Application Process

How many schools should I apply to?                           

Have a range of choices: If you feel you have excellent prospects consider applying to fewer schools with more assurances of being accepted. If you feel you have average to limited prospects, you may want to apply to a larger number. Some will be "safety nets" for which you are confident you will be accepted, and others will be ones you hope will accept you. 

Students typically apply to anywhere between 4-12 schools, depending on the field of study and the competitiveness of their desired program. 

Costs in addition to application fees to consider:

• Academic transcript request and financial aid fees,
• Fees associated with the processing of financial aid forms,
• Fees required for GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT exams and for test reports, and photocopying expenses, and
• Interview and campus visitation costs.

Regardless of the number, be sure to apply to schools which complement your academic background, fit your graduate school needs, and will aid you in reaching your career goals.
 

Completing the Application - Important tips:

• Review application materials and make note of deadlines.
• Have supplemental material such as transcripts, resume, and test scores on hand.
• Read the application thoroughly before entering information and follow the instructions carefully.
• Make copies of all correspondence. Keep notes on all phone calls including the name of the person spoken to.
• Consider reaching out to faculty you want to work with (i.e. PhD programs) and/or program directors/faculty (masters and PhD programs) in the months before you apply to leave a strong impression and make sure you are a good fit for the program/faculty. 
• Don't "mass produce" applications. Although some information is repetitive from school to school, applications vary. Address the unique aspects of your qualifications for each program.  To stand out, tailor your application materials (especially personal statements and short answers) to address the desired qualifications for each program and how your goals align with their values/mission. 
• Thoroughly proofread your application. Check that all the necessary information is complete and accurate. Have someone else review the application for misspellings and typos. (Triple check before hitting submit!)
• Make a copy of the completed application and keep it on file.

Resume

Most programs will require a resume. The resume is very similar to your job search resumes’ length and content. Highlight all experiences that show how your interest has developed in that area of study and any research or technology skills, if it relates to your program. See an example of a graduate student resume. 

Try to organize your resume using section headings that speak to the different qualifications you want to highlight for the application review committee. Some schools may request a CV or “Curriculum Vitae,” which is formatted slightly differently from a resume. Be sure to check the wording on the application to know which to submit. 

The Personal Statement

Almost every graduate program requires a personal statement (or statement of purpose or personal essay). It should indicate where you have been, where you are going, and how the program you are applying to will help you reach the next stage in your career/educational journey. It requires time, thought, and many rounds of revisions (preferably by at least 1 other person in addition to yourself). Review tips for creating your personal statement and consider using resources like the Writing Center or a mentor/professor/peer who can review your statement with you. 

Academic Transcripts

Official copies are required for most post-baccalaureate schools. If you have taken coursework at multiple institutions, you likely will need academic transcripts from all (including those abroad). The website for the Office of the Registrar may have an online system to request forwarding to the schools applying to.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate or professional schools require two to five letters of recommendation. A faculty member in your department is usually regarded as the best reference, but letters from professionals in the field you are entering are also effective. If unspecified on the application/program website, it’s usually a good idea to email the program and ask if they prefer who the letters of rec should come from (e.g. 2 academic faculty, 1 internship/work supervisor, etc). Select people who can judge your past performance and character in a fair and accurate manner and give them plenty of notice to complete the recommendation (consider giving them a heads up even before your list of schools is finalized). Contact those you think will give you a positive, accurate recommendation. Say, "I'm applying to______, could you write a positive letter of recommendation?"

The following would be helpful information to include when requesting a recommendation:

• your personal statement and resume,
• a list of the programs you will be applying for and due dates, 
• a summary of your interaction with the professional (i.e., classes taken, projects completed, etc.) and
• a description of why you are interested in your chosen field.

Tailored recommendations are more persuasive than general "good" recommendations. Recommenders tend to prefer you tell them exactly what you want them to highlight about the skills you gained while working/learning under their supervision. Follow up with your recommenders often and send a thank you note for their time.

Additional Requirements

Additional items may be required with the application. Note any audio, visual, or written samples of your work required to be submitted. If you have questions regarding appropriate submissions, speak with a contact person in the program.