The SAIS Admissions Office fields thousands of questions from prospective students. You can find the answers to many of these questions below. Application Questions Standardized Tests (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS) Student Backgrounds Preparing an Application & Completing Forms Financial Aid Additional Financial Aid FAQs can be found here. Visiting SAIS Degree Program Options & Dual Degrees Deferrals and Reapplications SAIS Ph.D. Program FAQs
APPLICATION QUESTIONS How can I receive application material?
All of our materials are now available online. You can learn more about the SAIS degree offerings by clicking on Degree Options and the application process by clicking on Applying to SAIS.
What are the deadlines for application to the SAIS Washington, D.C. campus? | Degree: | Fall 2012 Deadline: | Spring 2012 Deadline: | | M.A. | January 7 | No Spring term entry | | M.I.P.P. | February 28 | October 15 | | Ph.D | December 15 | No Spring term entry |
Should the application material be postmarked on the deadline or should it be in by the deadline?
All material, including the GRE or TOEFL scores, must be received by the SAIS Office of Admissions in advance of the published, appropriate deadline. Is there a late deadline for applications?
No. Completing an application by the published deadline will allow for equal consideration in terms of the admissions and financial aid processes. Please note that financial aid applications are subject to a different set of deadlines. For more information on financial aid-related procedures and deadlines, please click here. Applicants submitting or completing applications after the appropriate deadline will not be considered for admission. Where do I send my application materials?
U.S. Citizens and Permanent U.S. Residents wanting to study in Bologna, Italy their first year, as well as all applicants who to study both years in Washington, must send matierals to the SAIS Washington, D.C. Admissions Office, by the appropriate deadline. Non-U.S. Citizens (except permanent residents) wanting to study in Bologna, Italy their first year must send materials to the Bologna Center in Italy, and may be subject to different application deadlines. Please visit www.jhubc.it for more information.
What is the application fee?
Applications submitted online have an associated fee of $85.00, which is payable online or via check. 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. Back to Top
STANDARDIZED TESTS (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS) Which test(s) should I take to apply to SAIS?
All applicants to SAIS whose native language is not English (or in the case of bilingual students, whose dominant language is not English) and who do not hold an undergraduate degree granted by an accredited college/university where English is the medium of instruction are required to submit a score for the TOEFL or the academic version of the IELTS. The minimum required score for the TOEFL is 100 in the internet-based exam (600 in the paper-based exam), and the minimum IELTS score is 7. Admitted students who score between 100 and 109 in the internet-based TOEFL (600-636 in the paper-based version) or 7 in the IELTS exams, and whose GRE Analytical Writing Score level is 4.5 or lower are required to attend the SAIS preterm program in English, which starts in late July. Students in the above category with GRE Analytical Writing Scores of 4 or lower are not only required to take the SAIS pre-term English course, but are also strongly advised to attend the separate SAIS summer ESL course beginning in June. For information on GRE and TOEFL test sites and dates refer to www.ets.org; for GMAT refer to www.gmac.com; for IELTS refer to www.ielts.org. All applicants to the M.A. program, including those who will be submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score, are required to take either the GRE General Exam or the GMAT. SAIS does not have a preference as to computer or internet or paper-based testing. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that M.I.P.P. applicants submit either GRE General Examination or GMAT scores. Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree granted by an accredited college/university where English is the medium of instruction and whose native language is not English are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. 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 official score report(s) well before the published deadline. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) score reporting school code (GRE and TOEFL) for SAIS is 5610 and the department code should be left blank ("0000"). The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) score reporting school code (GMAT) for SAIS is KGB-GX-99. The SAIS Admissions Office does not administer any aspect of the ETS score reporting process. If you are concerned about your test date for the GRE, or TOEFL (or the time it takes scores to arrive at SAIS), please contact ETS directly for more information. ETS can be reached by telephone at (609) 921-9000 or (800) 473-2255. Their web address is: http://www.ets.org. For concerns regarding the GMAT, please contact GMAC directly for more information. GMAC can be reached by telephone at (703) 245-4222 or (866) 505-6559 or online at http://www.gmac.com. *A SAIS application is not considered complete until all of the required official test scores are received from either ETS or GMAC. How will the new GRE affect me?
The new GRE exam that will be launched on August 1. SAIS will accept old scores or new scores. It is the reporting schedule that will have the greatest impact on applications. If you have already taken the GRE exam and you like your scores, you are all set. We will happily continue accepting scores from the soon-to-be discontinued exam format for as long as the scores are valid (five years). If you are planning to apply for Fall or Spring enrollment, you can take the exam in the outgoing format or in the new format, but you should be aware of the delayed reporting schedule. Please look at the schedule ETS provides (note the two-month delay for August test-takers). Are LSAT scores accepted by SAIS instead of the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or IELTS?
No. LSAT scores are not accepted because they do not have the necessary quantitative components. What are the minimum scores for the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS?
SAIS has no minimum GRE or GMAT score. However, in recent years the middle 50% GRE verbal score has been in the 620-700 range and the middle 50% GRE quantitative score has been in the 690-770 range. For the GMAT verbal score, the middle 50% has been in the 36-44 range, and the GMAT quantitative score has been in 46-48 range. A TOEFL score of at least 600 for the paper-based exam, 250 for the computer-based exam or 100 for the internet-based exam is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Students who choose to submit the IELTS exam results must meet a minimum of 7.0. The TOEFL/IELTS test requirement may be waived for individuals who have received their undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the medium of instruction. I took the GRE/TOEFL several years ago. Are my scores still acceptable?
Educational Testing Services (ETS) stipulates that GRE scores are only valid for five years, and TOEFL scores are only valid for two years. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) stipulates that GMAT scores are available and valid for ten years. Neither ETS nor GMAC will not forward expired test scores to our office. Back to Top
STUDENT BACKGROUNDS What is the average GPA of the students who are admitted?
The average GPA of the incoming class was approximately 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Keep in mind, though, that the admissions committee is much more interested in the details of your transcript than in the total GPA. Weak grades in your freshman year, or in an unrelated class (like Chemistry, for example), will not greatly affect your chances for admission. However, a weak grade in a political science or economics course can affect your competitiveness even if the overall GPA appears to be good. 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. How important is work experience?
Work experience is just one of many factors considered when evaluating an applicant. About 88% of the incoming M.A. class had at least one year of post-baccalaureate work experience. This work experience varies widely and need not necessarily relate directly to the field of international relations. In addition to working in Washington, DC with the federal government, many incoming SAIS M.A. students have had experiences in the financial sector, consulting, private industry, the Peace Corps, teaching abroad, and law. Nonetheless, each year around 10% of the incoming M.A. class enters SAIS immediately following their senior year of undergraduate study. These younger candidates typically have participated in off-campus summer internships directly related to the fields of international relations or political science. The average age of the incoming class was 27. M.I.P.P. applicants are required to have at least 9 years of professional work experience in a related field, but the average age of our incoming M.I.P.P. students is 38, so many of our M.I.P.P. students have more than 9 years of professional work experience. What are my chances of getting in to the program?
Admission to SAIS is very competitive. The Admissions Committee takes into consideration such factors as academic preparation, practical experience, international exposure, and professional focus. I have no background in Economics. Is that going to hurt my chances of getting into SAIS?
Perhaps. We do receive strong applications from M.A. candidates who have not taken any courses in economics. Some of these strong candidates are offered conditional admission to SAIS and are required to fulfill the micro and macro economics prerequisites prior to enrolling in the program. An applicant who has completed micro and macro economics will also have an advantage over an otherwise equally qualified applicant who has not. Students must complete one semester's-worth of study in both macroeconomics and in microeconomics with a B- or higher prior to beginning classes at SAIS (but not necessarily prior to admission). The Admissions Committee will consider applicants who have not yet fulfilled this requirement. Nevertheless, these applicants should recognize that they will be expected to complete the required course work before entry and plan accordingly. Prior course work in mathematics and/or statistics is also encouraged. The microeconomics course should cover the principles of supply, demand, equilibrium, and marginal analysis. The macroeconomics course should cover national income, inflation, unemployment, and interest rates. *When submitting your application, please include copies of syllabi or class descriptions for any economics courses you have taken not explicitly titled "Principles of Micro/Macroeconomics" that you wish to apply towards the SAIS Economics Prerequisites. Additional, successfully completed economics coursework is also helpful in strengthening a prospective student's application. In regards to M.I.P.P. applications, we do not evaluate an applicant’s economics background unless the M.I.P.P. applicant expresses an interest in economics at SAIS. What is the percentage of international students in the SAIS student body?
Approximately 35% from over 70 countries in all areas of the world. Back to Top
PREPARING AN APPLICATION & COMPLETING FORMS I have had training in several different languages. Which one should I evaluate?
At some point prior to graduation, M.A. students have to pass a language proficiency exam in one of the following languages: Chinese, Arabic, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Russian, Korean, Italian, or Persian. If a student’s native language is not English, he/she must pass the English proficiency exam. Applicants should evaluate their training in the language proficiency they intend to pursue at SAIS M.I.P.P. students do not have to complete a foreign language proficiency, but If a M.I.P.P. student’s native language is not English, he/she must complete both the English placement and proficiency exams. M.I.P.P. students are permitted to pursue language proficiency if they so desire. How long should the essays be? - Statement of Purpose (all applicants) and Analytical Essay (M.A. apps only) should each be no more than 600 words in length.
- Reapplication Essay (for those who are reapplying to the same degree program within 1 year) should be no more that 1000 words in length.
- Statement of Funding (M.I.P.P. apps only) should be a short statement explaining the applicant's source of funding.
- Dissertation Prospectus (Ph.D. apps only) should be 600 words or less, and Writing Sample (Ph.D. apps only) should be at least 15 but no more than 40 pages, double-spaced.
My economics classes were not titled "Principles of Micro" or "Principles of Macro." What should I do?
When submitting your application, please include copies of syllabi or class descriptions for any economics classes you have taken. Is it possible to submit paper recommendations?
If your recommenders prefer to submit paper recommendations, please e-mail the SAIS Office of Admissions at admissions.sais@jhu.edu to request paper recommendation forms. Please note that paper recommendations, like any other application materials are due no later than the appropriate deadlines. However, we strongly advise that your references submit letters using the online system, as it reduces the possibility of error and allows for applicants to monitor the progress of their recommendations. Does SAIS accept letters of recommendation via recommendation services?
Yes, we will accept letters of recommendation forwarded on an applicant's behalf by his/her undergaduate career services office or other outside vendors providing a similar service. Back to Top
FINANCIAL AID Do I have to apply separately for SAIS fellowships?
With the exception of specific named fellowships, which require additional essays, M.A. applicants should apply for SAIS financial aid with the Financial Aid forms, which are available online. The applications are available here. United States citizens and US Permanent Residents MUST file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office (202-663-5706 or fin_aid@sais-jhu.edu). Please click here for more information about Financial Aid. Where do I send my SAIS Financial Assistance form?
Mail it in separately to our Financial Aid Office, 1740 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Room 314, Washington, DC 20036. Please click here for the relevant deadlines. I am an M.I.P.P. student. Should I send in a SAIS Financial Assistance form?
No. M.I.P.P. applicants are not eligible for SAIS-administered financial aid. Does SAIS offer application fee waivers?
Currently SAIS offers application fee waivers to participants or alums affiliated with the following professional development programs: - Pickering
- PPIA
- IIPP
- McNair
- Rangel
- Teach for America
- Fulbright (those currently on fellowship)
- Peace Corps
In order to receive a fee waiver, you must submit an official document confirming your participation in the appropriate program via email. When you submit your online application, please select that you are going to pay by check. We will waive the fee once the paperwork is received by our office and your application has been submitted. Unfortunately we do not grant fee waivers for financial hardship. Additional Financial Aid FAQs can be found here. Back to Top
VISITING SAIS Can I schedule an admissions interview?
Due to the great interest in SAIS, we do not offer interviews as a part of the M.A. or Ph.D. application process. However, we strongly encourage M.I.P.P. candidates to schedule an interview upon submission of their application by contacting the SAIS Admissions Office. Information Sessions, which allow you to speak with members of the Admissions staff, SAIS alumni and current students, are scheduled throughout the year. Details on these events may be found here. Are there opportunities to visit the school?
Information Sessions, held during the fall semester, provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn more about SAIS, its curriculum, and the application process, and where potential applicants have the chance to speak briefly with members of the Admissions staff, alumni and current students. Additionally, the SAIS Student Happy Hour immediately follows the Friday sessions that are held during the fall semester. Prospective students may also contact the SAIS Office of Admissions to set up a class visit, meet with a current SAIS student and tour campus. Additional information about visiting campus can be found here. Back to Top
DEGREE PROGRAM OPTIONS & DUAL DEGREES Does SAIS have a part-time Master of Arts degree program?
No. SAIS offers a two-year Masters Degree that is taken on a full-time basis (with a minimum of three classes per semester). Can the M.I.P.P. degree program be completed on a part-time basis?
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. Additionally, most courses are held during the day. Please click here for more information on part-time, non-degree studies. 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. What is the application procedure for dual degree candidates?
Only SAIS M.A. students may pursue dual degrees; M.I.P.P. and Ph.D. students are ineligible for the dual degree option. Potential students must separately apply and be admitted to each institution. Upon acceptance into both programs, a student is considered a dual degree candidate and may choose the timing and location of their program. It is critical that all dual degree candidates fill out the Dual Degree Registration Form and consult with both programs regarding any status change. Please visit the SAIS Dual Degree page for more information. After I am admitted to SAIS, may I still apply for a dual degree?
During the first semester at SAIS you may apply to approved dual degree programs. Click here for more information regarding dual degrees. Can I apply to law or business programs other than Wharton, Tuck, Stanford, INSEAD or University of Virginia?
New proposals for other ad hoc dual degrees are possible, but must be approved by the Director of Admissions. Please visit the SAIS Dual Degree Page for more information. PLEASE NOTE: Only top-ranked professional schools will be considered for ad-hoc dual degrees. Back to Top
DEFERRALS AND REAPPLICATIONS I am admitted to SAIS. Can I defer my enrollment?
Admitted students may request a one-semester or one-year deferral. Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted for a unique employment opportunity, special fellowship program, approved dual degree program, or family or medical emergency. The granting of deferrals beyond one year is extremely rare. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to apply for the semester that they expect to attend. Note: Applicants who are admitted from the waiting list cannot defer admission under any circumstances. How do I request an enrollment deferral?
You can find instructions for requesting a deferral on our Deferral Request Page. If I were granted a deferral, is my financial aid package automatically carried over?
No. You have to apply again for financial aid. Your award will not necessarily be the same, however, in most cases, deferred students receive the same financial aid packet that they were originally awarded. 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 2011, you can reapply for the Fall of 2012, but not for the Spring of 2011. For reapplication instructions, click here. Back to Top | 
