Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Associate
at The Institute for College Access and Success
🏢 About The Institute for College Access and Success
The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS) is a unique national nonprofit that combines rigorous research with direct advocacy to shape student-centered higher education policies. Unlike think tanks that focus solely on analysis, TICAS actively works to translate data into tangible policy changes that promote affordability, accountability, and equity. Working here means contributing to systemic change in higher education while being part of a mission-driven organization that prioritizes evidence over ideology.
About This Role
As a Research Associate at TICAS, you'll be at the intersection of data analysis and policy advocacy, transforming complex postsecondary datasets into actionable insights that inform national conversations about college affordability and student success. This role involves not just conducting quantitative analyses but ensuring those findings are accurately represented in advocacy materials that directly influence policymakers and institutional practices. Your work will directly support TICAS's mission to ensure every student can access quality higher education without burdensome debt.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve cleaning and analyzing IPEDS data to identify trends in college affordability, then creating visualizations to illustrate findings for an upcoming policy brief. You'd collaborate with advocacy staff to ensure data accuracy in materials being prepared for policymakers, while also updating project timelines for multiple research initiatives. The work blends technical data analysis with practical applications in policy advocacy, requiring both statistical rigor and clear communication skills.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Institute for College Access and Success Is Looking For
- Has hands-on experience with specific federal postsecondary datasets like IPEDS, College Scorecard, or NPSAS, not just general statistical knowledge
- Can demonstrate proficiency in both Excel and Stata for data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis, with examples of past projects using these tools
- Understands how to translate complex quantitative findings into accessible visualizations (tables, charts) for non-technical audiences
- Shows genuine passion for higher education equity issues and can articulate how data analysis connects to policy change
📝 Tips for Applying to The Institute for College Access and Success
Specifically mention which federal postsecondary datasets you've worked with (IPEDS, College Scorecard, NPSAS, BPS) and describe a project where you used them
Include a portfolio link or attach samples of data visualizations you've created that transformed complex data into clear, actionable insights
Reference specific TICAS publications or policy positions in your application to show you've done your homework on their work
Highlight any experience with project management in research workflows, especially keeping timelines and checkpoints organized
Demonstrate your understanding of how data quality impacts advocacy by describing a time you caught and corrected a data accuracy issue
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your experience with specific postsecondary datasets aligns with TICAS's research needs and policy goals", 'Describe your approach to ensuring data accuracy and quality in research that informs advocacy materials', "Share a brief example of how you've transformed quantitative analysis into accessible visualizations for non-technical audiences", "Connect your personal values to TICAS's mission of promoting equity and affordability in higher education"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review TICAS's recent publications and policy briefs on their website to understand their research priorities and methodologies
- → Study their advocacy positions on issues like student debt, college accountability, and affordability to understand their policy framework
- → Look into the specific federal datasets mentioned in the job description (IPEDS, College Scorecard, NPSAS, BPS) to refresh your knowledge
- → Research TICAS's organizational structure and workflow process mentioned in the responsibilities
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic statistical software experience without specifically mentioning Excel and Stata proficiency
- Focusing only on research skills without connecting them to policy impact or advocacy applications
- Applying with a generic higher education research background without demonstrating specific experience with federal postsecondary datasets
- Submitting a cover letter that doesn't reference TICAS's specific mission or recent work
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Institute for College Access and Success!