If additional materials are required for the program to which you’re applying (see below), submit these with your online application. Doing this will help prevent any delays in reviewing your application, as we need to receive all required materials before we can place your application under review.
Data Visualization (MS)
Programming Sample
You can submit your GitHub account name and up to three URLs for public GitHub repositories that you maintain to showcase your programming abilities. Please submit a document that contains your GitHub information (or any alternative repository or revision control system) to be uploaded with your online application.
Academic Writing Sample
The writing sample can be an academic paper, professional report, blog entry, nonfiction essay, or combination of writing samples that you feel reflect your strengths for the program. Please submit a single document no longer than 20 pages in length. Please note that this must be uploaded with your online application.
Fashion Studies (MA) & History of Design and Curatorial Studies (MA)
Autobiographical Statement (250–500-word limit)
In a short autobiographical statement, tell us about yourself. You can write about your education, your family, your talents and passions, particular intellectual influences, people you have met, work you’ve done that has shaped the person you have become, or significant places or events in your life, especially as they relate to your field of study. In addition, use this portion of the essay to explain any strengths or weaknesses you may have (examples: low GPA, lack of experience, significant interruption in work or studies, unique skills and achievements as they relate to the program, or any other information you want to share). Your writing should be informative and reflect your own voice.
Optional Writing Sample
Although it is not required, if you would like to submit an academic writing sample that you feel reflects your strengths as a critical thinker and writer for this program, please upload a single document no longer than ten pages in length.
Strategic Design and Management (MS)
Program Essay (500-word limit)
Be creative, allow your personality to shine through. The essay must identify your motivation for study in the program by briefly addressing each of the four following topics:
- Describe a situation in which you combined analysis and creativity to solve a challenging problem. The problem could be personal, social, political, environmental, or something quite different. The Admission Committee is interested more in your process or method in considering the problem than in whether you reached a definitive solution.
- Tell us something about yourself that we could not find in the application materials you have submitted.
- If you could create a new course for the Strategic Design and Management program, what would it be called? Provide a short course description to accompany your new proposed course title.
- What makes you happy?
Strategic Design and Management (Global Executive MS)
Program Essay (500-1000-word limit)
A personal essay of 500–1,000 words must accompany the application. The essay must identify your motivation for study in the program by addressing the following topics in an integrated manner (i.e., do not simply provide answers to the questions, but develop an integrated and flowing argument):
- How have your specific work experiences in design, business, consulting, or nonprofit organizations shaped your motivation for this program and the resulting professional goals?
- Why do you think of yourself as a game changer in your current organization, and why do you think this program will enhance your attributes as an innovator, strategist, or leader in your career?
- What are some specific critical experiences you have had as part of a team or work group that shaped your understanding of the complexities of professional collaboration, organizational reality, and economic irrationality?
- What are three things that you can already tell us about the future importance of design thinking?
- How would you describe this program and your ambition for study in this new field to your friends, family, current employer, and colleagues?
- What specifically excites you about the Global Executive program, with its integrated online study and global experiences in Paris, New York, and Shanghai?
Please note that this essay is not simply a biographical statement, nor is it a writing sample. You will be evaluated on the quality of articulation of your academic and professional preparedness, your consideration of critical issues, and your inspirational and transformational abilities and attributes.