Frequently Asked Questions

Application Questions

QUESTION: For which semester are you accepting applications?

A: We will begin accepting applications for fall 2009 in mid-september. The priority application deadline for the class of 2011 will be in January 16, 2009. Please see the requirements web page for more information or to apply.

The online application for fall 2009 admission is currently available.

QUESTION: What is the deadline for Bush School applications?

A: For both the MPIA and MPSA degree programs, the priority deadline for submitting application materials for admission is January 16, 2009. The deadline is NOT a postmark deadline.

The Bush School will continue to consider applications from qualified candidates for admission beyond the priority date on a space available basis as late as the end of April. Applications submitted after the January priority deadline will be considered for scholarship support; however, some of the most significant scholarship awards are made early.

International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their application package by the January priority deadline.

QUESTION: How do I obtain an application?

A: The Bush School accepts applications online through the Apply Texas Application https://www.applytexas.org/.

QUESTION: What documents are required for a complete application?

A: The online application and application fee should be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions (979-845-1044). Official transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation on official letterhead along with the completed recommendation form, the statement of purpose, leadership experience, relevant experience, professional resume, and application checklist must be sent to the Bush School. Complete and detailed instructions may be found on the Requirements page.

QUESTION: How will I know when my application is complete?

A: Students are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete and submitted by the January priority deadline. Applicants will be notified by the Bush School when their application has been processed and is complete. Application processing includes transcript verification and processing by the University. This process may take two to three weeks and up to four to six weeks during the peak period (December and January). Please take this into account when submitting your application. Applicants may check the status of their online application at https://applicant.tamu.edu/.

QUESTION: How many recommendation letters are needed?

A: Three recommendation letters are needed for applying to the Bush School. Recommendation letters should be written by people who have first-hand knowledge of the student's academic performance, leadership potential, and/or work/public service experience. Letters should be written on official letterhead and accompanied by a completed recommendation form.

QUESTION: What exams are required for admission to the Bush School?

A: GRE first and foremost! Although the GRE scores are preferred, we will accept the GMAT. The GRE or GMAT results submitted may not be older than five years. Students are not required to take the subject test for the GRE.

International students must also take the TOEFL exam. Texas A&M University requires that applicants from non-English speaking countries present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 250 on the computer-based test or an International English Language Testing System Test (IELTS) score of at least 6.0. The scores should be sent directly from the testing service to Texas A&M University (Code 6003) and be from a test date within two years of the date that the application form reaches the Office of Admissions and Records. The minimum TOEFL score considered acceptable by the Bush School is 600 (250 on the computer-based test).

QUESTION: How do I find out about taking the GRE?

A: Students can call the GRE Testing Center at 609-771-8780 for general inquiries about the test or may visit the GRE website at http://www.gre.org/. Students can call any college near their home and ask if the testing center offers the computer-based test. Here at Texas A&M, the GRE is offered at least three times a week and an appointment must be made by contacting Texas A&M Measurement and Research Services at 979-845-0532.

QUESTION: What if I cannot take the test or have the test scores arrive by the deadline?

A: An application will not be considered complete without official test scores. An application can be submitted without the GRE test scores, but we strongly encourage the student to submit the GRE scores as soon as possible. If taking the GRE via computer, students may request that a RUSH score, which is an unofficial record of the scores, be sent to the Bush School (Code 6005). The official copy of the scores will then be sent three to four weeks after the student has taken the computer exam. If the student knows the date of the scheduled GRE test, the student should write that on the application. Remember, we must have the student's GRE scores in order for the selection committee to make the admission decision. We recommend tests be completed by December to meet the January deadline.

QUESTION: Do international students have to take the TOEFL exam?

A: Yes. The minimum TOEFL score considered acceptable by the Bush School is 600 (250 on the computer-based test).

QUESTION: Is there a minimum GRE or GPA for admission to the program?

A: Although the GRE scores and GPA are important to the admissions review process, we do not have a minimum required score. GRE or GMAT scores are evaluated in a manner which complies with House Bill 1641. Each student is reviewed using a variety of criteria including academic performance, leadership potential, work or life experience, personal statement, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and information gathered at the Interview Conference.

QUESTION: What was the average GPA and GRE scores of students entering the Bush School for the 2008-2009 school year?
A:

MPSA MPIA
Mean GPA (last 60 hours) 3.4 3.6
Mean GRE-Verbal 526 586
Mean GRE-Quantitative 602 657

Admissions Questions

QUESTION: What criteria does the Bush School Admissions Committee use in considering applicants?

A: The Admissions Committee evaluates students who have strong academic ability and leadership qualities and who show a propensity for serving in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors both domestically and internationally.

QUESTION: Who makes the decision on admissions and when will the Bush School announce its decision?

A: Shortly after the January priority deadline, the Bush School Admissions Committee reviews all of the submitted applications and narrows the pool of applicants to 60-70 candidates per degree program. Selected applicants are invited to the Interview Conferences in February and March, where applicants have the opportunity to meet Bush School faculty, students, and staff to learn more about the Bush School. Final decisions are announced in mid-March.

QUESTION: When is the Interview Conference and what is its form?

A: Selected applicants are invited to one of the two Interview Conferences. Held this year on February 20-21, 2009, for MPSA, and February 27-28, 2009, for MPIA. Applicants are responsible for their lodging and travel expenses to and from the conference, although some students may be able to stay with our current students during the conference in order to defray lodging costs. Meals will be provided by the Bush School Friday evening and all day Saturday. Dress is business casual.

Applicants who receive an invitation to the Interview Conference and are not able to attend will be contacted for a telephone interview.

QUESTION: After the Interview Conference, how long will it be before a decision is made?

A: The Admissions Committees convene within a week after the Interview Conference to make their decision. Students are notified of the School's decision two to three weeks after the Interview Conference.

Program Questions

QUESTION: Can you attend the program part-time?

A: Entrance into the MPSA and MPIA programs is on a full-time basis. However, both programs will consider a few students each year for part-time status if approved by the program director.

QUESTION: When does the Bush School start in the fall?

A: For fall 2006, the first official day of school was August 28. However, we host a mandatory incoming student orientation the week prior to the first day of school. The Bush School follows the Texas A&M University Academic Calendar.

QUESTION: Are there any prerequisite courses?

A: The MPSA program strongly recommends that students have prior coursework in American government, economics, and/or statistics/research methods. MPIA National Security Affairs track students are expected to have some prior knowledge of international history and politics.

The MPIA International Economics and Development Affairs track requires that applicants have prior undergraduate coursework in basic and intermediate micro and macroeconomics.

QUESTION: What are the specialized concentrations at the Bush School?

A: The MPIA program offers coursework in one of two tracks: International Economics and Development (IED) or National Security (NS) Affairs. The MPSA program offers coursework in one of two tracks: Public Management (PM) or Public Policy Analysis (PPA).

QUESTION: What is the required number of hours in each program?

A: The MPIA is a two-year, 48-credit-hour, full-time program that includes 48 credits of academic coursework and a summer internship or language training. The MPSA program is a two-year, 48-credit-hour program combining 48 academic credit hours and a summer professional internship.

QUESTION: Are any web-based courses offered?

A: Many of the courses for the Certificate in Advanced International Affairs (CAIA) Program are offered in a web-based format and all of the courses for the Certificate in Homeland Security (CHLS) Program are web-based Students may choose, after consulting with their advisor, to take an online course and these courses may be applied towards a student's degree plan.

QUESTION: Can I apply my graduate certificate courses towards my degree?

A: Many of our students participate in one of our three graduate certificate programs (offered in Advanced International Affairs, Homeland Security, or Nonprofit Management). A maximum of 12 credit hours taken in post-baccalaureate non-degree status (G6) may be applied toward a master's degree with the approval of the Program Director. However, successful completion of 12 hours does not establish eligibility for admission to degree-seeking status.

Financial Aid Questions

QUESTION: How many scholarships will the Bush School offer and how will they be awarded?

A: Each year, the number of full scholarships will vary, as both class size and funding amount are considered for the entering class. However, partial scholarships are available. The renewal of financial aid for the second year will be at the same monthly rate as long as first-year performance is maintained at a predetermined level. Bush School scholarship recipients are chosen from all of those applying to the Bush School based on their academic performance, leadership potential, and commitment to serving in the public, nonprofit, or private sectors domestically or internationally.

QUESTION: Are international students eligible for Bush scholarships?

A: Yes. International students are eligible for Bush School scholarships but are not eligible to participate in the Federal Loan programs (Stafford, Perkins, etc.). International students can visit the International Student Services (ISS) website for a listing of additional scholarships available.

QUESTION: How do I contact the financial aid office?

A: The financial aid office may be contacted by phone at 979-845-3236 or online at https://financialaid.tamu.edu/.

Employment Questions

QUESTION: Do you offer assistance in the placement of students in internships and employment?

A: Yes. The Career Services Office at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service is committed to helping its students and alumni create successful careers, providing them with the tools to complete an effective employment search, make connections with employers, and find opportunities to build a network of professional contacts. Through our career development workshops, internship and job search assistance programs, and alumni mentoring program, we help students build the bridge between academia and the professional world. Additional information can be found under in the Career Services (to career services section) section of the website.

Visitation Questions

QUESTION: Can I visit the Bush School?

A: Yes! Students are encouraged to visit the Bush School to learn more about our programs. An appointment can be scheduled by calling 979-862-3476 or via email at admissions@bushschool.tamu.edu. It is important that a prospective student contact us in advance to schedule a visit so that we can be accommodating.