You've narrowed down the list of graduate schools you want to apply to - but now what? Grad Source takes you through the process of preparing a grad school application so that you're ready for all the steps along the way.
Your application really starts with the list of schools you're considering applying to. Contact each of these schools for their application packages or visit their website. A simple email to the school's graduate admissions office will suffice and many schools have online applications. While packages vary by school, most will include brochures about the university or college, information about the program of study that you are interested in pursuing, application forms, descriptions of prerequisites and a set of requirements for submitting your application.
Be aware that some programs will only accept graduate students in years that a faculty member has a space available to take on a new student and supervise his/her research. If your application package did not include a list of faculty accepting students in your proposed program of study, contact the admissions office and find out. If they put you directly in touch with the professor, take advantage of the opportunity to discuss your research interests and consider what it might be like to work with this professor as your supervisor.
"Take the time to visit the web pages of individual faculty member in the department to which you will be applying. Becoming familiar with the teaching and research areas of faculty members is a great way to distinguish yourself from other applicants in your cover letter, and a personal note addressed to one or two faculty doesn't hurt either. In addition, this early scouting will give you a better idea of the research and study opportunities available in a particular department, and will help you identify a program that best suits your educational and professional objectives." George Baran, Ph.D., Associate Dean, College of Engineering - Temple University.
Graduate Admission Tests
Colleges and universities usually require a specific graduate admission test such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) as part of your application. These standardized tests are administered at several locations throughout the year and many schools also offer preparation programs and test guides. Some graduate departments may also have their own testing requirements for you to complete as part of your application.
Generally, graduate admission tests should be completed approximately three to six months prior to your application deadline so that you have ample time to submit the results or retake the test.
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations from relevant, qualified individuals familiar with your undergraduate work are usually required as part of the graduate application. Schools may specifically state the number of references and who should write them (e.g. academic, professional or personal), but if you are given the choice, try to arrange for references that will offer a balanced perspective of your academic skills, relevant professional abilities and personal achievements.
Your references will need time to compose the letters. Try to give them at least four weeks prior to your application deadline. You will want to provide them with any standard forms and envelopes that the graduate school requires, as letters of recommendation are usually sent directly from the reference to the receiving university or college. Also provide your references with information about the program you are applying to, samples of your work and your resume to help them prepare a more personalized letter of support.
After the application process is complete and you've made your decision, take the time to write thank you notes to your references and let them know where you'll be attending grad school.
Statement of Purpose/Essay
Also sometimes called a personal statement, biography or application essay, the statement of purpose describes your interest and experience in your chosen field of study and why you are applying to a specific program. This key part of the graduate application is designed to provide the admissions committee with a better understanding of how your background and research interests fit with the program you are applying to. Be sure to seek feedback from others before submitting this important document as part of your application; this is often your
