Second-round application deadline for Fall 2020 entry is March 15

Published:
December 16, 2019

Our second application deadline for the 2020–21 academic year is March 15.

There's still plenty of time to apply — join the LBJ tradition of bold and fearless action, and build your future in public service.

As you go through the application process, remember a couple of things:

  1. Consider everything a writing sample. All of your written communications with us — your application, your resume, your personal statement and even your emails with questions — give you a chance to practice writing. The more thought and effort you put into even your casual communications, the more it will become second nature to apply that kind of care and attention to everything you write. View it all as an opportunity.
  2. Therefore, be careful in crafting your personal statement of purpose. Have more than one other person read it, checking for style, grammar, punctuation and those missing words that your eye might skip over. This is your chance to show us who you are, and our chance to learn about you. Make sure nothing — especially minor, preventable errors, distracts from that.
  3. Finally, if you've been out of the academic world and in the workforce for a while, use a work reference who can speak to your abilities — particularly as they relate to you as a student and how you would do in the program.

Application checklist:

  • Create an account and complete the ApplyTexas application
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions
  • GRE scores
  • TOEFL scores (for international applicants)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current résumé
  • Personal statement of purpose

Questions?

We have answers. First, here's an overview of the LBJ School's programs and application requirements.

Second, the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions (OSAA) hosted webinar sessions throughout the fall 2019 semester for prospective students seeking answers to questions about all aspects of the application process, the culture of the LBJ School and what it has to offer. The sessions also introduced some of our outstanding faculty and offered perspective on the search for internships during the program and jobs after graduation. 

OSAA Webinar Archive

Fall 2019

  • Nov. 6, 2019: LBJ School — Application Tips and Tricks

    Topics: Introduction and OSAA overview; LBJ program overview; application deadlines; application procedures overview; tips and tricks/helpful suggestions

Fall 2018

  • Dec. 13, 2018: Meet the Dean

    Topic: Dean Angela Evans shared thoughts on a public affairs education and her vision for the LBJ School.
  • Nov. 5, 2018: LBJ Admissions Fellowships Overview with LBJ Chief Business Officer Amy Miller

    Topics: Fellowships available to prospective students; how they are allocated in the admissions process.
  • Oct. 31, 2018: Career Management with Career Resource Specialists Lauren Berryhill and Nikesha Rollack

    Topic: Services at the LBJ School that can help you land that required internship and find the job you've been looking for after graduation.
  • Oct. 11, 2018: Virtual Information Session with Graduate Program Coordinators Amy Pakes and Laura Roach, Graduate Admissions and Program Coordinator Gwen Kelso, and Career Resource Specialists Lauren Berryhill and Nikesha Rollack

    Topics: The LBJ School's degree programs and career assistance.
  • Oct. 8, 2018: The LBJ School Culture: A Student Perspective, with Graduate Admissions and Program Coordinator Gwen Kelso joined Master of Global Policy Study (MGPS) student Holly Buttrey and Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) student Laura Harbison

    Topics: What it's like to attend the LBJ School, from classes and student groups to going to grad school in Austin and what makes our school like no other.

 

Good luck!