Having the passion to serve the public and wanting to make a career out of it is an amazing thing to pursue. Administrative positions, however, normally demand certain qualifications. The good news is that an MPA program is tailored to provide these qualifications.
It is generally easier to get into a Masters in Public Administration course than into the more heavily-subscribed MBA programs. Nevertheless, lazy people will not find places in the MPA courses run by the best colleges. To maximize your chances of being admitted into the Masters of Public Administration program that you select, you should plan ahead early.
Top schools that offer MPA programs usually look at a student’s transcript. It will help if you decide early on about your education and career aspirations. An essential component of the admission procedure is high marks in both school exams and standardized tests.
It is the exception rather than the rule to select a sound career goal early in life. Many people decide to take on a Master's degree after they have experienced working in the real world long after they have graduated. Unfortunately, your transcripts cannot be changed even though your Grade Point Average may be slightly on the low side.
But put this behind you, for your other qualities may compensate. One option that will demonstrate to admissions that you are serious about obtaining your Master's degree is to undertake a second bachelor's degree. It might not be strictly necessary to take a second bachelor's degree in public administration, as you might acquire one in economics, politics or some other social science in less than a year.
Master's courses require their candidates to perform well on the Graduate Record Examination. Don't be satisfied with just one study guide, but work through several until you know all the answers. Don't forget that there are review centers that specialize in preparing students for the GRE, so perhaps you should join one.
Happily, the GRE can be reset until you obtain the scores you need for your selected course. The number of times you take the test is a secret that will never be revealed to any admissions board. There are times when it is worth waiting to apply to an MPA program in order to get into the best program for you.
Successful applicants have always participated in the workforce, as you would expect at masters level. An apprenticeship is the minimum requirement, and paid work is better. When you have worked in a field relevant to public administration, you show the admissions board that your career aspirations are serious.
Personal essays are a great chance for students to express themselves. Here, make sure to let the admissions committee know how your master’s degree can help you pursue your career goals after graduation. It would be a mistake to describe how you plan to rescue the planet because what is required is to explain how your career plans in public administration fit in with your more general life-goals.
Your application should highlight what makes you unique, and uniquely suitable for an MPA place, compared to your crowd of competitors. There a variety of options for both face-to-face and distance education that will result in a high-quality MPA degree that sets its graduates on the pathway to public administration success. Make the most of your opportunities and enter a prestigious program.
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