Admissions Events and Other Ways to Connect With Us
Explore the RAND School, discover where a policy degree can take you, and experience what it’s like to learn from RAND researchers and policy experts.
Whether you're just beginning to explore graduate school or you're ready to apply, our events give you opportunities to explore our programs, learn about careers in policy, experience the classroom, and connect with our admissions team.
We regularly add new events. Sign up for Admissions updates to receive event invitations and information about the RAND School.
Experience the RAND Classroom
See what learning at the RAND School is really like. Join RAND School faculty for short, interactive class sessions that explore real policy questions and demonstrate how we approach policy analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making. These sessions offer a chance to experience our teaching firsthand—and to see how the classroom connects rigorous analysis with real-world policy challenges.
How Do You Use AI to Do Policy Analysis?
Wednesday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET
Professor William Marcellino will demonstrate how AI can assist with a machine-learning workflow used to analyze text. Participants will see how an analyst can use AI to help carry out individual tasks, while still relying on human judgment to design the overall approach, connect the pieces, and assess whether the results are sound. Through a visual, behind-the-scenes look at the workflow, participants will explore what it means to work with AI as a tool for analysis—and where human oversight remains essential.
Security in Latin America
Thursday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Professor Tahina Montoya will lead an interactive policy exercise exploring the difficult choices facing U.S. policymakers in Latin America. Using a real-world regional security challenge, participants will consider competing priorities—including organized crime, migration, democratic governance, and economic resilience—and weigh the opportunities and risks of different U.S. policy responses. Through the case, participants will experience how policy analysts assess competing interests, evaluate U.S. engagement strategies, and develop recommendations in a complex geopolitical environment.
Explore On-the-Job Training
See how RAND School students gain hands-on research experience as part of their degree.
Tuesday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Learn how M.Phil. and Ph.D. students fulfill their On-the-Job Training requirement through RAND research projects, policy analysis practica, and approved external opportunities. Jeanne Ringel, associate dean for Academic Affairs and director of On-the-Job Training, will be joined by a current student to share how OJT works and what the experience is like from a student perspective.
Students complete 100 days of OJT in the M.Phil. program and 200 days in the Ph.D. program, gaining experience applying policy research and analysis to real-world problems.
Visit the RAND School
Get a firsthand look at the RAND School. Join us for an open house at our Santa Monica or Arlington campus. Meet members of the RAND School community, learn more about our graduate programs, ask questions, and get a feel for the student experience at RAND.
Fall Open House—Santa Monica
Monday, October 26 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. PT | Register to Attend
Fall Open House—Arlington
Monday, November 2, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Explore Policy Careers: Work & Policy Series
What does a career in policy actually look like, and where could it take you?
Hear from policy professionals and RAND experts about the work, opportunities, and career paths shaping the policy field. These conversations are designed for anyone considering a career in policy, whether you're entering the field, exploring a new direction, or thinking about how graduate education could help you take the next step.
Getting Into Policy: Launching or Pivoting Your Career
Thursday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Find out how to enter the field, change direction, or advance your policy career.
What Can a Policy Degree Do for Your Career?
Thursday, November 5 at 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Hear real career stories from RAND School alumni.
How AI Is Changing Policy Work
Wednesday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Learn what emerging technologies mean for policy professionals and the skills they need.
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Jeffrey B. Wenger
Director, RAND School Master of Policy Analysis Program; Distinguished Chair, AI, Workers, and the Economy; Senior Economist
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Paul Rainey
Associate Dean, Career Services, RAND School of Public Policy
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Dave Baiocchi
Adjunct Researcher, RAND; Professor of Policy Analysis, RAND School of Public Policy
Connect With Us
Have a question about applying, funding, eligibility, or the student experience? Drop in and talk with our admissions team. No question is too small.
General Admissions Office Hours
For prospective domestic applicants and general admissions questions.
Tuesday, October 13 at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Thursday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Thursday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
International Applicant Office Hours
International applicants can learn more about visas, timelines, and application requirements.
Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
Tuesday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET | Register to Attend
One-on-One Meetings
Looking for individualized guidance? Request a one-on-one conversation with our admissions team.
If you are an international applicant, we recommend attending International Applicant Office Hours first.
Get Answers Anytime: 24/7 Online Chat
Have a quick question? Chat with our AI assistant anytime to find out more about our graduate programs, the admissions process, application requirements, funding options, the student experience, and more.