While it’s one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application, we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.

Motivational Statement

All students applying to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and MA in Public Policy (MA) programs are required to submit a 300-word motivational statement answering the questions: Why policy? Why Harris?

*The motivation statement requirement does not apply to MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) or MS in Climate and Energy Policy (MSCEP) programs. Instead of a motivation statement, these programs require applicants to answer supplemental short answer questions.

MSCEP Short Answer Questions

MSCEP applicants are required to complete all of the following short answer questions related to their interest in climate and energy policy and career goals. Each short answer has a maximum word count of 250 words.

1. What recent climate or energy policy development has most captured your attention? Briefly explain its significance and potential implications.

2. What are your career goals in climate and energy policy? Describe the specific impact you hope to make in this field and the type of role or sector where you envision working after graduation.

3. How will a degree with substantial quantitative and technical components help you achieve your climate and energy career goals? Discuss how data analysis, modeling, economic evaluation, or technical assessment skills will enhance your effectiveness in addressing climate and energy challenges.

4. What in your educational and/or professional background best demonstrates you are ready for a rigorous quantitative program focused on climate and energy policy? Highlight specific coursework, research, work experience, or projects that showcase your analytical capabilities.

MSCAPP Short Answer Questions

MSCAPP applicants are required to complete the first three short questions related to their career goals, and may choose to complete one last optional question. All questions have a maximum word count of 150 words.

1. What are your career goals?

2. How is a degree that is at least 1/3 public policy going to help achieve those career goals?

3. How is a degree that is at least 1/3 computer science going to help achieve those career goals?

4. Is there anything else you want to share with us that will help put your application in context? (optional)

Tips for writing your motivational statement and essays:

Some suggestions as you are thinking about your answers to these questions:

  • Answer the prompt. Don’t worry about using precious space to introduce yourself—jump right into answering the question and its components. Underline key parts of the question and attempt to address each part.
  • Write first, edit later. Get your ideas onto the page—whether that means bullet points, idea webs, or a journal entry. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect opener, meeting the word count, or checking grammar when you are first getting started.  
  • Reflect. Think about the professional, personal, or academic experience that has inspired you. Revisit your resume and other documentation of your past successes. 
  • Research. When considering short answer questions related to your career goals, conduct a search of what kinds of careers are available in your chosen field and how your chosen degree applies to those fields. Visit our Career Outcomes Report to see where our alumni work and how the career you envision for yourself aligns with those outcomes. 
  • Be specific. For example, when answering Why Harris?, be specific to the University of Chicago and Harris. Analyze why certain programs, centers, classes, or professors made you want to apply here. When answering short answer questions about your career goals, try to be as specific as possible about the type of work you aspire to do and how Harris will help you achieve that goal.
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