Applying for the PhD

Ph.D. Application Checklist

Before starting the online application:

1. Review the application checklist and instructions below which are specific to applicants to the Goldman School Ph.D. Program for Fall 2021
2. Review the Frequently Asked Questions here
3. If you have additional questions, contact Cecille Cabacungan at cecille@berkeley.edu.

Statement of Purpose

Please follow the instructions below for the statement of purpose. These instructions supersede those listed in the online application. 

Address these areas in 5-7 double-spaced pages:

1). The present: Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D. in public policy?

2). The past: What experiences or activities bear on your qualifications for this program, e.g., academic research, teaching, professional experience, etc? How do these experiences relate to your decision to undertake a Ph.D. in public policy?

3). The future: What are your public policy research interests, including the topics /areas you would like to study in the Ph.D. program? And what are your short- and long-term career objectives?

Personal History Statement

In 3-5 double-spaced pages, please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a Ph.D.

Faculty Advisor Preferences

Please select 3 preferences for a faculty advisor if you are admitted to the program (view profiles of Goldman School faculty here. The assignment of faculty advisors is not guaranteed and based on the availability of each faculty member.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Upload a current C.V. reflecting your academic and professional work experience, education, and any other relevant information.

Writing Sample

A solo-authored, original research paper. This should be under 30 pages, double-spaced. We strongly prefer a writing sample that goes beyond just a literature review or summary of existing research. Its purpose is to make evident that the student can undertake policy research.

Transcripts

Scan and upload a copy of unofficial transcripts from all universities or colleges attended to the online application. Official transcripts will only be requested if admitted.

Letters of Recommendation

3 letters of recommendation are required, and should be submitted with the online graduate application. Applicants may choose to submit up to 5 letters of recommendation.

Letters may arrive up until 14 days after the application deadline. We cannot guarantee that letters received after this 14 day period will be reviewed with your application.

Please refer to the online application for further instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.

GRE Scores

For Fall 2021 Admission Only: GRE scores are requested but not required for the Fall 2021 Application.

GRE scores are normally required of all applicants, as we have found them to be useful indicators of academic preparation.  However, in light of disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the administration of these tests and the inability of many applicants to prepare for them, GSPP will accept applications for admission in Fall 2021 without GRE scores.

If you are able to take the GRE exam, please note that it may take a few weeks for your official scores to be received and matched to your application electronically. To ensure you meet the application deadline, you should take the GRE by no later than early November. Note: GRE scores are due the same day the application is due. Our institution code is 4833 (Graduate Programs). Reservations for the GRE exam should be made in advance through: The Education Testing Service (ETS) Phone: (609) 771-7670 or 1-800-GRE-CALL or http://www.ets.org/gre.

If you are unable to take the GRE exam but you have expired test scores, we will accept expired GRE scores dated no earlier than 2010 (for Fall 2021 admissions only).

If you are submitting expired test scores, please follow these instructions:

1. Enter your scores in the "Test Scores" section of the application
2. Please send a copy of your GRE Score Report from ETS to cecille@berkeley.edu

TOEFL Scores

All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.

We will only accept TOEFL tests administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and sent to us directly by the TOEFL office. For Fall 2021, tests taken before June 1, 2019 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to Berkeley.

You may sign up for the TOEFL http://www.ets.org/toefl.

When reporting scores, please institution code 4833 (Graduate Programs) - you do not have to enter a department code.

More information about evidence of English language proficiency, including qualifying for an exemption, can be found here.

As an exception, we will also accept the IELTS exam.  For Fall 2021, tests taken before June 1, 2019 will not be accepted. Your most recent overall Band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale to be eligible for admission to UC Berkeley. More information about the IELTS exam requirement can be found here.

Application Fee

The application fee must be submitted with the online application and is not refundable. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $120; for all others, the fee is $140.

Eligible applicants may apply for an application fee waiver. To do so, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident. The form to request a fee waiver is included in the payment section of the online application. Please select the fee waiver option before submitting your application to initiate the fee waiver review process.

Addendum (optional)

Please complete this section if you wish to address any specific issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance and/or any aspect of your application.

Please do not submit additional or supplemental materials.

Questions About the Online Application? Contact:

Cecille Cabacungan
Managing Director of Career & Alumni Services and
Ph.D. Admissions & Student Affairs Advisor
cecille@berkeley.edu