<p>DS is interested in the Batten School and the BA/MPP program. Does anybody have experience with it? How competitive is it to get in?</p>
<p>I know a few people who are/were in the program and they enjoy it. The MPP program at UVa is still in the “new” phase, so a Batten degree may not have the same weight or extensive alumni network as more established MPP programs in the short run. From what I remember, Batten has been rapidly expanding the program/available opportunities to catch up with other schools. I don’t think there are statistics available about the acceptance rates for the BA/MPP, but rumor was that the acceptance rate was about 50%. I would suggest emailing them for more specific questions.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind me asking, is your son looking specifically at MPP programs or just looking to fill a gap year?</p>
<p>Here is an important link:
[BA/MPP</a> FAQ | Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, U.Va.](<a href=“http://batten.virginia.edu/content/admissions/apply-bampp/bampp-faq]BA/MPP”>http://batten.virginia.edu/content/admissions/apply-bampp/bampp-faq)</p>
<p>Many students do not realize there are prerequisites. </p>
<p>Here is the actual curriculum for the undergraduate program:
[Undergraduate</a> BA Curriculum | Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, U.Va.](<a href=“http://batten.virginia.edu/content/degree-programs/ba-public-policy-and-leadership/undergraduate-ba-curriculum]Undergraduate”>http://batten.virginia.edu/content/degree-programs/ba-public-policy-and-leadership/undergraduate-ba-curriculum)</p>
<p>S1 and S2 are on other paths, but I came across this info and other students I spoke too were not advised of this info from the staff at Batten and wished they had been sooner rather than after being admitted. </p>
<p>I know it does not answer the OP’s question but thought I’d share it as an FYI.</p>
<p>Thanks you all. Yes he’s looking specifically at the MPP program. He’s aware of the prerequisites. He’s just wondering if he has a chance to get in and what he can do to present a competitive application. He’s actually taking a class in the school this semester and enjoying it. He’ll talk to the teacher (who’s also his friend’s dad) and get some advice hopefully.</p>
<p>Guillaume I don’t know your son, but since you’re on here, I’d hazard a guess his grades/ECs are pretty good. 
I just sent you a PM about someone your son could contact for better advice specifically regarding the MPP program. Best of luck!</p>
<p>My son was just accepted to the undergrad program yesterday, and is planning on applying to the joint bachelors/masters program next year. He was told he would need another UVa undergrad major if he goes into the bachelors/masters program. He would have to surrender his Batten undergrad major at that time.</p>
<p>My daughter is taking a civic leadership class in the Batten school this semester and is having a great experience. She too has expressed interest in the BA/MPP program. She is aware of the prerequisites and is hoping to knock out calculus this summer. She is also planning to talk to her teacher. I know very little about the program. Any input, advice, contacts is appreciated!</p>