FAQs

Yomaira Tomayo

The small class size allowed us to really get to know each other and share our experiences, and I felt that the faculty was genuinely committed to us as individuals and as a class.

- Ariel Kraten

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When is the application deadline?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  We accept applications as early as December 1st.  Applications will be accepted and considered AFTER April 1st if there are any open slots to be filled in the program.  Admission to the Nonprofit/NGO Leadership Program is done until a class of 25 highly qualified students is admitted and students have paid a nonrefundable deposit of $250.00.
Highest consideration will be given to those applications fully completed and ready for review by February 15th.  It is strongly encouraged that applicants interested in the Nonprofit/NGO Leadership Program submit their applications as early as possible due to the small number of students admitted each year.

Is there an application fee and if so, how much is it?

Currently, the application is $65.00 for all applicants, whether applying on-line through Apply Yourself or those who download a hard copy of the application from our website and mail it in to the School of Social Policy & Practice.  You can pay this application fee either by check or the use of a major credit card.  Payment by check should be made payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.”

What information is required for an application to be considered complete?

In order for an application to be considered complete, the following must be received:

  • Completion of a formal application for admission including the application essay;
  • Proof of  bachelors degree from an accredited college or university anywhere in the world;
  • Submit an official copy of a transcript from all colleges and universities attended;
  • Receipt of  competitive scores on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT); or Law School Admission Test (LSAT) indicating requisite analytic ability;
  • For international applicants whose first language is not English, we require you to take the TOEFL exam.  TOEFL scores must be at a level appropriate for advanced graduate work;
  • Provide three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one must be an academic reference and one must be a professional/work reference;
  • Submit a financial plan form; and
  • Submit payment of a nonrefundable application fee (if payment is by check or money order, must be payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania”).

Do you accept test scores other than the GREs?

Yes.  We will accept the GMAT and LSAT scores in lieu of the GRE test.  All test scores (e.g. GMAT, GRE, LSAT) will be accepted that are not more than five (5) years old.

Do I have to take the TOEFL exam?

It depends.  For those International applicants from countries where English is not the official language, they must take the TOEFL exam.  We are looking for scores in the range of 84 or higher for those taking the newer Internet based test and 213 or higher for those who took the computer based test.

Do you ever waive the TOEFL test requirement?

Yes, on a case-by-case basis we will consider waiving the TOEFL requirement if the applicant can establish that they have a thorough understanding and comprehension of the English language.  The decision to waive the TOEFL requirement rests with the Associate Dean, Enrollment Management and the Director of the NPL Program.

Can students take their electives at other schools within the university?

Yes.  Students may take graduate level courses at one of the other graduate and professional schools with the consent of the NPL faculty advisor or the Director of the NPL Program as well as permission from the course instructor and/or the school.

Can you clarify the requirements for letters of recommendation?

Applicants normally are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation.  The only requirement is that one letter should be an academic reference and one letter should be a professional reference.  For applicants who have been out of school and in the workplace for a significant period of time (e.g. three years or more since receipt of last degree), they can submit three professional letters of recommendation.  Applicants can submit more than three letters of recommendation as long as they are relevant and speak to the applicant’s strengths.  All letters of recommendation should speak to the applicant’s leadership capacity, leadership potential, and leadership qualities.

Is there a part-time component to the NPL Program?

Actually yes!  Starting with the 2009-2010 academic year, the School of Social Policy & Practice will offer both a full-time and a part-time degree option.  All students begin their study in the fall semester and part-time students must take a minimum of two courses a semester (maximum of three courses a semester).  There are no courses offered in the summer.  It is anticipated that the part-time degree will be awarded after 2½ years of study.  The deadline to apply for the part-time program is May 15th.

Can I submit a resume as part of the application process?

Yes you can.  If you want to include a resume, you either send it in with your application materials or send it as an attachment to an e-mail to Eric Ashton, Associate Director, NPL Program at the following e-mail address: ashtoned@sp2.upenn.edu.

I’ve been out of school a number of years; do I still have to take the GRE exam?

We require all applicants to take the GRE, even those who have been out of school any number of years.  The GRE score is just one of several factors used in evaluating an application.  The Selection Committee thoroughly reviews the application file and carefully considers the following: previous academic performance, GRE score, prior professional or nonprofit/NGO work experience, strength of letters of recommendation, strength of the application essay, interview (either in person or via telephone), and any other relevant information.

Is there an opportunity to receive a joint degree with other graduate or professional programs offered at Penn?

Yes.  It can be done but this is complex.  Please contact Eric Ashton, Associate Director for the NPL Program.

Does the School offer financial aid?

Yes, we do offer limited financial aid to students who enroll in the NPL Program. We recognize the high cost of quality education, and willingly help applicants with financial planning.  Financial aid is based on need.  It is imperative that students complete Penn’s Financial Aid Application. There is also a Dean’s Awards which is based on merit and leadership potential. Dean’s Awards are considered a component of the total financial aid award.

What is the procedure for obtaining financial aid?

Financial Aid Process and Procedures

  • Step 1: All students applying for financial aid must first indicate their request on the Financial Plan Form, which is a part of your application material
  • Step 2: You are later required to complete a Penn’s Financial Aid Application (PFAA) form, which will be mailed to you after your application is received.  Submit this form as soon as possible.
  • Step 3: When we receive your completed PFAA, our Financial Aid Committee will analyze it to determine your need.

It is expected that you will also make an application for the Guaranteed Student Loan (i.e. Stafford, Perkins) program.  To be eligible for a Guaranteed Student Loan you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.  Please see “Federal Loans” for a complete explanation.   

I already have undergraduate loans. Will I be accepted for graduate student loans?

Yes. The required payment on your undergraduate loans will be deferred while you are a graduate student. Of course, you will have to resume payment of the undergraduate loans and begin payment of your graduate loans once you complete the program. A person who has defaulted on an undergraduate loan may not be eligible for certain loans.

What do you consider in determining financial aid?

We can consider your income, family income (if you are a dependent child), number of dependents, savings, assets, outstanding undergraduate loan indebtedness, etc. If your parents are claiming you as a dependent, or if you are age 24 or under, your parents must complete the parent’s section of Penn’s FAF Form.

When will I be notified of your decision on my financial aid request?

After we have reached a decision on your acceptance, and received a copy of your Penn FAF, you will receive a written notification of your financial aid award. In general we begin making financial aid decisions in early March.

Does the fact that I will need financial assistance negatively affect my chances for acceptance into the program?

No. It has no bearing at all. Acceptance is based on suitability for our program. Whether or not you need financial assistance does not affect your acceptance or rejection.

Other Funding Options include:

Please contact Eric Ashton ashtoned@sp2.upenn.edu for more details.