Instructions:

Please review the three admission essay questions below. When you are ready to begin your essays, use the PDF template at the end of this page or respond to each question in a single word document and save as a PDF. Upload your completed PDF to the SIS Statement of Purpose Supplemental Item within your application portal.

Note that the Supplemental Items section is only available for upload after you have submitted the online application form.

Master's applicants: pay close attention to the 400 word limit for each question as you write your responses. While we do not run a word count check on submitted documents, this strongly recommended response length is specifically designed to help you narrow the focus of your writing. You should think of the three question prompts as distinct but interrelated; spend some time considering which aspects of your experiences, qualifications, future goals, etc. fit best within each question, and keep each response focused on a few key points.

Question 1: Personal Narrative/Overview Length: 400 words

Please share the story of how your background, experiences, and academic interests have led you to pursue graduate school at this time and in this field. What has prepared you for this endeavor and what unique skills, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to SIS?

Question 2: SIS Graduate Program Length: 400 word

The field of International Affairs is broad, and SIS has a wide range of degree options reflecting that breadth. Please tell us (1) why you are applying to the specific program you have chosen and (2) how you think this degree will serve your academic and professional aspirations. You may wish to address: areas of research you envision focusing on within the program; faculty research that has had an impact on you; and/or additional opportunities at SIS/AU that would complement your graduate experience.

Question 3: Values Length: 400 words

The professional field of International Affairs continues to be limited by its lack of diversity, especially—but not only—racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. SIS is committed to making the field more closely resemble the diversity of our population by training our students to recognize inclusion as a key to identifying innovative solutions for the global challenges we face. With this aspect of SIS' mission in mind, please respond to one of the following questions:

1. How would your understanding of the global challenges of social inequality and inequity inform your studies at SIS, your role in the SIS community, and your future work?
2. How have you engaged with racial/ethnic diversity in your past school or work environments, and/or how do you envision yourself contributing to a more inclusive workplace in graduate school and your future career?

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