Admissions Blog

We host Diversity Day each year for talented underrepresented individuals to get to know the Harris School of Public Policy and its community. This fall, students participated in the first Diversity Day hosted in The Keller Center. Watch the video, read the full recap, and read Hana Passen, MSCAPP 2021, reflect on the experience.

Students recently had the unique opportunity to hear a panel composed of a Nobel laureate, top UChicago economists, and the president of the Obama Foundation as they discussed the question, "Can Economics Save the World?"

Ever wonder what motivates a political compromise? Or why individuals in society fail to address shared social problems? Analytical Politics I, a required course taken by all Harris Master of Public Policy students in their first quarter, addresses these problems head-on. That’s why it has become my favorite class this quarter...

Student Recruitment Specialist Riyanna Coleman reflects on her experience with UChicago Service Day.

Matt Shomo describes how he broadened his academic and professional horizons with Congressman Mike Quigley's Contemporary US Intelligence.

At Harris, we are looking forward to a lively and informative Diversity Day, where our community will have the opportunity to learn about diversity and inclusion efforts and connect with Harris alumni, students, and speakers. We asked some Harris community members who attended last year’s Diversity Day what they were hoping to come away with from this year’s event.

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.

Harris Student Government leaders reflect on projects that will make an impact on future classes, and give advice to applicants.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Ta-Nehesi Coates, and Pete Buttigieg - though this sounds like the opening line of a promising joke, it’s also a list of three people I’ve had the chance to hear from since starting at Harris this fall.

Thanks to Alejandro D. González, Master of Arts in International Development and Policy (MAIDP) Class of '20, for writing this post on intentionally building community with his cohort.

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!

Students who start a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree at Harris are challenged to hit the ground running—and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Only a week into the program, my classes are churning through material, my calendar is jam-packed with new opportunities, and each day I’m meeting more of the diverse group of students who I now call classmates.

Here’s a rundown of what I’ve done so far:

The Idealist Grad School Fair is a free and open event to anyone interested in learning about grad schools with a focus on social impact. Please stop by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy table to learn about our programs, requirements, deadlines, and application tips.

Recently, our colleagues on the Academic and Student Affairs team sent some information out to admitted students about coding. Our Director of Enrollment Management, Jenny Erickson, sat down with Harris Dean of Students Kate Biddle and Assistant Director of Student Affairs Jen Lombardo to share some frequently asked questions while enjoying some free candy from the bowl on Kate’s desk. It’s great when you can rely on your colleagues to take impromptu last-minute meetings to help students—and even better when they keep a steady supply of candy on hand for both staff and students.

“[The Evening Master’s Program] has reignited my passion to drive change in this world.”
—Heather George, Director of Wealth Strategies, Bernstein Private Wealth Management

Sunday, June 30 marked the 50th Pride Parade in Chicago, during which celebrations took place throughout the city. Mayor Lori Lightfoot served as honorary grand marshal for the annual parade, walking the route with her wife Amy Eshleman.

When you come to Harris, you will be joining a supportive community of faculty, staff and students. We are thrilled to announce that our own Milvia Rodriguez is the recipient of the Marlene F. Richman Award for Excellence and Dedication in Service to Students.

Each year incoming students participate in the Common Read, reading a shared text before arriving at Harris. The main goal is simple – to have all incoming students collectively share in a single learning experience while gaining an appreciation for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and individual stories that not only impacts how you work together as classmates, but how you view the world as future policymakers.

We sat down with our colleagues in Academic & Student Affairs to answer your questions on the algebra and calculus self-assessments. See below for the quick take!

On June 5, University of Chicago Public Policy Podcasts hosted a live episode of “Thank You for Your Service” (TYFYS), an exploration of American civil-military relations. The podcast featured David Axelrod, UChicago Institute of Politics director and former campaign strategist and advisor to President Barack Obama.