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Applying

Lippo Centre - 'The Koala Tree,' Hong Kong

We are delighted that you have discovered the Patterson School's unique program in diplomacy and international commerce. We welcome applications from all interested, qualified persons who could benefit from the academic and professional growth opportunities our program provides.

How to Apply

Our admissions and application process is not particularly complicated, but like foreign policy this can be a place where idealism and realism collide. Our aim is to assemble a diverse, vibrant class of amazing students who will benefit from our program and each other, and eventually benefit the world. That, in fact, is the easy part. The hard part is that we have so few positions available in each year's entering class.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Please submit the following directly to the Patterson School by February 1st:

  1. Patterson School Application (PDF) and Application for Fellowship (PDF).
  2. A personal statement of purpose outlining interest, educational and career goals.
  3. Two to four letters of recommendation. Separate forms are not provided for recommendations; therefore, recommendations should be sent on school or company letterhead for this purpose.
  4. A resume.

Please submit the following directly to UK Graduate School:

  1. Graduate School Application form
  2. Official GRE scores sent directly by ETS
  3. Two official transcripts from all colleges attended (must be sent directly by the Registrar's office and not by applicant)
  4. Application fee ($40 domestic; $55 international)
  5. TOEFL scores sent by ETS (only if your native language is not English and you attend an institution outside the United States).

Download application checklist (PDF).

Interviews

Given the large number of applicants, and their geographic dispersal across the United States and around the world, we do not require admission interviews. However, if you find yourself in the Bluegrass region, please do stop by. Personal visits can provide an invaluable opportunity for us to get a better sense of you as an individual and for you to learn more about the myriad opportunities our professional program offers. Chris Wolcott will be happy to help schedule appointments with faculty members and staff. Prospective applicants can also learn much by meeting with current students or dropping in on one of our core diplomacy classes.

FAQ

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provide a wealth of additional information regarding the admissions and application process.

Deadline

The deadline for Fall 2009 admission applications is February 1st.

What are we looking for?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide a definitive answer or easy template. Prior study of politics, economics, international affairs, foreign languages, or business is common among our students, but some have explored widely different academic disciplines. Strong prior academic performance, high GRE scores, and glowing recommendations certainly help, but we take a very holistic approach to selecting individual applicants and crafting the best possible class. The value added by life/work experience, cultural heritage, international region of origin or interest, may prove just as compelling. The common thread among successful applicants is a mix of intelligence, curiosity, and experience — combined with passion and drive — and a strong commitment to an international career.