Many students don’t realize that finding your dream graduate school is easy; the hard part is making sure you get accepted into your program after applying! It can be extremely disheartening to apply for a graduate school program that you’re passionate about, just to find out that you haven’t been accepted. Thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do to ensure your graduate school application stands out from the rest. Read on to find out more about how you can ace the application process and better your future with a graduate degree!
What Does a Graduate School Application Consist Of?
The requirements for a graduate school application differ from school to school, and even sometimes from program to program. Some schools will require a much more intensive application process than others, so it’s important that you research the school ahead of time, so you know what to expect.
Most graduate school applications have at least a few common requirements. They are:
Personal Statement
This is a great way to demonstrate your professional personality. Discuss your background, your goals for the program as well as for the future, and why you think you are a good candidate. A personal statement shouldn’t be a novel, so just stick to the main points, but try to include aspects of your personality such as your interests and non-academic hobbies.
Letters of Recommendation/References
You’ll want to choose recommenders who know you well, but who aren’t related to you. I’ll list more tips for this section below!
Resume
Most schools will ask you to submit a resume along with your graduate school application so they can get to know more about your professional employment background.
Official Transcripts
Just as a resume helps explain your employment background, your official transcripts will tell the story of your academic background. More tips on this below!
Essay/Writing Sample
This is different from your personal statement although the content may be similar. Some schools will give you a prompt to follow. Make sure you pay attention to the specific guidelines they request, such as length and subject matter. And of course, choose your BEST work. There should be no typos or grammatical errors.
Tips for a Graduate School Application
Start Your Application Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your graduate school application! Most graduate school applications require more than just filling out a few forms (see the heading above). You want to give yourself enough time to address each requirement thoroughly so you can demonstrate why you’re a good candidate for the program. Applicants who procrastinate often make mistakes, and their applications appear hurried and sloppy. This will not impress your admissions committee who may then make the inference that if you procrastinate on your application, you’re likely to do so in your classes as well.
Check Deadlines
Many graduate schools have deadlines to apply, as well as for payment plans and to request/receive financial aid. You don’t want to miss out on an important aspect of the application process because you didn’t do your research ahead of time.
Request Your Transcripts First
Transcripts can take a long time to arrive at your college or university, and they’re one of the most essential documents. Schools generally will not accept you into a grad school program without them, so don’t delay in ordering them. This is the first thing you should do after you put in your application; some schools take as long as six to eight weeks to send them out. Others will allow you to request them electronically, but it still takes time for the university to receive and process them.
Choose Strong References
Make sure you choose someone very familiar with your skill set, and who can speak strongly regarding your professional background. Give them plenty of time to write the reference and make yourself accessible in case they have questions. It’s also better to choose someone with whom you’ve worked closely with recently, as opposed to way in the past.
Address Any Weaknesses
Weaknesses in your application, such as a poor GPA or a gap in your education or employment history, don’t necessarily mean you’ll be rejected. But it’s much better to address these weaknesses in your personal statement or writing sample (or in an interview, if one is required) as opposed to ignoring them. Explain to the committee why they exist, what you’ve learned from them, and how you’ve grown. No one is perfect and you’ll be respected a lot more for addressing what could potentially be an uncomfortable topic.
Show Your Passion and Personality in a Professional Manner
What makes you stand out? Graduate schools receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications a year. Why should they choose you over someone else? You may have excellent grades, or be a talented writer, but that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be successful in a graduate program. Make sure you convey your passion for the subject matter. Show the committee how excited you are, and how committed you are to learning more about your chosen field.
Proofread Your Application
Proofread, proofread, proofread. There is no excuse for errors in spelling or grammar, or for forgetting about any sections of the application. You can avoid all of these issues by making sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the app and review it thoroughly prior to submitting it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend or colleague; a second set of eyes never hurts, especially if you feel like writing isn’t one of your strongest qualities.
Ask For Feedback if You’re Rejected
Even if you follow all these tips, acceptance is never a guarantee. If you’re rejected, don’t be afraid to reach out to the admissions director to ask why. Use their feedback to make improvements on any future applications. You’ll be accepted into a program before you know it, and the fact that you didn’t give up after a rejection will show your passion and tenacity.
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