Admissions

Overview

Please read these guidelines carefully, as they are integral to your application process. After reading this page, you may continue on to apply online.

The Admissions Committee looks for well-rounded students who demonstrate ambition, strong academic performance, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. The committee prefers applicants who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have a strong letter of recommendation, relevant professional or volunteer experience and well-written essays.

The Admissions Committee will review applications as they are received. Applicants will be accepted, declined or put on a waiting list within three weeks of completing an application. Applicants may check their application status and confirm the receipt of supporting documents at any time through the online application system. Applicants will be notified by email and regular mail when a decision is available.


U.S. Programs Deadlines
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students who apply early will receive first consideration for both admission and scholarship decisions as well as internship placement. Many of our internships are very competitive, so the earlier a student is admitted, the greater his or her chance is of getting a top internship.

To qualify for a deadline, the applicant must submit the online application form by 11:59PM EST on the deadline and all supporting materials must be received by the deadline.

Early Deadline - November 30 ( 5% discount on tuition balance )

International Student Deadline - December 14

Priority Deadline - January 25

Final Deadline - February 25

Note: Freshmen are not eligible to apply for the Early Deadline, but may apply for the Priority and Final Deadlines.

Application Procedure
All applicants must submit a complete application consisting of the following items:

• A completed Application for Admission form. (Must be submitted through our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member including a professor, dean, or advisor. Additional letters may be submitted and can be from supervisors or others who know you well and can attest to your suitability for this program. No letters from relatives please. (May be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself faxed, or mailed)
  
• An official transcript from your home university. If you have previously attended any other colleges or universities, you must send a transcript from each of these schools unless the grades are reflected on your current transcript. (Must be mailed in a sealed envelope)
  
• A typed, one-page professional resume that includes information about any professional experience or activities you have been involved in that would illustrate your interest in politics, public policy or international affairs. (Must be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
• 250-500 word essay on the following topic: Identify the most important economic, political or social issue facing your country. Please explain its significance and offer at least one solution. (Must be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
• 250-500 word Statement of Purpose stating your reasons for applying to the Institute, and what you would like to gain personally, professionally and academically by attending. (Must be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
  
• A non-refundable application fee of $45. You may pay your application fee online with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, or you may choose to mail a check or money order payable to The Fund for American Studies.

A pdf version of the application instructions for IPVS may be found by clicking here.

Any application materials (mentioned above) submitted via mail may be sent to the following address:

IPVS Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1706 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009


Scholarship Application
Scholarship awards are based on a combination of factors including financial need, academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, and leadership activities. For scholarship consideration, students must submit the following via the online application system Apply Yourself, mail or fax (202.318.0441) in addition to the aforementioned requirements:

• A 250 word statement explaining your need for a scholarship. (Must be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
• Personal Financial Materials: Please click here for a detailed explanation of what is required.

Please see the Costs & Financing page for full program costs and scholarship information.


International Students
There are limited scholarship opportunities available for international students who have not attended one of TFAS’ programs in Prague, Greece, or Hong Kong (AIPES, IIPES, AIPE, EJI or EMJI) but such students are welcome to apply. Students from select countries are eligible to apply to one of our international programs. Please refer to www.tfasinternational.org for details. International applicants must include a copy of their TOEFL exam score with the application (not necessary for graduates of AIPES, IIPES, AIPE, or EJI).

International students must submit the online application and all supporting documents must be received by December 14. Please note that admissions decisions on international applicants are not made on a rolling basis. These applicants will be notified 4-5 weeks after the December 14 deadline.

Apply Online