The app is live, but are you ready to apply COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

The app is live, but are you ready to apply COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog The MIA/MPA Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 applications for admission have been live for a week now. (Yay! Or yikes?!) Many of you are contemplating how best to climb the difficult mountainand not lose your heads in the processso  I wanted to remind you of a few things before you begin the process of admission. Tip 1: Subscribe to the Admissions Blog In the coming weeks, I’ll switch gears from student life content to admissions-related content. You don’t want to miss any tips so make sure you subscribe to the blog here. (I also recommend you review our archived posts from the past year for additional tips.) Tip 2: Review the Top 10 Tips This post offers friendly reminders on the best way to contact us, why you shouldn’t create duplicate applications, and more. So check it out;  you may read something really interesting. Tip 3: Tell us what to do Yes, you read that right. If you have any burning questions about the admission process, just Submit An Idea for this blog via our web form and I’ll write about it. No admissions topic is off limits, so send us your silliest or most thoughtful questions! Tip 4: Study the Application Checklist Sticking to a checklist may seem like a no brainer, but so many applicants forget to complete a thing or two from the list. (So watch out!) Everything on the checklist must be on file with the Admissions Office by the appropriate deadline. So if you’re missing anything, you’re application won’t be reviewed  by the Admissions Committee. Wondering where that checklist is? Click here to see it for yourself. Tip 5: Read the directions carefully This one seems just as obvious, but pay close attention to the application instructions. I rewrote them for this cycle, and added a note  about using the same name and email address for every component of the admissions process  (e.g.,  application packet, test scores and transcripts). Its important to be consistent with all of your application materials since several pieces are coming from a third party. For example, if you apply to SIPA using your American name or your married name, but you took the GRE using your given name, then chances are we wont know the test scores are yours. So be consistent! Tip 6: Plan ahead The deadline(s) for admission may seem far away, but theyll creep up on you before you know it. So start your research now and make preparations for recommendation letters, test scores and transcripts sooner rather than later. Youll be surprised at how slow the process the can be, so its best to be proactive to ensure you meet  the application  deadline(s). Dont recall when everythings due? Just look to the right of this post under  the Upcoming Deadlines section. Photo courtesy of HBO.