Application Instructions & Timeline

Important Dates for GSIP, SNLP, and MDOT Programs:

• December 1 – Applications Live
• March 1- Application Deadline
• March 6- Applicants informed if they have been selected as a Finalist or not
• March 16- Finalist materials due (pre-recorded video interview, references)
• April 1 – Finalists Notified of Application Status
• May 26 – Program Begins
• August 7 – Program Ends

Important Dates for the LAW Program:

• March 1 – Law Applications Live
• March 31 – Law Application Deadline
• April 18 – Applicants Notified of Application Status

Please read the below information about all of the components necessary to submit a complete application.

Application components apply to ALL potential MPSS applicants (MDOT, SNLP, GSIP, LAW Applicants)

Initial Application- due March 1 (March 31 for LAW)

For the initial application, you will need to submit the application form and upload four additional documents:

• • Resume
  • Academic Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample

Each of the above documents should be saved as a .pdf or .doc and titled with your first and last name and type of document (ex: Joe Smith Resume):

 

RESUME

Please upload your resume as part of your application.

 

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT

Please upload a copy of your current institution’s transcript (unofficial copy is sufficient) as part of your application. If you transferred to your current institution or if you are a graduate student, please include transcripts from previous institutions in addition to your current transcript.

LAW Applicants- Please upload both your undergraduate transcript and current law school transcript.

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT (500-800 words)

These programs are designed to equip you with skills to launch your career in public service. Your personal statement should tell us who you are and why you interested in the program. Questions to consider are:

• Tell us about yourself- who you are and what experiences shaped you.
• How does participating in Maryland Public Service Scholars fit into your life/career goals?
• What do you hope to gain through your participation in this program? How do you hope to grow?
• What has led you to explore a career in public service?

Use this as a chance to let who you are shine through.

We welcome your reflections upon your identity and background (i.e., culture/ethnicity, religion, socio-economic class, race, gender, sexual orientation, other…)

 

WRITING SAMPLE (500-800 words)

PROMPT: Select an issue or policy impacting the state of Maryland that is of interest to you. Describe, specifically, how you would address and tackle this issue as a public service leader?

Use the writing sample to demonstrate the following to our selection committee:

• Knowledge of and interest in a specific topic affecting Maryland communities
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking
• Ability to write clearly, synthesize and analyze

Please be sure to cite sources as appropriate.

 

LAW Applicants Only- REFERENCES

Within the application you will need to submit information for 2 professional/academic references. Best practice is to ask your reference if they are able to be your reference, prior to listing them. It is important to give your references time to consider your request and whether or not they have the capacity to be a reference at this time. Once you submit their information, an email will be sent to them containing a link to the reference form.

• Recommendation forms must be received by 11:59pm on April 6.
• Please let your references know to expect the form, and that we do not accept letters of recommendation in lieu of the form.

 

Finalist Application- due March 16

Only those invited to be finalists will be asked to complete this section of the application:

• Submit references
• Complete a one-way recorded interview

You will receive specific instructions regarding this section if you are selected to move on to this round of selection.