Q. How can I learn more about the LBJ School and/or arrange a campus visit?
Answer
We invite prospective students to learn more about the LBJ School by making a visit to our campus. The best time to visit is during one of the Open House events for prospective students. Fall Open House events will be offered during the Fall semester (dates still to be finalized) . Please see this link to register: www.utexas.edu/lbj/prospective/openhouse/rsvp
Prospective students who are unable to attend an Open House are encouraged to schedule individual appointments. To arrange an individual visit, contact the Admissions Coordinator to set up an appointment. Students wishing to sit in on a class or meet with a faculty member are encouraged to contact the Admissions Coordinator at least one week prior to the visit date. The best time to visit campus is when school is in session, Monday- Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. For a detailed view of the University of Texas semester calendar, including University holidays, see this page: registrar.utexas.edu/calendars/12-13
Q. How can I check the status of my online application? How long does it take for the application materials I have submitted to show up as received on my application status page? What office should I contact if my application status page does not accurately reflect all the materials I have submitted?
Answer
You can check your application status at any time at the GIAC (Graduate and International Admissions Center) website http://utdirect.utexas.edu/nr/appstat.html . Please note: If you submit application materials during the 4 weeks prior to the application deadline you should anticipate a lag time of approximately a week between the time your documents are received/uploaded and the time your status page is updated. You can avoid the last minute rush by applying and submitting your documents early.
Q. If I am undecided about whether I want to pursue the Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) degree or the Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) degree, may I apply to both? How will I know which degree program is right for me?
Answer
You may only apply to one degree program and you must make that decision when you submit your electronic application for admission. There is a significant difference between the curriculum and focus of the MPAff and the MGPS degree programs. Applicants should thoroughly read the descriptions of the two programs, which are available on the LBJ School prospective student webpages, to make their decision. If you are still unsure about which program you should choose, you are strongly encouraged to discuss your educational and career objectives in relationship with your degree choice with our faculty advisers, Dr. Shama Gamkhar (MPAff program; gamkhar@austin.utexas.edu ) or Dr. Catherine Weaver (MGPS program; ceweaver@austin.utexas.edu ).
Q. Who is eligible to apply to the LBJ School's master's programs?
Answer
Any person who has or will have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is eligible to apply for admission to either master's program.
Q. After being admitted, are there any enrollment prerequisites that I should know about?
Answer
Admitted MPAff students who have not completed formal undergraduate coursework in calculus and statistics are required to complete those courses (with a grade of C or better) prior to enrolling or pass validation exams given at the LBJ School during orientation. Two separate exams are offered, one on calculus and the other on statistics. Students have to take only the one for which they have not taken an undergraduate course. For more information on quantitative sequence visit: http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/students/quantitativesequence .
Q. How do I apply for admission?
Answer
The application process includes applying for admission to both the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School through the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) and the LBJ School of Public Affairs using the State of Texas Common Application. For detailed instructions about admissions, visit our admissions webpage
Q. What is the application deadline?
Answer
The application deadline for fall admission is January 5. Your online application and all related materials must be received or postmarked on or before that date. Early application is advised.
Q. How much does it cost to attend the LBJ School?
Answer
Fall 13 and Spring 2014 tuition only for students in the School's MPAff or MGPS programs are:
Resident , 12 hour, per semester - $5,342Non-Resident , 12 hour, per semester - $10,267
This figures do not include books, optional fees or living expenses. Students in dual degrees
Q. How many applications to the master's programs does the LBJ School receive, and what size is the entering class?
Answer
The LBJ School typically receives approximately 700 applications for its two master's programs and enrolls an entering class of approximately 150 students.
Q. What proportion of LBJ students graduate on time?
Answer
The most recent data indicate that 89% of students graduate on time (within 2 years for the regular degree programs, 3 years for all dual degree programs except LBJ/Law which requires 4 years). 95% of students graduate within 150% of the normal expected time to degree, and 96% do so within 200% of the normal time to degree.
Q. Does the LBJ School have published GRE/GPA/TOEFL minimums for admission?
Answer
The LBJ School takes a holistic approach to the application review process. Each applicant’s file is reviewed individually with equal consideration given to the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the student’s records. The process is competitive and applicants are encouraged to give special consideration to the preparation of their essay, which gives the admissions committee personal insight into their unique qualifications.
Successful international applicants should have a combined TOEFL score of 100 or above and a TOEFL speaking score of 26 or above.
Q. Are any students admitted for the spring semester?
Answer
Only mid-career MPAff students are invited to apply for spring admission. The deadline for spring applicants is October 1. For more information about the mid-career program, see http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/degreeprograms/midcareer .
Q. May I substitute the GMAT or LSAT for the GRE? What is your GRE code?
Answer
You must take the GRE. No substitutions are accepted. The University of Texas institution code for submitting your score is 6882.
Q. When should I take the GRE? How can I be sure you receive my GRE scores on time?
Answer
It takes approximately two weeks for the computer-based GRE scores to arrive at the University's Graduate and International Admissions Center. To meet the January 5 deadline, you should take the computer-based GRE before December 15.
Q. Can I submit GRE and/or TOEFL scores that are several years old?
Answer
GRE scores can be no more than five years old at the time of submission. TOEFL scores can be no more than two years old at the time of submission. If your scores do not meet this required timeline, you must retest and submit current scores.
Q. Do you accept electronic letters of recommendation?
Answer
Your three recommendation letters should be sent electronically by your recommenders. When completing your online application, you will be given the opportunity to submit your recommenders' names and email addresses. Upon submission of your application, your recommenders will be sent a link to complete an electronic recommendation letter or to upload a MS Word or PDF document. You must choose to waive your right to access these letters in order to use this system. As a last alternative, letters may be emailed directly from your recommenders to the LBJ School Admissions Coordinator (lbjadmit@uts.cc.utexas.edu ) or sent by postal mail. This method is not recommended as it may cause significant delays in processing your application.
Q. Will I get reviewed for admission if my application is incomplete?
Answer
Only compete files are reviewed for admission. Please make arrangements with the Admissions Coordinator if you think an item or document will be late.
Q. When will I receive notification of the admissions decision?
Answer
Decisions can be viewed immediately after they are posted in early March by visiting the MyStatus website . Applicants will receive an email when an official decision has been entered on their application. The LBJ School sends acceptance letters via email soon thereafter. Admitted students may request a hard copy of their acceptance letters.
Q. Is there an application for LBJ School scholarships or fellowships?
Answer
All full-time LBJ School applicants are automatically reviewed on a competitive basis for merit-based fellowships during the admissions review process. No additional application is required. Those receiving competitive fellowships will be notified of their award in their official LBJ School admissions letter. Fellowship recipients and non-fellowship recipients are strongly encouraged to explore their eligibility for need-based financial assistance.
Q. Are international students eligible for merit-based fellowships an/or need-based financial aid?
Answer
International students are eligible and will be automatically reviewed for merit-based fellowships during the admissions process. Typically, international students are not eligible for need-based federal assistance. See the international student website for more information www.utexas.edu/international/isss/students/financialaid .
Q. How do I apply for need-based financial aid?
Answer
For need-based aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Contact the UT Austin Office of Student Financial Services for more information.
Q. What is your school's FAFSA code? What are the priority deadlines?
Answer
The UT Austin FAFSA code is 003658. The priority deadline for applying for need-based aid for fall admission is March 31.
Q. If my recommenders have not completed their recommendation letters by the deadline or my test scores have not been received by the Jan. 5 deadline will my application still be reviewed?
Answer
We traditionally give student 7-10 days after the deadline for pending supplemental documents to be received. Files that are incomplete as of January 15 will be considered incomplete and will probably not be reviewed.
