Long Term Care Leadership Application Instructions

Application Materials

In the application, select University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Long Term Care Leadership MPS.

Submit all application materials electronically—the online application, professional statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.—by the deadline.

Apply Now

Applicant Statements

• Professional statement: Two to three pages, double-spaced. Use professional discretion and intention as you respond to the following prompts:
  • What academic or professional experiences have prepared you for the MPS in Long Term Care Leadership? This could include research, professional experience, academic work, or other activities. Nontraditional experiences such as volunteer work, community engagement are all relevant.
  • The MPS in Long Term Care Leadership is a fully online, asynchronous program. The ability to take leadership of one’s own education is essential for student success. Please provide specific examples of when you have demonstrated self-motivation, adaptability, or perseverance.
  • Describe your strengths and opportunities for growth. Include specific skills that will help you succeed in this program and a career in long term care leadership; OR
  • What are your professional goals (that is, what do you hope to achieve after completing the MPS in Long Term Care Leadership)? How will this program specifically help you reach those goals?
  • The long-term care field requires working with people from different backgrounds. Elaborate on how the need for cultural responsiveness has shown up or will show up in your work in long-term care leadership.
• Extenuating Circumstances statement: One page, double-spaced. Required if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0. You may also submit this statement if there are other areas of your academic record that you would like to address.
  • Briefly describe what affected your academic performance.
  • Explain how circumstances have changed and what new supports or strategies you will use to meet the demands of graduate school (for example, time management, self-care, etc.)

Tips:

• Review the professional statement prompts and make sure your statement addresses all of them.
• Allow time for multiple drafts.
• Have at least one person review it and give feedback.
• AI tools may be used to brainstorm ideas, but should not be used to write your professional statement. Your professional statement should be written in your own authentic voice—your experiences, reflections, and aspirations. Avoid clichéd or overly formal language.

Letters of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation is required for the MPS in Long Term Care Leadership.

The best letters come from instructors who know you and your academic work. They may also come from employers or supervisors that have knowledge of your interest in long-term care, your ability to work in the field, or transferable skills you have that are relevant for completing this program. The more the recommendation reflects real knowledge of you and your performance, the more useful the letter is to the admissions committee. Ask them whether they will be able to write you a strong letter of recommendation. If the answer is "no," find a different letter writer. We cannot accept letters from a family member, friend, or personal therapist.

Remember to share with your letter writers:

• a current CV or resume
• professional statement
• information about the Long Term Care Program
• why you are applying to the program

Tell the letter writers to include in their recommendation (if applicable):

• how long they have known you and in what capacity
• their current position and organization
• your skills and experience that will prepare you to succeed in this program and your career
• examples of your self-motivation, adaptability, and perseverance
• your performance in their courses or workplace

Tips

• Ask a current/former supervisor, colleague, or instructor.
• Ask them if they feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation.
• Have a backup writer in case of emergency.
• Talk with each letter writer about the program, your current and future interests, and professional goals.
• Give them a clear deadline (typically 4–6 weeks).
• Share your professional statement and resume or CV with your letter writers.
• Send the letter writers a thank you!

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts or academic records for each institution (even if you didn’t receive a degree) should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. If possible, make sure the institution has put your name on the transcript/record.

Resume or CV

Submit a current resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Make sure it is up-to-date and free of errors. In addition to work history, include relevant research experience or publications, volunteer activities, training, etc.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee must be paid on submission.