Updated for 2025: This post reflects the most current data, trends, and admissions strategies for MPA applicants in 2025. Applying to Columbia SIPA? Once you hit “submit,” you’ll face one more test — the video essay. It’s short, unscripted, and a little intimidating. But here’s the thing:…

Updated for 2025: This post reflects the most current data, trends, and admissions strategies for MPA applicants in 2025. Are you considering an application to the celebrated Columbia School of International and Public Affairs? You’re probably curious about the Columbia SIPA acceptance rate – after all, this…

Searching for the best MPA programs in 2025? You’re not alone — but the process can feel overwhelming fast. With so many programs promising to prepare the next generation of public service leaders, how do you separate the polished marketing from the real substance? How do you…

Last updated: May 2026 If you’re exploring graduate degrees in public service, government, or policy work, you’ve likely come across two options that sound confusingly similar: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA). Choosing between an MPP vs MPA program can…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are applying to a Master of Public Administration program, the essay is not a formality. It is not a writing sample.It is not a personal reflection exercise.And it is not a place to sound passionate…

Ah yes, the dreaded SOP for masters in finance. Crafting an essay that sells your experiences and connects well with admission officers can be an overwhelming task that leaves even the best of us feeling lost in translation. Writing becomes even more daunting when you realize that…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Writing a statement of purpose for a master’s in international relations can feel overwhelming. Applicants often assume that this essay is simply an opportunity to describe their passion for global affairs or explain why they want to…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Yes. In almost all cases, you should waive your rights to review recommendation letters. Graduate admissions committees consistently treat waived letters as more credible and non-waived letters as less reliable. While there are rare exceptions, choosing not…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Writing a statement of purpose for a scholarship can feel confusing because applicants often receive mixed advice. Some guides suggest focusing primarily on financial need.Others recommend emphasizing academic achievements.Still others frame the essay the same way as…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are applying to graduate programs in psychology, one document plays an outsized role in how your application is evaluated: the statement of purpose for psychology programs. Many applicants assume the psychology statement of purpose is…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. Most applicants know their statement of purpose matters — but what almost no one talks about is how much the conclusion can sway admissions readers. End too weakly, and everything you built up in the essay fizzles…

What Admissions Committees Mean by “Great” — and Why Most Applicants Miss It By Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you’re trying to write a great Statement of Purpose, chances are you’ve already read plenty of advice — templates, examples, do’s and don’ts. Most…

Applying to a master’s program is a significant step in your academic and professional journey. It’s not just about showcasing your intelligence; it’s about proving your readiness for advanced study, your grasp of the field, and your potential to contribute meaningfully—whether through research, professional practice, or innovation.…

Getting into graduate school is tough. It’s not just about your GPA anymore; admissions committees are looking at a holistic picture of who you are, what you’ve achieved, and where you’re going. You’re probably wondering, “Do I have what it takes?” or “What are my chances at…

Securing a place at the graduate school of your dreams can be a daunting challenge. This is especially true when aiming for prestigious institutions like New York University (NYU). NYU has a reputation for academic excellence. It offers a diverse array of programs. It’s no wonder that…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you’re comparing a master’s vs PhD, you’re not choosing between two degrees — you’re choosing between two completely different careers. Most applicants aren’t trying to understand definitions. They’re trying to answer a much more practical question:…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. If you are thinking about graduate school, one of the first questions you probably have is: What GPA do you actually need for grad school? And unfortunately, a lot of advice online oversimplifies the answer. Some websites…

By Dr. Philippe Barr, former professor and graduate admissions consultant. The UCLA MSBA acceptance rate is one of the most searched questions about the program. The challenge is that UCLA Anderson does not consistently publish an official acceptance rate for its Master of Science in Business Analytics…

Pursuing a graduate degree can offer a multitude of benefits in the long run, both personal and professional. Though, graduate education often comes with a hefty price tag that can cause students to consider alternative options or put their dreams on hold. Fortunately, student aid services are…

Are you a student torn by the masters in taxation vs masters in accounting debate? Taking the time to commit to either field will bring immense benefits for sure, ranging from changing career potentials to enhancing one’s educational credentials. A master’s degree of either kind is associated…