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How to Apply

The UC Davis Washington Program is now in-person in Washington DC! This opportunity is available to all UC Davis students to intern with Washington DC organizations in the field of their choosing! To apply go here.

Participation in the UC Davis Washington Program is contingent on acceptance into the program. In order to be considered, students must submit their application by the listed application deadlines.  Consider the following application instructions as you begin your application process:

1. Eligibility
   • Review the Application Review Criteria and Program Eligibility page to find out if you are eligible to participate in the Washington Program.
2. Beginning the Application
   • To begin your application, you must first open the Application Page where you will be prompted to sign in to your student account. 
3. Selecting a Term
   • Select the term for which you wish to apply. You may apply for more than one term at a given time. However, you will need to fill out an application for each term for which you would like to apply.
4. Required Application Information
   • To apply for the Washington Program, you will be required to provide accurate and up-to-date logistical information. Additionally, you should include experience information outlining your past work, volunteer, and internship experience as well as any activities or projects that you feel would showcase your skills and abilities.
5. Experience & Essay
   • Overall, the two essay questions work together to provide a holistic understanding of the applicant's motivations, alignment with the program, and their preparedness to engage in the Washington Program's opportunities and challenges. 
   • The first question, "What was the greatest factor in your decision to apply to the Washington Program?", aims to understand the applicant's underlying motivation and interest in joining the program. This question helps the committee assess the applicant's alignment with the program's goals, values, and overall fit. By addressing this question, applicants can demonstrate their understanding of the program's benefits and articulate how it aligns with their own aspirations and goals.

   • The second essay question, "How have the activities you've been involved with contributed to your professional development?", provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their past experiences and highlight how these activities have shaped their professional growth. This question allows applicants to reflect upon and articulate the connections between their involvement in various activities such as employment, internships, volunteer work, or other relevant experiences, and their professional development. It enables the admissions committee to evaluate how the applicant's previous experiences have equipped them with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives that can be further developed and applied in the program.

   • As you complete the experience and essay portions of the application, take your time and focus on presenting yourself in the most well-rounded way possible. The application review is a holistic process in which candidates are evaluated not only on their academic success and writing ability, but also on the impact their jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences have had on their professional growth.  

6. References

   • A reference letter is NOT required to apply to the Washington Program, however, you can choose to add a name of a referrer so they can upload a  recommendation letter on your behalf.  Please provide no more than two referrer’s names. The recommendation letter is due at the same as the application deadline. Your referrer will NOT be notified until the application is submitted. Your referrer should be someone who can speak to your abilities either professionally or academically.  They do not have to be affiliated with UC Davis. Referrers may be UC Davis Faculty members, university staff, or supervisors from previous positions. We recommend that you speak with your potential referrer prior to including them on your application. After submitting your application, your referrer will be automatically contacted to provide a written reference for you. Your referrer will be given the option to provide a letter of recommendation.  Should your requested referrer decline to provide a reference, you may select a different referrer. 

7. Complete & Save
   • Complete all required application sections. Remember that you can save your application at any time. We recommend that you save the application often.
8. Submission
   • After you have completed all sections of the application, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) agreement and the Student Judicial Affairs Office (SJA) acknowledgment, you may submit your application. Your application will be reviewed in the weeks following the application deadline for the term for which you have applied. You will be notified via your UC Davis email regarding whether or not you have been accepted. 

Apply Now!