. Apply to the program you are most interested in and if you are admitted, it will be possible to switch programs after you have been accepted.

IS MY APPLICATION COMPLETE?

You have submitted your application online and are now wondering whether your application is complete.

Our best advice is to view your application checklist on the application portal. As you can imagine we receive a high volume of inquiries, especially around our application deadlines. It will be a few weeks before application materials are reviewed and processed. During this period your application status may take several business days to update to reflect materials that have been received in our office. As long as your online application is submitted by January 15 your application will be considered for merit-based scholarships.

Other admissions policies to keep in mind –

• Applicants are responsible for ensuring their application is complete. Only complete applications will be considered.
• All materials in support of the online application (such as recommendations and test scores) must be received within a week after the deadline in order to ensure timely decision notification. We reserve the right to push incomplete applications to the next application round or be reviewed with missing materials.
• All re-applicants, including those who were previously admitted, are required to complete a new application in its entirety & must submit new application materials including transcripts, recommendations, test scores, and statements.
• The completed application, including ALL accompanying materials, becomes the confidential property of Georgetown University and cannot be returned to the applicant.
• If application materials are forged, falsified or altered, the Graduate School will notify all relevant officials, including the individual or institution issuing the document(s) and, as appropriate, immigration officers. Submission of such materials will disqualify an applicant for admission.
• Applicants assume all costs for authenticating and verifying documents and information associated with their application.

 

Once an application is submitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request additional information from the applicant, including, but not limited to, an interview. All applicants who have been asked to interview must fulfill the request in order to complete the application process.

WHICH STANDARDIZED TEST SHOULD I TAKE?

For the MPP program we accept the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. But, to be valid, the test does need to have been taken in the last five years. For the MIDP & MS-DSPP programs, the GMAT is accepted but the GRE is strongly preferred. The MPM and Health Policy Certificate programs do not require GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores.

We recognize that some individuals may not have the ability to take these tests. Due to individual cases of hardship, applicants to the MPP, MIDP, and MS-DSPP programs can apply for a waiver from this testing requirement for the 2024 admissions cycle. The option to waive the test can be found in the supplemental section of the online application.

Please note that we still strongly recommend submission of either the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT scores. Quantitative policy analysis is an integral part of the curriculum so applicants who waive the test requirement will be asked to provide additional information about their quantitative background.

If you choose to waive the standardized test but are unable to demonstrate any quantitative background through coursework or work experience, this may put you at a disadvantage during the application review process. Please be aware that there is no minimum score requirement for any section of these exams and that scores are one of several factors considered for merit-based scholarships.

WHAT’S THE MINIMUM STANDARDIZED TEST SCORE?

We do not have a minimum score requirement for the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. If you take a test more than once, we will take the highest score from each section of multiple exams.

DO I NEED TO TAKE THE TOEFL?

If the primary language of instruction of your undergraduate or graduate institution is English you do not need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score. Submit official documentation from your undergraduate institution to confirm the primary language of instruction. This can be presented as a notation on your official transcript or a document that states that English was the primary language of instruction. (Please note that applicants receiving degrees at universities in U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS unless the primary language of instruction at the institution is English.)

IS THERE A MINIMUM TOEFL OR IELTS SCORE?

All applicants to The McCourt School are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

TOEFL: Score report with a recommended minimum score of approximately 600 (paper-based test) or approximately 100 (internet test). (A minimum of 22 on each individual section is preferred.)

IELTS: Score report with a required minimum overall band score of 7.0 (this is a strict requirement).

The TOEFL and IELTS scores must be received directly from the testing organization. Photocopied/faxed documents will not fulfill this requirement.

TOEFL and IELTS scores are only valid for two years.

DO YOU ACCEPT TOEFL “MY BEST SCORE”?

No. We will not be using TOEFL’s “my best score.” The Admissions Committee will see all of the scores you have taken.

WHO SHOULD WRITE MY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?

Individuals who know you well and can attest to your skills and abilities.

Three (3) recommendations are required (none are required for the Health Policy Certificate). Ideally, applicants should submit at least one each from an academic source and one from a work-related (professional) source, although this is not a strict requirement.

The online application utilizes a secure online recommendation system which will:

• automatically email recommendation providers with instructions for online submission of the recommendation
• allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals
• expedite the processing of the recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted.

In the event your reference cannot access the online recommendation, please contact the McCourt School Admissions staff at mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu for instructions.

CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN 3 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?

No. Please choose your three best recommenders to write a letter of recommendation for you. We will not accept more than three.

DO YOU OFFER APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS?

YES!  We offer fee waivers for applicants affiliated with one or more of the following organizations, with an accompanying letter of certification:

• Teach for America
• AmeriCorps
• McNair Scholars
• Returned Peace Corp Volunteers
• PPIA Fellows
• Rangel Fellows
• Pickering Fellows
• Truman Scholars
• Active Duty U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans
• Bonner Scholars or Bonner Leaders
• Lead For America Fellows
• Govern for America Fellows
• Students already enrolled in the first year of the MSc SASI program at HEC Paris who are applying to the dual program with McCourt’s MPP program

We also will consider need-based waiver requests depending on your personal economic situation.

To request a waiver, please submit a statement explaining the reason for the request and an updated resume to mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu.

DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

YES!  All MPP, MIDP, MS-DSPP, and MPM applicants (including part-time students) are considered automatically for Merit-based Scholarships. In addition, all full-time MPP, MIDP, MS-DSPP, and MPM students are considered automatically for the McCourt Scholars Program. Applicants need to apply by the December 1 or January 15 deadlines in order to be guaranteed consideration for merit-based scholarships.

ARE ANY OF YOUR PROGRAMS STEM-CERTIFIED?

YES! Our MS-DSPP, MPP, and MIDP programs are all now STEM-certified. International students on an F-1 visa who complete any of these programs will be eligible for an OPT extension as well.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE EACH PROGRAM?

The MPP program is offered both full-time and part-time. If done full-time, it will take you two years to complete the program, while part-time students can complete the MPP in three years.

The MIDP program is only offered full-time. It will take you two years to complete this program.

The MS-DSPP program is also only offered full-time. It will take you two years to complete this program as well.

The MPM program is offered both full-time and part-time. If done full-time, it will take you one calendar year (summer, fall & spring semester) to complete the program, while part-time students can complete the MPM in two calendar years.

DO YOU OFFER PROGRAMS OR CLASSES ONLINE?

No. Although our classes switched to the virtual environment during the academic period most deeply affected by COVID-19, we have been back to in-person instruction since the Fall 2021 semester.

CAN I TAKE CLASSES OUTSIDE OF McCOURT?

Yes! Graduate-level elective courses can be taken at other schools within Georgetown (the Law Center, the McDonough Business School, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, etc.) on a space-available basis once you complete your first semester at McCourt. These classes must be relevant to your program of study and are available on a space available basis. We also have a consortium agreement with other universities in the area. Classes taken outside of McCourt are not guaranteed but we will do our best to try to get you enrolled in the classes you want.

CAN I WAIVE OUT OF CORE COURSES IF I’VE TAKEN THEM BEFORE?

Yes, you can sit for waiver exams for our core courses during orientation to see if you meet the criteria to waive out of them. If you pass the waiver exam, you will be required to replace the core class with an elective course.

More information about course waivers will be available after a student is admitted.

CAN I TRANSFER CREDITS INTO McCOURT?

Up to 25% of the total number of required credits for a program (i.e., 12 credits if attending the 48-credit MPP program) can be transferred into any of our Master’s programs. However, this must fall within the elective requirements of the program. Core classes must be completed in-house and may not be brought in as transfer credit. For the MPP & MIDP, no more than 12 credits of approved elective coursework may be brought in as transfer credit. For the regular MPM, no more than 9 credits may be brought in as elective transfer credit. For the MS-DSPP no more than 6 credits can be brought in as elective transfer credit. The courses to be transferred in should not overlap with the core curriculum. The courses may be transferred in after the student has completed 12 credits of coursework in the program. The courses in question must have been taken at the graduate level, within the last 7 years and you must have received a grade of a B or higher. They may not have been already counted towards another graduate degree or certificate. Transferring credits in is not guaranteed; all requests must be reviewed and approved by the Academic Team and the program’s Faculty Director. Please review the official transfer policy in the Graduate Bulletin.

CAN I AUDIT A CLASS?

Yes. You can officially audit a class, but you will still need to register and pay for each audited class. The class would appear on your transcript as an “AU” as the grade.

DOES THE EARLY ACTION DEADLINE REQUIRE AN EARLY DEPOSIT?

All admitted students will have until at least April 15 to decide whether or not to attend McCourt. Your enrollment deadline will be included in your letter of admission.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ENROLL EACH YEAR?

The number of students in an incoming class varies significantly by program. Please review our class profile for the specific breakdown by program. At any given time, there are around 600 McCourt students currently enrolled (between all programs and years).

CAN I DEFER MY ADMISSION?

YES! Please be advised that deferral is not guaranteed.

Here are some things to know:

• A one-time deferral of one academic year is allowed on a case-by-case basis. (For example, if you are admitted for Fall 2024, you could only submit a deferral request for Fall 2025). You MUST submit the Deferral Request Form before the start of your original term of admission in order to be considered for a deferral.
• A deferral will hold your spot in the program but not any merit-based scholarships. If you choose to defer, your application will be reconsidered for funding with the admitted pool for the indicated matriculation semester.
• Should your deferral request be denied & you do not plan to attend for the semester you were admitted, you will need to reapply for a future term.
• If you cannot attend the term to which you deferred, you will have to reapply by submitting a new application.
• Unfortunately, students admitted off the waitlist are not eligible to defer.

I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING THE McCOURT SCHOOL’S EXECUTIVE MASTERS IN POLICY LEADERSHIP (EMPL) PROGRAM, BUT CAN NO LONGER FIND IT ON YOUR WEBSITE. ARE YOU STILL OFFERING THIS PROGRAM?

The McCourt School paused the EMPL program after the 2021-2022 academic year. There are many factors that contributed to this decision– including our planned move to Georgetown’s Capitol Campus in 2024– after which the McCourt School will be better positioned to invest in the growth of this program. We remain committed to supporting our community of EMPL alumni next year and beyond. Please contact our admissions office if you have questions.