Graduate school applications are more complicated than undergraduate ones and usually consist of seven parts: Application, personal statement(s), transcripts of all past academic work, letters of recommendation, national examination scores, financial aid forms, and the application fee.
Applications and personal statements
Imagine you only have five minutes to summarize how graduate school complements your career goals. The personal statement is the most important component of your application, and should not be a cookie-cutter cut and paste job that you submit to every graduate school. The personal statement is your moment to succinctly clarify who you are and what you want to do with your life. A few helpful suggestions to consider while writing your personal statement or essay are:
- Pre-type a draft to help you compose answers
- Tailor your statement closely to the program for which you are applying
- Make sure your writing is clear and focused
- Use black type and legible, simple font styles
- Ask someone to proofread your application
- Review your draft application carefully before completing the final copy
- Save a copy of your application and statement for future reference
- More tips on personal statements and other application essays can be found here
Transcripts
You must have official transcripts from each college or university you have attended forwarded to the admissions office at the graduate school(s) for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to make sure the transcripts have been sent to each graduate school.
Letters of recommendation
Most graduate programs will request two to five letters of recommendation. Many programs only accept letters of recommendation electronically after you designate the recommender in the online application. These references are critical to your application so choose wisely. Consider past professors, internship supervisors, or employers who can attest to your character and skills and how your experiences connect with graduate school study. In order to assist those you are asking, provide each person with:
- Information about you and why you want to attend graduate school
- Information about the graduate school to which they are writing
- A resume and transcript are recommended, or a summary of past relevant course work and experience
Test scores
Most graduate programs require the results of graduate school admissions tests. The most common are:
Financial aid
Graduate school requires a significant financial investment which you must carefully consider before submitting an application. If graduate school expenses are of concern to you there are financial aid resources available to graduate students, including:
- Assistantships/fellowships: Assistantships provide students with training and experience. Compensation may include a stipend and/or tuition reimbursement. A fellowship is an arrangement in which financial support is given without any obligation on the part of the student. Many academic departments will grant assistantships and fellowships as early as March, so learn the specifics for your program early.
- Student loans: When considering a loan, carefully investigate the loan's terms. You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid.
- Grants or scholarships from the institution: Schools may have merit-based and/or need based scholarships and grants. Check with the Financial Aid Office at your school for eligibility criteria as well as any required forms.
Application fees
Your application is not complete until you have paid the application fee. Many schools will not act on your application until they receive your fee. If you cannot afford the fees, find out if the school has a “fee waiver” policy. Some schools will waive the fee if you can establish that you (and/or your family) do not have sufficient economic resources.
Graduate school interview
Some institutions require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for a graduate school interview as you would for an employment interview. To help you prepare, here are a few questions you may encounter during your interview:
- Why did you major in _____?
- Why did you choose to attend _____ College/University?
- When did you choose to enter this occupational field and why?
- How did you make the decision to apply to our program?
- What other programs are you considering?
- How has your undergraduate background prepared you for our program?
- What courses have you enjoyed the most?
- What courses have been the most difficult for you?
- What satisfaction have you gained from your studies?
- Do you feel your academic record accurately reflects your abilities and potential?
- Why would you be an asset to our department or program?
- What skills and experiences do you feel have prepared you for admission to this program?
- Why should we consider you for our program instead of several other equally qualified candidates?
- How many programs have you applied to besides our institution/program?
- What will you do if you are not accepted into our program?
