Getting into graduate school: The application

Graduate School Admissions: 101 (Part II)

Completing the application

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Discussion Points“Decision made: Completing the application”

• Review: Before you complete the application• Application Process:

– Getting it together– Creating a Timeline– The application – Standardized Tests– Transcripts– Essays or “Statements of Purpose”– Your Resume– Letters of Recommendation– Graduate School Interview

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Review: Is graduate school right for me?

• Spending self-reflection time determining which program/career area you wish to enter

• Completing workshops comparing schools, identifying affinity schools, and becoming the whole package

• Identifying preventable measures in an application

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The Application Timeline

• Typical Admissions Cycle - Review• Create a spreadsheet/document with

all required pieces for all programs you plan to apply to (calendar)

• Identify established deadlines and create deadlines for yourself for self-submitted components

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The Application Timeline

You may want to add a row/column to establish your own deadlines for other items you will be working on. Use handout as a guide.

Re-create something that

allows you to put in the requirements related strictly to your applications.

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The Application

• Print out multiple copies and read through everything being asked

• Be specific and ask questions if you do not understand what is being asked.

• Online application – benefits and other considerations

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Transcripts

• Request Transcripts from all schools you have attended

• If you have completed your degree, or when you complete your degree, ensure your transcript will have your degree conferred on it

• Check for policies about transfer credits

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The GMAT/GRE/LSAT Exam• Give yourself a deadline – integrate it into your

master schedule• Websites:

– GMAT (www.mba.com)– GRE (www.gre.org/gre)

• Buy a book with a CD or online access to full length exams

• Attend a prep course or get a tutor if it is within your means

• Practice!

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Letters of Recommendation

• Who will you approach? Who will you consider?

• How do you ask? When should you ask?

• What can I provide the writer to ensure a strong letter?

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Letters of Recommendation

• Do Not– Push for a positive response– Wait until the last minute to ask – Have bad timing– Wait to provide supporting documentation– Provide information piecemeal– Rush your recommender (how much time should you

provide?)– Provide messy, unorganized documents– Forget to write a thank you note or card– Forget to tell faculty about the status of your application

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Essays/Statement of Purpose

• What is it?• Key lies in detail, specificity and

concrete examples: Distinctive and Interesting

• Determine the Content• Determine your approach and style• Look at samples (statement of

purpose.com) – Always have proofreaders

• Review “do” and “do not” list

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Graduate School Resume

• What are some main differences you would identify between graduate school or applying for a job?

• Tailor your resume with work experience and school activities relevant to what you plan to study

• What are some examples of things you might focus on when preparing your resume?

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The Graduate School Interview

• Congratulations!• The Interview will permit the school

to determine personality and capability– Interviews serve four main purposes

• The Interview permits you to…

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The Graduate School Interview• What will they be looking for?

– Communication Skills– Motivation– Maturity– Interests– Emotional Stability– Intellectual Potential– Fit with stated career goals, objectives,

etc.– Demonstration of reasons you are

applying

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The Graduate School Interview

• Guideposts of a “Good Graduate Student”– Value System– Interpersonal Relationships– Knowledge Based Skills

• Remember, its academic characteristics as well as personal

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Graduate School Interview

• In preparing, try to do the following– Review your own records. Can you

identify trouble spots?– Review sample questions, prepare

responses– Identify examples, list strengths, etc.– Visit your career center or visit with me

to further discuss your specific situation– Job Interview skills, etc. apply here!

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The Interview – Mock Example

• Let’s watch a few examples• Zoominterviews.com – MBA/MS

Admissions Interview Examples• Mock Interview

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Preparing your application summary

1. Create a timeline, identify all requirements for the schools you are applying

2. Standardized Test (GMAT) – Research and pick a date

3. Begin drafting your essays

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Preparing your application summary

4. Work on preparing your resume for the application

5. Ask for recommendations6. Fill out the application form7. Request Official Transcripts8. Put it all together to submit9. Take the GMAT

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Preparing your application summary

10. Submit your Application!11. Wait for a response or invitation to

interview*12. Interview for schools as

appropriate13. Follow up with thank you

communication14. Evaluating Offers/Enrolling in

school**