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Applying: Application Process
Applying to graduate school requires the completion of a series of steps. Applicants may be following different procedures and deadlines for different schools. Making copies of everything submitted saves redoing everything in case materials are lost and allows use of relevant materials in submitting other applications. Many graduate programs provide online application forms and materials.
Most graduate school applications consists of the following parts:
Graduate School Application Checklist
________ Application Forms
________ Application Fees
________ Transcripts
________ Letters of Recommendation
________ Essays or Personal Statements
________ Admissions Tests
Application Forms
The application form requires information needed to process the student's application. Typing the application is recommended. Critiquing forms for accurate, complete, and well-considered answers as well as legibility, neatness, correct spelling, and proper grammar are essential.
Application Fees
Most schools require application fees. Upon occasion this fee is waived if specific financial criteria are met. If an applicants believe they are eligible, they should check with the financial aid office of the graduate school and their undergraduate college.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from each college or university attended are required. Transcripts are utilized to evaluate the potential to do graduate work. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that transcripts have been sent and received by each graduate school. It is important to allow plenty of time for transcripts to be processed and sent.
Letters of Recommendation
While students must follow schools’ requirements in submitting letters of recommendation, there will be choices in the individuals used for references. Students can maximize their chances of obtaining strong letters by considering the following suggestions:
Essays and Personal Statements
Also referred to as a statement of purpose, an essay or personal statement is an important part of an application. It allows the committee to have a picture of the student as an individual. Writing a personal statement requires careful consideration of the question(s) being asked by the school. By writing these statements, students may clarify goals and ideas for themselves and others (e.g., individuals writing letters of recommendation). Proofreading is essential. A final step in writing a personal statement is to have at least one person read and critique what you have written. In preparing to write a Personal Statement, consider the following:
Admissions Tests for Graduate and Professional Schools
Graduate and professional schools frequently require applicants to submit scores on standardized tests. Students are encouraged to check each school they are considering for test requirements. They may need to take more than one examination in their application process.
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