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APAN

Applying to APAN

Are you a data-savvy student or professional interested in politics, policy, campaigns, NGOs, or government? Are you a political junkie seeking a firmer foundation in empirical research and evidence-based decision-making? 

APAN admits one (1) cohort of up to 20 students each year, in the Fall semester. An overview of the application requirements and the process is provided below. 

Additionally, these resources can be useful as you consider our program:

 

Classroom

*Below are the deadlines for the Fall 2027 incoming cohort.

 

Application Deadlines

  • Deadline for Best Consideration (we recommend all domestic MS applicants submit by, or close to, this date)
    • January 29, 2027
  • Deadline for Domestic MS Applicants (The number of spots available will be dependent on how many Best Consideration applicants accept their invitation to enroll)
    • Rolling basis through June 30, 2027 
  • Deadline for 4+1 & International applicants (Final Deadline)
    • March 5, 2027
  • International students (standalone MS only)
    • March 5, 2027 - Note this date may be earlier than the Graduate School's International applicant deadline  

 

Application Requirements 

*All applicants must have earned a 3.0 GPA in all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework.

*International applicants must fulfill all requirements relating to international academic credentials, evidence of English proficiency, financial certification, and visa documentation, as required by The Graduate School.

*Undergraduate work or other experience in statistics or quantitative methods in the social sciences is preferred.

 

STEP 1: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS

Standalone MS: Access the Application here

*Applicants must have earned a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an institution outside the US.

*Be sure to select APAN in the list of programs in your application and follow all Graduate School application guidelines

*MS applicants must answer 1 of 3 essay prompts in their Graduate School application, reflecting on personal experience(s) which highlight:

  • Community involvement and/or service
  • Engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change, and/or mentoring
  • Overcoming social, economic, educational, or physical barriers

*A statement of purpose that explains your interest in political data analysis and your plan for using the degree professionally (2-3 pages)

*Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts 

*A SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION to upload to your graduate application -- you will need to download the form, fill it out, and upload it to your application portal

*A CV/Resume is preferred but not required

*Up to two (2) Letters of Recommendation are accepted but not required. Letters can be uploaded by the applicant directly. If confidentiality is preferred, have the letter writer email us directly at @email

*The GRE is not required

 

Combined 4+1: Access the Application here (this is a Google form)

*Applicants must be in junior standing at the University of Maryland. Accepted students must apply to The Graduate School during the spring semester of their senior year

*A statement of purpose that explains your interest in political data analysis and your plan for using the degree professionally (2-3 pages)

*A CV/Resume is preferred but not required

*Unofficial copies of all undergraduate transcripts 

*A SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION to upload to your graduate application -- you will need to download the form, fill it out, and upload it to your application portal

*A CV/Resume is preferred but not required

*Up to two (2) Letters of Recommendation are accepted but not required. Letters can be uploaded by the applicant directly. If confidentiality is preferred, have the letter writer email us directly at @email

*The GRE is not required

*A course plan for your senior year --  Applicants must formally affirm they will complete ALL requirements for all undergraduate majors and minors by May of their senior year. All undergraduate work MUST be completed to apply to The Graduate School in the summer before the final year.  Please visit this page for a description of the program requirements for GVPT. Students with minors or multiple majors must confirm the expected completion of each undergraduate requirement separately on the APAN application Contact your Major Academic Advisor for help completing this requirement.

*Students must choose undergraduate courses that satisfy the following three requirements:

1 – GVPT 201 (or equivalent)
2 – GVPT 320 (or equivalent) **Applicants may propose taking this course in their senior year course plan 
3 – Two additional quantitative methods courses that focus on data analysis in the social sciences. Courses that would apply include GVPT420, 421, 422, 424, and some sections of 429. Courses from other academic departments may also apply if they have a strong quantitative focus. Questions about the applicability of any course can be discussed with the Director of the APAN program by emailing political-analytics@umd.edu.

 

passion
  interview

 

STEP 2: INTERVIEW WITH FACULTY

After initial screening, some applicants will be contacted for an interview with APAN faculty. An interview is not a guarantee of acceptance.

Final determinations for Best Consideration applicants will be sent on or about March 1, 2027.

Final notification of acceptances for 4+1 applicants and International applicants will be sent on or about March 30, 2027.

Final notification of acceptances for Full Consideration applicants will be sent on a rolling basis, to be completed by July 31, 2027.

 

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