Policy memo WWS, Important issue essay- JHU, CIPA

[PolicyGrad92]

Hi,

 

A quick question.

 

For these essays, can we use academic papers and research and reference them accordingly? For example, I cannot use primary data for the issue I want to write about, even though I have done research in the field. This is because the research reports are not in the public domain yet, and are confidential with the government.  I can present my case with open source data, and explain.

 

Would this be okay?

[Gov2School]

On this one I can only speak to WWS.  First, there is a good post on the WWS Admissions blog right now about drafting policy memos that you might find useful. Always good to take the tips directly from the source.  Second, the advice I got from a WWS alum when I was applying was don't treat this like a research paper, i.e. don't use footnotes or citations.  Just describe the issue succinctly and provide your policy recommendation.  

 

When I was doing my policy memo, I found it was helpful to pick a topic that I could write about without doing a lot of research, even if it wasn't so related to the area of study I was going after. I initially wanted to do it on some kind of hot or flashy national security topic like drones or foreign policy with Saudi Arabia. But those topics are so in depth, they would have required a level of research that didn't fit the scope of the assignment and that I didn't have time to do.  So I chose a topic that was smaller and less flashy, but something I could write on from personal experience.  Also, I'm sure they read 100 policy memos during the application season about how to solve Middle East Peace, so if you pick something from your own experience (as opposed to a global issue that you're just interested in), you're more likely to write something unique.  

[WinterSolstice]

I second that you should check directly with the school. For example, Gov2School says they were told to specifically NOT treat it like a paper with WWS. However, when I had a similar question for the admissions office regarding my JHU SAIS important issue essay last year, their answer WAS to treat it like any other academic paper. For that particular essay, I did include footnote/citations (and I'm guessing the admissions person's advice was indeed accurate, because it didn't end up being a problem). 

But I also chose a topic that I had direct experience with through work/past research, so the citations weren't by any means extensive. 

 

In short, this is exactly the type of question that should be sent to the admissions office, because it'll most likely vary by school.

Edited November 5, 2014 by WinterSolstice

[Gov2School]

I second that you should check directly with the school. For example, Gov2School says they were told to specifically NOT treat it like a paper with WWS. However, when I had a similar question for the admissions office regarding my JHU SAIS important issue essay last year, their answer WAS to treat it like any other academic paper. For that particular essay, I did include footnote/citations (and I'm guessing the admissions person's advice was indeed accurate, because it didn't end up being a problem). 

But I also chose a topic that I had direct experience with through work/past research, so the citations weren't by any means extensive. 

 

In short, this is exactly the type of question that should be sent to the admissions office, because it'll most likely vary by school.

 And just to be clear, I was told not to treat it like a research paper by the alum I spoke with, not the admissions office.  That strategy worked for me (or if they didn't like what I did, they accepted me anyway), but I agree it's good to check with the school if you have specific questions.  If you don't want to contact the admissions offices, many of the admissions blogs will address questions related to the application materials during this time period, so keep an eye out there.  

[PolicyGrad92]

Thanks!

 

I am writing on an issue I work with, and writing about it comes naturally for me - Gov2School- For WWS this will work. I wanted to substantiate my points with data- which is where the reference question cropped up. Can I do that? I'll check the blog post.

 

WinterSolstice- thanks! Your JHU tip is helpful. I'll check with the Adcom for both JHU and CIPA

[WinterSolstice]

@Arabiatta: Here's a JHU SAIS blog post I found relating to your question that you might find helpful

 

http://admissionsatsais.tumblr.com/post/34855344022/the-application-process-the-analytical-essay

[PolicyGrad92]

Thank WinterSolstice. I also spoke to the respective Adcoms. I can use references, but they suggest that I take up a topic I am comfortable with and can endorse my own opinions and go in depth. Which is pretty much what both of you said!

 

Back to writing! Thanks for all the help!

[fenderpete]

WWS alum here...

 

I would recommend writing from personal experience, on a topic you have professional experience with and most importantly, focus on the POLICY side. Basically here's a problem, here are the considerations, here's how we deal with it with these policy recommendations. Caveat if you have to, but you're arguing for a course of action, not writing an academic "all things considered" paper.

 

I just pulled my policy memo from the application out and the formatting sucked, but it had decent structure and some linking problems to solutions. If you can, summarize your recs too and make the whole thing as tight and logically sound as possible.

 

And for your personal statement, make sure you show a strong and demonstrated commitment to public service. 

[Bombaygunner]

FYI, Princeton's admission blog is great: http://wws.princeton.edu/admissions/wws-blog/item/policy-memo-writing-tips

 

Found this useful to structure mine: 

A typical memo may include the following sections:

• -Description and significance of the issue or problem you are examining.
• -Evidence of the scope of the issue.
• -Factors contributing to the issue or problem.
• -Recommendations or conclusions about the issue.
• -Counter-arguments against your position.
• -Rebuttal to counter-arguments.
• -Implementation issues for any recommendations (i.e. political, economic, environmental, technical, etc.).