How are MAPP applications evaluated?
There are three areas of focus in the application evaluation process. Strong applications demonstrate excellence and contain robust evidence to substantiate performance in all three categories; particular excellence in one category may compensate for areas of lesser strength, so applications will be considered holistically.
Academic performance
- The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
- The applicant should have a demonstrated ability for quantitative and analytical coursework based on transcript-visible courses that required students to analyze numerical or symbolic data (e.g., math, economics, statistics, biology, genetics, logic, linguistics, engineering); OR high quantitative scores on the GRE; OR practical experience demonstrating skills in quantitative analysis (e.g., financial management or marketing).
- The applicant should score above the 50% tile on each section of the GRE (if required).
- Non-native speakers of English must take the TOEFL and reach the following acceptable minimum scores:
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For TOEFL iBT exams taken on or before January 20, 2026, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 100.
- For TOEFL iBT exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, applicants must achieve a minimum overall score of 5.0 on the new TOEFL iBT score scale.
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Professional accomplishment or promise
This piece is mostly assessed through the applicant’s resume but can also be found in their essay or letters of recommendation. The committee is looking for people who are successful in their profession and are in a position to influence their workplace. For applicants without much professional experience, the committee will assess professional promise. Indicators of professional promise include leadership roles in extracurricular and/or volunteer activities, awards, and/or strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, etc.
Program fit
This is a broad category that is made up of three sub-categories and is mostly evaluated through the applicant’s essay.
- Knowledge of positive psychology: How much does the applicant already know about positive psychology? Can they cite and intelligently discuss authors, books, and concepts from the field?
- Dedication: Does the applicant see MAPP as a necessary step in their professional development? Has the applicant already been applying positive psychology in their work?
- Vision: The admissions committee likes to see an applicant with a strong vision for how they want to apply positive psychology to their profession. The vision should also be achievable, given the applicant’s professional position and experience.
