GETTING INTO GRAD SCHOOL
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Getting into grad school
You’re going to be sending lots of applications, all at once. Here’s some tips to streamline the process.
By: Panagiota Panagakos Applying to graduate school or a professional program is tedious and overwhelming. The key is to familiarize yourself with the process and prepare your application early. Doing so will help you become a competitive applicant. In addition to your general application, the following is required as part of your application.
Written Statement Graduate schools and professional programs require a written statement as part of the application. Your statement will give the admission committee an idea of who you are as a person, separate from your grades and test scores. Requirements for the written statement vary by school and program. Make sure you’re aware of the specific components required from each of the programs and schools you’re applying to. In addition to your achievements, academic goals, and career goals, you’ll need the time to think about and identify interesting and distinctive topics about yourself. For example, significant personal influences in your life, compelling learning experiences, overcoming loss, meaningful travel, and volunteer work. Schedule time to focus on your statement, and give yourself a few months to complete it. Have a couple of people read your statement to make sure your final draft is clear, concise, and tailored to each school and program you’re applying to. Writing your own statement can be challenging. Consider enlisting the services of a professional to write your written statements. It’s definitely worth the investment.
Transcripts Universities require official transcripts as part of your application. This means you’ll need to request your transcripts from the office of the registrar from each school you attended. Do so well in advance, as schools will need time to process your request and send the transcripts. The last thing you want is to have your application rejected because your transcripts were late. By beginning this process early, you’ll have the time and opportunity to do the necessary follow-up and request additional transcripts if necessary. Keep in mind there’s also a fee related to ordering transcripts.
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Letters of recommendation
Standardized test scores
Graduate and professional programs require applicants to submit two- letters of recommendation. A recommendation letter gives information about you, your accomplishments, personal qualities, and experiences that aren’t found in the rest of your application. It explains how you’re the perfect candidate for the program you’re applying to. Your recommendation letters should cover your academic skills, research abilities, and work experience. Consider asking a faculty member, administrator, internship educator or supervisor to be your referee. Writing a thoughtful and meaningful letter of recommendation takes time, so be sure to give your referee at least a month’s notice. Provide your referee with the information required in the recommendation letter. This way, you have covered all your bases and it makes it easier for your referee to create a well-crafted recommendation letter.
Most graduate schools and professional programs require standardized exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. Being properly prepared for these exams is crucial. Write your exam early, in the spring or summer before you apply. This will guide your program and school selection, and make sure your scores arrive to the schools before the application deadline. The registration deadlines for these exams are well in advance of the actual exam date and some are only offered a few times a year, so make sure you’re well aware of these dates.
Curriculum vitae (CV) A CV is an academic résumé that highlights your scholarly accomplishments. Writing a CV is similar to writing a résumé. Just like a personal statement, writing a CV is a tedious and time-consuming process. You can always have a professional write one on your behalf to save you time and frustration.
Treat a grad school interview like an interview for a job study up on the university beforehand
Practice answering questions
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ALWAYS DRESS TO IMPRESS!
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