Frequently Asked Questions | SAIS M.I.P.P. Program

Applications

How can I receive a catalog and application material?
You can order them online, download them from the Internet, or contact the Admissions Office to request them. See the SAIS Application page to learn how.

Can I apply to SAIS over the Internet?
Yes. Applying to SAIS via the Internet actually costs less than submitting a paper application. See the SAIS Application page to learn more.

What should I include in my application package?
Please submit the following materials via the online system or in hardcopy format to the Office of Admissions:

Completed application form

1. Resume or CV
2. Essay 1
3. Essay 3
4. Sealed recommendations, if utilizing hard-copy recommendation forms (online recommendations are received by our office directly and CANNOT be submitted in hard copy)
5. Official, sealed transcripts reflecting grades from all institutions that you have attended
6. Signed and completed signature page and checklist (Note: we cannot begin to process your application without this signed document)
   Applicants who have spent less than two years at an institution where English is the medium of instruction and whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score

IMPORTANT: Although SAIS strongly prefers to receive all of the above materials in one package, we do maintain a supplemental file for recommendations, transcripts, and other materials received seperately from application packages.  All incoming applications are periodically checked against this file.
 
Additionally, SAIS receives all official test scores directly from ETS; applicants need not include a photocopy of their test score report.

What are the deadlines for application to the SAIS Washington, D.C.  campus?

*Due to the increased interest in SAIS, the Admissions Committee will not consider MA applications for Spring entry.  Applications received will be automatically considered for the next Fall term.

Should the application material be postmarked by the deadline or should it be received by the deadline?
All material, including the GRE or TOEFL scores, should be received by the deadline but will be accepted if postmarked by the deadline.

What is the application fee?
Applications submitted online have an associated fee of $80.00. Paper-form applications have an associated fee of $90.00. Checks should be made out to "Johns Hopkins University."

Can I transfer credit toward the SAIS degree?
SAIS does not accept transfer credit toward a SAIS degree. Some SAIS students who have taken advanced course work at other institutions may sit for examinations at SAIS to place out of core courses based on knowledge previously obtained.  Again, there is no transfer of credit toward a SAIS degree.

Standardized Tests (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL)

Which test should I take to apply to SAIS?
It is recommended, but not required, that M.I.P.P. applicants who have studied for two or more years at an institution where English is the medium of instruction, as well as all applicants whose native language is English (regardless where they studied), submit either GRE General Examination or GMAT scores. Applicants who have spent less than two years at an institution where English is the medium of instruction and whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score but are also encouraged to submit either the GRE or GMAT.

When is the last date I can take the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL to be considered for admission?
To ensure that your test scores reach SAIS on time, you should take the appropriate examination(s) and request your score report(s) well before the deadline. If you are concerned about your test date for the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL (or the time it takes scores to arrive at SAIS), please contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) directly for more information. The SAIS Admissions Office does not administer any aspect of the ETS score reporting process. ETS can be reached by telephone at (609) 921-9000 or (800) 473-2255. Their web address is: http://www.ets.org

*A SAIS application is not considered complete until the required official test scores are received from ETS.

Are LSAT scores accepted by SAIS instead of the GRE, GMAT of TOEFL?
No. LSAT scores are not accepted because they do not have the necessary quantitative components.

What is the minimum score for the GRE or TOEFL?
SAIS has no minimum GRE or GMAT score for M.I.P.P. applicants.  However, M.I.P.P. applicants who have spent less than two years at an institution where English is the medium of instruction and whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL score of at least 600 on the paper-based exam, 250 on the computer-based exam, or 100 on the Internet-based exam. Aoplicants submitting IELTS scores must score a minimum of 7.5.

I took the GRE/GMAT/TOEFL several years ago. Are my scores still acceptable?
GRE and GMAT scores are only valid for five years.  TOEFL scores are only valid for two years.

What should I do to improve my competitiveness as an applicant?
The Admissions Office cannot make generic recommendations that would fit every applicant.  Without reviewing a prospective student's entire application, it is very difficult to suggest how an applicant might strengthen his or her application.  The SAIS student body is extremely diverse, possessing a multitude of different educational, personal, and occupational talents. Many of our students have educational backgrounds that do not relate directly to international relations. Therefore, the SAIS Admissions Office does not endorse any one particular major, school, post-graduate experience, or career track. We advise prospective students to make decisions that will best suit their own personal goals and objectives.

What is the percentage of foreign students in the SAIS student body?
Approximately 40% from over 70 countries in all areas of the world.

Preparing an Application and Filling Out Forms

How long should the essays be?
An applicant should keep Essay 1 under 600 words.  Essay 3 should be a short statement explaining the applicant's source of funding. The number of pages, font size, and spacing format are left to the applicant's discretion.

Financial Aid

Should I send in a SAIS Financial Assistance form?
No.  M.I.P.P. applicants are not eligible for SAIS-administered financial aid.

Information Sessions

Can I schedule an admissions interview?
Due to the great interest in SAIS, we do not offer interviews as a part of the application process.  Information Sessions, which allow you to speak with members of the Admissions staff and current students, are scheduled throughout the year.  Details on these events may be found here.

How do I get to SAIS?
For directions to SAIS click here.

Degree Program Options

Does SAIS have a part-time masters degree program?
Preferably, the M.I.P.P. degree should be completed full-time within one year.  When necessary, however, an M.I.P.P. candidate can request part-time status and complete the degree over the span of two years.

Please note: SAIS offers the majority of its classes during the day.  Most part-time M.I.P.P. students take day classes.

What about part-time, non-degree studies?
Part-time course work is offered only if space is available and is mainly intended for professionals seeking additional skills in areas related to their careers. Please note that most courses are given during the day.  Please click here for more information on part-time, non-degree study at SAIS.

What are the specific requirements for the M.I.P.P. program?
M.I.P.P. stands for Master in International Public Policy. The program is intended for mid-career professionals in the international field who have work experience of at least nine years. The M.I.P.P. program can be completed in one academic year full-time or over two years half time. M.I.P.P.'s are required to complete 8 courses of their choosing, and successful completion of an English proficiency exam is required of all M.I.P.P. students who are not native-English speakers.

M.I.P.P. Requirements for admission:
- completed application forms
- two professional recommendations
- resume
- transcripts of undergraduate and any graduate education
- non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL unless they have studied at least two years in an English-speaking university.
- essays one and three
Note: Applicants to the M.I.P.P. program are encouraged (but not required) to take either the GRE or GMAT.

Deferral and Reapplication

I am admitted to SAIS.  How can I defer to a future semester?
Deferrals are granted only if an unforeseen circumstance prevents you from attending SAIS during the semester for which you applied.  Prospective students should only apply for the semester that they expect to attend.  Deferrals are valid for only one year and you must petition to be granted a deferral. For more information on deferrals click here.

I was not offered admission to SAIS, how do I reapply?
Applicants must wait one year before reapplying to SAIS.  For example: If you applied for Fall 2008, you can reapply for the Fall of 2009, but not for the Spring of 2009. See the SAIS reapplication page for more information.