Admissions Webchat: 12-13-2012

1:21

La Follette School:

Welcome, the web chat will begin at 1:30 CST.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:21 La Follette School

1:30

[Comment From Mary TrelevenMary Treleven: ]

Hi, My name is Mary Treleven, I'm the admissions and student services coordinator. We look forward to answering your questions today.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:30 Mary Treleven

1:30

[Comment From Kate BattiatoKate Battiato: ]

Hi, I'm Kate, La Follette's Career Development Coordinator

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:30 Kate Battiato

1:33

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

For official transcripts required, if I attended UW-Milwaukee for my first year of my bachelors, and then transfered to Madison for 3 years and got my BA from Madison, do I still need to send an official transcript from Milwaukee?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:33 Aeasa

1:33

Kate Battiato:

Yes, you need to submit all transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you attended.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:33 Kate Battiato

1:33

[Comment From Erik RaderErik Rader: ]

Hi, I'm Erik Rader, Student Services Associate.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:33 Erik Rader

1:34	How did you find out about today’s web chat? La Follette website ( 43% ) Email from Mary Treleven ( 57% ) Facebook ( 0% ) Twitter ( 0% ) Word of mouth ( 0% ) Thursday December 13, 2012 1:34

1:35

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

And graduate institutions attended too?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:35 ecoll

1:35

Kate Battiato:

Yes

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:35 Kate Battiato

1:36

La Follette School:

Your questions will not show up immediately, but we will post the question when we have an answer ready.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:36 La Follette School

1:36

[Comment From Sydney CongdonSydney Congdon: ]

I was interested in finding out which pieces of the admissions packet are weighted more heavily than others (career goals, GRE scores (math or verbal?), recommendations, etc.) and what the admissions team really values in an applicant.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:36 Sydney Congdon

1:36

Mary Treleven:

Hi Sydney,

Overall the committee is looking for students who will do well in the program which means having some quantitative skills, writing skills and professional skills. They are looking for evidence that you can handle the curriculum and you will be a successful public service professional. Your coursework in statistics, microeconomics and other related courses are looked at closely.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:36 Mary Treleven

1:39

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

Hi, I was wondering if you could give some general advice for writing the personal statement for admission to La Follette's MA in Public Policy program

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:39 Luke Horner

1:39

Mary Treleven:

Hi Luke,

Overall, your SOP is like a cover letter in that you want to sell your qualities that show you will be able to deal with the challenges of graduate school and of public service. This means giving examples of experiences, research, work, etc.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:39 Mary Treleven

1:39

Erik Rader:

C George,

Yes, both the UW Graduate School generally, and the La Follette School in particular, require GRE scores for admission.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:39 Erik Rader

1:40

[Comment From C GeorgeC George: ]

Are GRE scores required for admission?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:40 C George

1:41

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

I'm currently working abroad, and one of my letter of recommendations will be coming from here. I'm worried that perhaps that person may not be entirely know how to coordinate the way to submit the recommendation letter through the request process in the UW Grad School Appliccation.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:41 Aeasa

1:41

Mary Treleven:

Hi Aeasa,

You can always have that person email a letter of reference to us but do try to have that person submit it electronically.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:41 Mary Treleven

1:42

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Hello, thank you for taking questions. Can you tell me a bit about the process students usually take in finding internships and/or post employment graduation (particularly for someone with a few years of issue specific work experience)?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:42 Mike

1:42

Kate Battiato:

As the Career Development Coordinator, I send out many internship announcements directly from employers who are familiar with the quality of our students who specifically want La Follette interns. Many of our students find internships this way. I also work with students one on one to help identify places they're interested in interning and help them assemble their application, cover letter, etc. Same is true for full time placement as well.

I'd say having more experience doesn't make a huge difference in the approach, since it's very personalized to begin with. I enjoy working with students who come in with experience very much, though.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:42 Kate Battiato

1:43

[Comment From Randi De MelRandi De Mel: ]

When will the decisions be sent out regarding admissions?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:43 Randi De Mel

1:43

Erik Rader:

Randi,

Acceptance letters will be sent out in mid- to late-February.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:43 Erik Rader

1:44

[Comment From Susan YackeeSusan Yackee: ]

Hi - I'm Susan Yackee and I am the Associate Director of the La Follette School. I am also a faculty member at the School.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:44 Susan Yackee

1:46

[Comment From Randi De MelRandi De Mel: ]

What does the admission committee looks at the most when admitting students to the MPIA program?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:46 Randi De Mel

1:46

Susan Yackee:

Hi Randi,
The admission committee looks at a number of factors for our MIPA and MPA degrees. We will look at past course work and performance in your undergraduate degree. Additionally, we will look at GRE scores. Work experience, overseas educational experiences, language skills, and internship experiences are also factors in our decision-making.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:46 Susan Yackee

1:47

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

Could you talk about the econ / math / stats requirement? I don't have undergraduate coursework in those areas, and my masters is in ed policy. But my quant GRE is the La Follette average and I've done policy work. Would I have to take a course in one of those subject areas during the program to satisfy that requirement? Can I still apply without it?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:47 ecoll

1:47

Mary Treleven:

Hi Ecoll,

The committee will evaluate your application. It is preferred that students have the prerequisites before they begin the program. If they decide you would be a good candidate but think you need to take statistics or micro they can offer a conditional admittance and you would need to take the course before you begin in the fall. There are a few times that they would judge that you may not need to take a course but you would have to wait until February. You can in your SOP talk about how you would already be prepared to handle the courses in the program.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:47 Mary Treleven

1:49

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

What percentage of the incoming class receive assistantships?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:49 Luke Horner

1:49

Erik Rader:

Luke,

Between ten and twelve percent of incoming students receive some form of financial support, but we do not offer assistantships to incoming students

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:49 Erik Rader

1:50

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Following up on Sydney's question, one of the preq's is microeconomics. I took a year-long course in micro/macro economics in high school (and performed well). Although understandably not a substitute, is this taken into consideration at all if I haven't taken economics in college? Finally, I am assuming most students who have not met a requirement can take this either after acceptance and before the semester would begin? Thanks.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:50 Mike

1:50

Mary Treleven:

Hi Mike,

Yes, the admissions committee can ask you later to take the course if they see that you have not taken a microecon course at the college level. If your GRE Q score is strong 70% or above, they may consider your HS class to have given you the foundation that you need.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:50 Mary Treleven

1:51

[Comment From C GeorgeC George: ]

How does La Follette work with/support students coming in with outside internships or jobs specifically related to their degree programs?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:51 C George

1:51

Kate Battiato:

We always have a few students who are working full time while also pursuing their degree. I find this adds a nice real world dynamic to the class discussions. In terms of support, it is possible to get course credit for prior work experience as well as internships which are substantive and relate to your education here at La Follette. We also offer some summer internship funding between your first and second year to encourage students to pursue prestigious internships outside the state that are unpaid or low paid.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:51 Kate Battiato

1:51

[Comment From Sydney CongdonSydney Congdon: ]

I was a l&s undergrad and I do not have much coursework on my transcript in quantitative subjects. is a solid gre score in these areas sufficient or would it be better to take a microeconomics course before applying?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:51 Sydney Congdon

1:51

Susan Yackee:

Hi Sydney,
Solid GRE scores in Quant (and Verbal) will be terrific for your application. We do also have a prereq for microeconomics for the program. Thus,having the course under your belt is terrific. However, you may be conditionally admitted to the program before completing the prereq.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:51 Susan Yackee

1:54

[Comment From Randi De MelRandi De Mel: ]

How does the capstone project work for the MPIA program?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:54 Randi De Mel

1:54

Susan Yackee:

Hi Randi,
Yes, the MIPA program does have a capstone experience. This is a class that has each of our MIPA students--working under the direction of a MIPA faculty member--work in teams with real policymaking clients. Our past MIPA clients have been governmental and non-government organizations.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:54 Susan Yackee

1:55

[Comment From Sydney CongdonSydney Congdon: ]

January 1st is listed as the first application deadline for "priority decision", is there a second application deadline?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:55 Sydney Congdon

1:55

Erik Rader:

Sydney,

After the January 1st deadline admissions are on a rolling basis but you should definitely have it in no later than March 31st. The January 1st deadline is particularly important for applicants hoping to be considered for financial support because it's competitive.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:55 Erik Rader

1:56

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

If interested in doing a dual degree, and through the grad school application, you apply to both programs, but only one accepts you? Is there a way after being submitted into that program to apply for that second program as your dual degree?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:56 Aeasa

1:56

Mary Treleven:

Hi Aeasa,

You apply to both and you have to be accepted to both. You could try to apply again to the program you didn't get into after you start the one that you did get into. The dual degree programs are separate departments. Does that answer your question?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:56 Mary Treleven

1:56

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

If accepted into the program, can you postpone attendance? And will this effect fellowship offers?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:56 Aeasa

1:56

Susan Yackee:

Hi Aeasa,
Yes, you can typically defer admission for one year. A felllowship offer does not defer. However, you would be considered for fellowships in the year in which you plan to attend. Put differently, you'd be put back in the pool for consideration.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:56 Susan Yackee

1:57

[Comment From C GeorgeC George: ]

What does the La Follette grad school have to offer that other public affairs masters programs do not?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:57 C George

1:57

Kate Battiato:

As a 2007 alum of the program, I think I'm well suited to answer this one! I think one of the best aspects of the program is its small class size. This year, we had an incoming class of 55, compared with classes of 200-300 at other places. This means we have a much more "family" feel here, in terms of getting to know the faculty and staff (like myself) as well as your cohort of students. I think this is particularly important since your peers will be your biggest source of networking in the future. This "family" feel means the environment is much more collaborative rather than cut-throat competition. Also, especially with career services, I get to know the students personally and can make personalized suggestions to both students and employers.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:57 Kate Battiato

1:57

[Comment From Randi De MelRandi De Mel: ]

How many students does the La Follette School accept for the MPIA program?

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:57 Randi De Mel

1:57

Erik Rader:

Randi,

We are looking to admit all qualified applicants to the MIPA program which ends up being about fifteen to twenty students.

Thursday December 13, 2012 1:57 Erik Rader

1:59	What is your area of interest in public affairs? Environmental policy ( 17% ) Education Policy ( 33% ) Health Policy ( 0% ) Social Policy ( 17% ) Public Management ( 17% ) International Policy ( 17% ) Thursday December 13, 2012 1:59

2:01

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

Could you talk more about your full-time employed students? Are core classes offered in the evenings, then?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:01 ecoll

2:01

Susan Yackee:

Hi Ecoll,
We do have some full-time students enter our program; however, the vast majority of our students are not working full-time. We offer a few classes each semester in the late afternoon and/or evening. For instance, we are offering our Policy Analysis (which is a core class) in the evening next semester. That said, most of our classes are offered during the 8-5 timeframe.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:01 Susan Yackee

2:01

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

C Randi. Of those 15-20 students for the MIPA program, approximately how many will be offered fellowships?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:01 Aeasa

2:01

Erik Rader:

Aesa,

Of those students admitted to the MIPA program about ten to twelve percent will receive fellowships.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:01 Erik Rader

2:02

[Comment From Megan KelleyMegan Kelley: ]

Hi Mary and Kate! It's Megan Kelley - we spoke right before Thanksgiving. Following up on the internship topic, is it common for students to stay at the same internship each summer in order get a job offer or is it common practice (or do you recommend) trying a few internships in different fields?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:02 Megan Kelley

2:02

Kate Battiato:

There's only one summer in between the first and second year, so I assume you mean each semester. I've seen a mix. When I was a student I took on a bunch of different internships to get a feel for the different career options, but some students, especially those coming in with a well established policy interest, find one place and stick with it. Both approaches have their pros and cons. Sticking with a place might mean you get to take on more advanced work, while doing many different internships means you expand you breadth of policy experience, build your network and get a feel for your different options.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:02 Kate Battiato

2:05

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

Could you talk more about fellowship and assistantships in the program? How many are offered, when are they offered, etc?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:05 Luke Horner

2:05

Susan Yackee:

Hi Luke,
We offer fellowships, as well as scholarships, to some students as part of the recruitment process. These are usually offered to top students, who have some particular academic success and/or interesting work experience. Additionally, we have a number of project assistantships that come out throughout the year. We always advertise this assistantships broadly to all of our students. These provide a stipend, free tuition, and health insurance -- so they are a great situation. Many of our faculty are successful in getting grants and this is one of the main ways in which get our students PA-ships.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:05 Susan Yackee

2:09

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

I apologize if this question should be directed towards someone else for the online application, but I have started filling out the application, and under the Residency section, it asks for work experience for the past 2 years. I am a WI resident, and did have a job in WI until the fall of 2011, and since then have worked abroad. But when filling out this section, it doesn't seem to allow me to fill out "work experience" outside of the US. Do you know why?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:09 Aeasa

2:09

Mary Treleven:

Hi Aeasa,

The registrar's office has people that can help you with that situation which is a little more complicated so I think you should speak or email the experts. Go to the UW website and search for residency which you will bring you to the registrar's site. You can email them.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:09 Mary Treleven

2:09

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

Some programs offer MPPs vs. MPAs. At the U of Minnesota's Humphrey school, the MPA is more of a mid-career program. Could you explain the distinction between the degrees?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:09 ecoll

2:09

Kate Battiato:

I'd say in the working world, employers view an Master of Public Policy as more quantitatively focused than a Master of Public Administration degree, which is viewed as more managerial in nature. Since we offer a Master of Public Affairs degree, I'd say our degree is more versatile than either option since you can customize the degree to be more quantitative or managerial, depending on your interests.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:09 Kate Battiato

2:12

[Comment From Sydney CongdonSydney Congdon: ]

If a student is not admitted to the program would this decision have any bearing on admissions if the student chooses to reapply the following year?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:12 Sydney Congdon

2:12

Susan Yackee:

Hi Sydney,
No, an admission decision from past years has no bearing on the admission committee's decision this year. That said, if one had been turned down in the past, then I would advise that applicant to find ways to improve upon their academic credentials, GRE scores, and/or build their work experience in public affairs.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:12 Susan Yackee

2:14

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

Are you looking for students with a certain number of years of work experience?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:14 Luke Horner

2:14

Mary Treleven:

Hi Luke,

A strong candidate has some experience but there is not a cut off regarding number of years. Internship experience, volunteer work, and other public affairs or public services experiences are considered experience. The average number of years experience that applicants have is 3 years but students with one or two internships could be admitted as well.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:14 Mary Treleven

2:16

Kate Battiato:

I have found that students who come in with a bit of work experience have a better understanding of what they want from the program.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:16 Kate Battiato

2:17

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

What is the process of choosing a specialization within the degree program? Are there set tracks (eg ed policy, health policy) or do you build your own? Finally, does your degree / diploma reflect this specialization? Thanks!

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:17 ecoll

2:17

Susan Yackee:

Hi Ecoll,
One would need to declare on the MPA or MIPA degree specialization. However, the tracks are less formalized. You may take all or only some of the classes listed under the tracks. You can also build your one track -- and your faculty adviser would be happy to help with this. The dipolma and transcripts do not reflect the tracks; however, many students use these effectively in their coverletters and resumes for employers.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:17 Susan Yackee

2:18

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

Was wondering if you could explain a little about the regional focus fields for the MIPA. I've attempted doing research online about them, but every link I get referred to, leads me to a dead end.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:18 Aeasa

2:18

Mary Treleven:

Aeasa,

Sorry that the links are dead. I will look at those. The focus fields are advising tools as to which courses one might take if they are interested in a certain area. Students are paired with a faculty advisor and are encouraged to meet with them each semester to choose the most appropriate electives that suit their interests and their career goals.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:18 Mary Treleven

2:18

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

Would you say that there are at least a few students in each class that end up working in Washington, DC?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:18 Luke Horner

2:18

Kate Battiato:

Yes, definately. We have a well established alumni community out in DC and I cultivate relationships with the big employers out there like GAO, CBO, intelligence agencies, etc.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:18 Kate Battiato

2:21

Kate Battiato:

Also, being part of the larger Badger alumni network is a huge plus for relocating to DC or anywhere else for that matter. Badgers are a very cohesive group in general and it's been my experience that Badgers are usually more than happy to help other Badgers with information interviews, networking etc.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:21 Kate Battiato

2:26

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

If one's GRE scores aren't particularly strong, but the rest of their academic package is including academic record, work experience etc, would it be appropriate in the SOP to comment upon your GRE scores? Basically to identify and acknowledge that that might not be your strong point, but focus and show what you are strong in.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:26 Aeasa

2:26

Mary Treleven:

Aeasa,

The faculty is looking for evidence that you can handle the program so if you think that explaining your performance on the GRE would help then yes, you can note that in your SOP in the notes section but also highlight evidence that you will be able to be successful in the program.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:26 Mary Treleven

2:27

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

I'm not clear on the La Follette School Fellowships. The admissions website says "La Follette awards provide a maximum of $11,000 for the first year of study." Is that a maximum $11k stipend, or is that inclusive of tuition? Thanks.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:27 ecoll

2:27

Susan Yackee:

Hi Ecoll,
Thanks for the question! The fellowships allows students from out-of-state to pay in-state tuition. However, the fellowship does not cover the in-state tuition piece. Many of our students use the $11,000 (which is paid as a monthly stipend) to cover their in-state tuition.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:27 Susan Yackee

2:27

[Comment From Sydney CongdonSydney Congdon: ]

I guess this question is directed more towards Kate- I am interested in specializing in nonprofit management- as the career development coordinator would you say there are an adequate number of internships and career options in that field or is the program more well connected to the capital/local governments?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:27 Sydney Congdon

2:27

Kate Battiato:

There are lots of nonprofit internships and job opportunities for La Follette students. I've found that some of the quantitative skills we teach, like performance measurement and budgeting, are severely lacking in the nonprofit world, so I think our students come out uniquely well qualified in the quantitative regard. I work with non-profits all the time and in fact one of our adjunct faculty is the executive director of our county's United Way.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:27 Kate Battiato

2:30

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

Your website says that academic references are preferred. Of the 3 I've been using for grad applications, only one is academic (my thesis adviser from undergrad). But the other 2 are highly relevant to policy / the area in which I want to work: 1 was my supervisor at a think tank I worked at, the other was my supervisor in Teach For America. Is that acceptable? I could ask another professor, but I feel the combination I have now best represents me.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:30 ecoll

2:30

Susan Yackee:

Hi Ecoll,
You should pick the letters of rec writers that you think best represent you as a candidate. That said, on average, it is probably better for a candidate to have two letters from individuals who have interacted with you in the classroom (out of the three total letters).

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:30 Susan Yackee

2:31

[Comment From Luke HornerLuke Horner: ]

In one's personal statement, do you all fee that it is more advantageous to say that one wants to complete this MA program for the purpose of working at a particular organization or particular government agency, or is it okay to be less specific? I am trying to figure out if being more specific is better. One also would want to leave room for their aspirations to grow and change in the course of a grad program, right?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:31 Luke Horner

2:31

Mary Treleven:

Luke,

You are correct that students' aspirations change and grow while they are students here, however, it is good for faculty to know what your goals are now as well and what you hope to get from the program. Does that help?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:31 Mary Treleven

2:31

[Comment From AeasaAeasa: ]

Through the online application process, the letters of recommendation are submitted through an email request to the people you have chosen. But for example, since the deadline for Fellowship and Scholarship consideration is Jan 1, and you submit your application Dec 30th, what if your recommendors don't submit the letters until after Jan 1st. Does this make your application late? In short, do the letters of rec need to be in by Jan 1st as well in order to be considered for Fellowships and Scholarships?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:31 Aeasa

2:31

Erik Rader:

Aesa,

As long as you get as much of your application completed as possible before the January 1st deadline, you are eligible to be considered for financial support. Don't wait until you have your recommendation writers all locked in before you submit your online application. Definitely submit your application as soon as possible, and then let the recommendations come in when they come in.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:31 Erik Rader

2:31

[Comment From ecollecoll: ]

Sorry, to follow-up from my La Follette School Fellowship question -- so in-state students do still qualify though?

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:31 ecoll

2:32

Susan Yackee:

Hi Ecoll,
Yes, absolutely -- in-state students are robustly considered for our fellowships.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:32 Susan Yackee

2:32

Erik Rader:

Thanks everyone for participating!

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:32 Erik Rader

2:32

Kate Battiato:

Bye everybody! Good luck with your applications.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:32 Kate Battiato

2:32

Erik Rader:

You can email me if you have any further questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:32 Erik Rader

2:32

Susan Yackee:

Goodbye all -- I hope you consider applying to the La Follette School! Best, Susan YAckee

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:32 Susan Yackee

2:33

Mary Treleven:

Hey Everyone,

Thank you so much for joining us. Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with additional questions you may have!

Take care.

Mary Treleven

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:33 Mary Treleven

2:33

La Follette School:

Thanks for participating. The transcript for this chat will be available immediately after this event ends. Please also browse the transcripts for previous admissions web chats with the links at the top of the page.

Thursday December 13, 2012 2:33 La Follette School

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