MPP How to Apply

To make applying as simple and straightforward as possible, here is everything you need to complete your application to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. The Office of Admissions can help during the application process should you have additional questions. 

RoundApplication DeadlineSupporting Materials Due*Estimated Decision ReleaseStudent Reply Deadline
Early Action DeadlineDecember 1December 6Mid-JanuaryApril 15
Priority DeadlineJanuary 15January 24Mid-MarchApril 20
Final DeadlineMarch 1March 1Mid-AprilMay 1

*Supporting materials are all documents included with your application that demonstrate your qualifications for admission such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc. 

Program Prerequisites

Applicants are required to complete the equivalent of a three-credit course on the principles of microeconomics prior to enrollment, earning a grade of B or higher at an accredited college or university. You can still apply even if you have not completed this requirement by the application deadline. You may receive conditional acceptance, provided you complete the prerequisite course by August 1 before enrolling.

Application Materials 

To be considered for admission to our master’s degree program, you must submit all required materials.

Required Materials

Optional Materials


Application Form

Applications are submitted through our online application portal.


Resume or CV

You must upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume should describe your work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, list of published work and any academic honors or awards. There is no page limit, though we recommend a one to two-page resume.


Academic Statement of Purpose

Your essay should be a one-page, single-spaced statement. These questions can be answered separately or in a combined essay. 


Diversity, Personal Background and Contributions Statement

Optional

As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of approximately 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any obstacles or challenges you have overcome; any educational, familial, cultural, economic and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first-generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the Georgetown community.


Academic Transcripts

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. Review the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Transcript FAQs for more information.

Academic Transcript Submissions

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. Review the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Transcript FAQs for more information.

Academic Transcript Submissions

An acceptable transcript is a copy of an official transcript produced by the institution, including:

We do not accept screenshots, photos or downloads of the “student’s view” from your institution’s website.

Non-U.S. College or University Academic Transcripts 

Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts in the form of World Education Services Credential Evaluations or to utilize other credential evaluation services that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. If the evaluation does not include a copy of the evaluated transcripts, you must upload both the transcripts from the institution and the credential evaluation as one document to the application.

Admitted Students 

If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts, which are transcripts submitted directly to Georgetown University by the institution you attended, for verification before enrolling. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Georgetown reserves the right to request any missing transcripts or an official copy of a transcript at any point during the application and/or admission process. Georgetown also reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between a transcript uploaded in the application and the final official transcript received.


Standardized Test Scores 

You must submit a GRE, GMAT or LSAT test score to apply. 

There is no minimum score requirement for any section of these exams. Scores are one of several factors considered for merit-based scholarships.

Submitting Your Scores  

Please note that ETS offers a GRE Fee Reduction Program.

Standardized Test Score Waiver

We recognize that some individuals may be unable to take these tests due to individual cases of hardship. While we strongly recommend including these scores, you may be able to apply for a waiver in the supplemental section of the online application. 

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 cannot demonstrate any quantitative background through coursework or work experience, you may be at a disadvantage during the application review process.


Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Typically, applicants submit at least one from an academic source and one from a professional,work-related source. Individual circumstances vary, so use your best judgment when choosing references. Each letter of recommendation should be submitted from your recommender’s professional email address and be on official letterhead.

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

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


Demonstration of English Language Proficiency 

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. Proficiency can be demonstrated by:

The TOEFL Special Home Edition and the IELTS Online version may be accepted for Fall 2025 admissions.

Submitting Your TOEFL or IELTS Scores 

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

Please contact mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu if you have questions.


Non-Refundable Application Fee

Applicants must submit a $90.00 non-refundable fee payable by credit card at the time of application submission. You may be eligible for an application fee waiver.