Frequently Asked Questions - PhD Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions - Applying for the PhD

We are no longer accepting applications for the Goldman School PhD program for Fall 2021 admission.

GPA Calculation

Q: How do I calculate my Major GPA?

The Major GPA calculation is not required by the Goldman School of Public Policy. Please leave this field blank.

Q: Do I need to I submit a GPA calculation worksheet with my application?

The GPA calculation worksheet is appreciated but not required. For a template GPA calculation worksheet, please click here.

Q: How do I calculate my advanced GPA?

If you received your undergraduate degree at a US university or college then calculate your Undergraduate Advanced GPA using all coursework towards the degree after the first two years. For a template GPA calculation worksheet, please click here.

Essay Questions, CV and Writing Sample

Q: How many essays are required for the PhD Application?

Two. (1) Policy Statement of Purpose and (1) Personal History Statement. 

Q: What is the page length requirement for the Personal History Statement?

There is no page length requirement for the Personal History Statement. However, this essay is generally 3-5 pages, double-spaced.

Q: What is the difference between the Policy Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement? 

The Policy Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement have two distinct sets of guidelines (see below). It is expected that the two essays may overlap. Please follow the instructions below for for the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement - these instructions supersede those listed in the online application. 

Statement of Purpose Prompt:

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 Prompt:

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

Q: Should I include my CV with the Statement of Purpose?

Your CV should not be submitted with your Statement of Purpose - it should be submitted separately in the Supporting Materials section of the online application. Your CV should reflect your academic and professional work experience, education, and any other relevant information.

Q: What are the instructions for the Writing Sample?

The Writing Sample should be 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. Your writing sample should be submitted in the Supporting Materials section of the online application.

Faculty Advisor Preferences

Q: What does it mean to indicate a preference for a faculty advisor?

In the application you are asked to indicate 3 preferences for a faculty advisor. If you are admitted to the program, you may be assigned to one of the faculty members you list, however please note that the assignment of faculty advisors is not guaranteed and based on the availability of each faculty member. You do not need to have contacted these faculty members in advance of your application, but you are welcome to. Please view profiles of Goldman School faculty here.

Transcripts

Q: May I send official transcripts directly to the Goldman School?

Please do not send official transcripts by mail. Official transcripts for all college- and graduate-level work will be required only if admitted.

For domestic applicants: upload a PDF copy of your unofficial transcripts (with evidence of degree conferral) to your online application.

For international applicants: upload a PDF copy of your unoffical transcripts to your online application. Please also submit PDF copies of additional documents that verify degree conferral (degree certificate, diploma).

Academic records should be issued in the original language and accompanied by English translations if required (usually prepared by your university or Ministry of Education, unless the institution issues original documents in English). In general, records or transcripts must be issued by the school and include the school’s stamp or embossed seal and the signature of the authorizing official. 

English translations are required for all languages except Spanish; degree names and grades should be transliterated, not converted into English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. If your home institution does not issue documents in English, you may submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association.

GRE Questions

Q: Is the GRE required to apply for the PhD?

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

Q: Can I submit my GMAT or LSAT score in lieu of the GRE?

We do not accept the GMAT or LSAT in lieu of the GRE.

Q: What is latest date I can take the GRE so it will be included in my application?

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. Late materials may not arrive in time to be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Q: I did not list the correct department code. What should I do?

As long as you listed the correct institution code for UC Berkeley (4833 - Graduate Programs), the Goldman School will be able to retrieve your scores.

Q: I submitted my application and on the "status" page it reads that my GRE scores have not arrived. I ordered my scores a while ago, should I be concerned?

It can take up to a few weeks for Berkeley to receive GRE scores. You may check the status of your scores via your application status page. If more than a few weeks have passed since you have submitted your GRE scores and they are not showing up as received, please feel free to contact Cecille Cabacungan and she can check for your scores manually. Be sure that ETS sent your scores to institution code 4833 (Graduate Programs). 

TOEFL and IELTS

Q: If I’ve attended a university in the United States, am I required to take the TOEFL?

All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East,  Israel, the Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and non-English-speaking countries in Africa.

To qualify for a TOEFL exemption you must:

  • Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.

  • Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies.

NOTE: The Graduate Division includes a third exemption for those who have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with a grade B or better at a regionally accredited institution within the United States. The Goldman School does not accommodate this exemption.

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Q: Which version of the TOEFL is required?

UC Berkeley will accept the Internet-based test (IBT) and the paper-based format (PBT).

Q: What is the minimum TOEFL score?

For the purpose of admission to UC Berkeley, your most recent score must be at least 90 on the Internet-based test (IBT) or a 7 overall band score on the IELTS exam. However, applicants admitted to the PhD program tend to score higher than the minimum allowable score. 

Q: How do I submit scores for the IELTS?

Beginning for the Fall 2021 application cycle, we will no longer be accepting paper Test Report Forms. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center, no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports to us.

For Fall 2021, tests taken before June 1, 2019 will not be accepted.

Letters of Recommendation

Q: How do recommenders submit their letter electronically?

Recommenders will be sent email invitations to submit letters through the online application. Once you have started the online application, the instructions for how to submit letters of recommendation can be found in the main menu under “Recommendations”.

Q: Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?

Yes, you may submit up to 5 letters of recommendation.

Q: Do my letters of recommendation have to be submitted by the application deadline?

We prefer for letters to arrive by the December 1st application deadline. However, letters can be submitted up to 14 days after the December 1st deadline (by December 14th). After this date, your application will be reviewed whether or not all letters have been submitted.

Application Fee

Q: Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?

You must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident to be eligible for the graduate admissions application fee waiver. Applicants with AB540 status are also eligible to apply for the fee waiver. Questions about the fee waiver process should be directed to gradadm@berkeley.edu. 

There are two ways in which you may qualify for an application fee waiver:

  • You can demonstrate financial need, or
  • You are a current participant in certain programs that qualify for a fee waiver.

Please click here for a full list of application fee waiver guidelines.

Mailing

Q: What address should I send hard copy application materials?

All materials should be submitted electronically through the online application. Please note, Goldman School staff is working remotely due to COVID-19. Only when absolutely necessary, recommenders can submit their letter via email directly to Cecille Cabacungan.

Miscellaneous

Q: When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for admission and fellowship consideration is in December of each year.  This year, the application deadline is Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 8:59 pm PDT. All required application materials, including GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores are due by the application deadline. Letters of Recommendation may arrive up to 14 days after the deadline.

Q: Did you get my application?

Once you submit your online application, you will receive an email confirming your submission. You may log back into your application to monitor the status of the materials received or processed, such as: fee waivers, test scores, letters of recommendation, and admission decision. Please contact your department if you need to make any changes or need to provide additional application materials.

Q: When will admission decisions be made?

All admissions decision letters will be emailed to applicants in early-March or shortly thereafter.

Q: Who should I contact if I am having technical difficulties with the online application?

Applicants should report any technical difficulties to the Graduate Office of Admissions. Email: gradadm@berkeley.edu.

Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the PhD application process?

If you have additional questions about PhD application process, please contact Cecille Cabacungan at cecille@berkeley.edu.