Our team traveled over 22,000 miles this fall to visit prospective students across the country. Whether you came to a graduate school fair, met us for coffee before work, or mingled with our alumni at a reception, we so enjoyed getting to know our applicants on the road. Read on to hear our staff's highlights!

When I was a first year MPP student, I took what we call “the core” – classes in Microeconomics, Statistics, and Analytical Politics. During my first year in the core, I sometimes felt lost and had a difficult time applying the quantitative foundations and models to the real world.

So, to start my second year, I knew I wanted to take courses that would expand upon the concepts I learned in the core, but ultimately had real life applications.

One of the best parts about working at Harris is having the opportunity to connect with students who share our own passion for policy. We love to hear what you are reading, how you are spending your time, and which issues excite you. Many of our prospective students have shared with our team the work they have been doing on campaigns, or their interest in running for office, or how interning or working for a particular representative changed their career trajectory.

These are truly the stories we love to hear.

Are you preparing to vote on Election Day tomorrow and need a study guide for your ballot measures? Head over to BallotReady, an online tool that allows voters to research candidates and ballot measures based on nonpartisan information.

Thanks to our Directors of Recruitment, Jenny Erickson and Devon Reber Drehmer, for this post!

We frequently receive this question from eager students searching for opportunities to strengthen their application, as well as those who are concerned about specific aspects of their application. Read more to hear our thoughts on these questions! 

This month, the University of Chicago community came together to discuss and process the trial and verdict of the 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke. The week of the verdict, the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration (SSA) hosted panel discussions with UChicago faculty and local media and activists.

As we look forward to welcoming prospective students to campus throughout the Fall, our Admissions team wanted to share their favorite spots around the University and our Hyde Park neighborhood. Check out some of our recommendations the next time you are in town! 

Ranjan Daniels, Senior Associate Dean of Student Recruitment and Global Outreach

Ranjan recommends that visiting students eat at the Medici on 57th—his favorite spot in Hyde Park—because of the diverse mix of people and the stellar milkshakes.

Did you read second year Laurel Harnett’s blog post on a day in the life of a Harris student? Now you can experience this in real time over on our Instagram page!

Follow along this week as current student Payton Head takes you around campus, through his classes, and introduces you to other Harris students!

Thanks to our Director of Student Recruitment, Devon Reber Drehmer, for this post! 

One of the most common topics applicants ask me about are the letters of recommendation.  These letters are an important part of your application and provide the committee with helpful information and insight into your ability to be successful at Harris Public Policy. I hope these answers to common questions will be helpful to you as you are completing your application!

We are so glad you’re thinking of attending a campus visit at Harris Public Policy! This is a great first step in getting to know Harris culture, seeing what classes are like, and learning what the application process entails. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your time here.

This week, our team took a break from planning our fall events to take part in a UChicago tradition going back decades - Shake Day! Every Wednesday, students, faculty, and staff head over to the Reynolds Club on campus to grab $1 milkshakes - with free toppings! If you're visiting campus, be sure to pick up a shake and take in the beautiful Gothic architecture.  

This week kicks off the start of the Autumn Quarter here at the University of Chicago and Harris Public Policy! Thanks to Laurel Harnett, Class of 2019, for providing us with a snapshot in the busy day of a Harris student. 

via GIPHY

Student: Sanya Jha, Class of 2019 

Position: Environmental Researcher at the United Nations Environment Programme

What is your policy area of interest?  Is there anything you want us to know about you? 

I am a rising second year student with an interest in energy and environmental policies. Prior to enrolling at Harris, I completed my bachelors and masters in Economics in India. My main goal at Harris is to learn more about how environmental science and policy intersect.

Thanks to Esha Banerjee (MA'18), for this post! 

You’ve filled out your name, academic information, work experience, uploaded your transcripts and test scores, and requested letters of recommendation. Now you face the Herculean task of writing the motivation statement. What to write? How to start? How do I fit everything in so few words (or for some how do I write so much about myself)? Should I start with a quote or is it too cliché?

Harris faculty member Ariel Kalil has been selected as one of 20 leaders in the realm of children and family healthcare to the 2018 class of Aspen Institute Ascend Fellows. Throughout the next 18 months, Fellows will bring together their varied expertise to create new opportunities for children and families.

Our team is hitting the road this fall – we encourage you to come see us in a city near you! Our events range from informal coffee chats to networking receptions with Harris alumni. Check out the schedule below for some of our upcoming dates – and be sure to bookmark our general events page to see more opportunities! 

Have you started your application for Fall 2019? You can start your application by creating an account here!

Check out these posts on our application tips from staff and students:

Our application is now live! Applicants frequently request more information on the application rounds and the benefits of one deadline over the other. There is no disadvantage to applying in Early Action. Read on to find out more benefits:

Our application for 2019 is now officially live! Head over to the application page to begin yours today.