How do I apply for graduate school?

Each graduate degree program has its own application process and its own requirements, so you will need to obtain from the web or from the program itself the appropriate deadlines and materials required for your application. As in many areas of life, person-to-person conversations and interactions can be important and helpful. For instance, faculty members at your undergraduate institution can help you learn how best to apply to graduate programs, based upon their own experiences.

Most graduate applications have a number of common requirements. These are:

Transcripts from your undergraduate school and other schools you attended

You should strive to achieve a strong transcript record with as many "A" grades as possible. Also, it is advantageous if your grades improve as you advance through undergraduate school, rather than declining later in your program. Make every effort to maintain a good academic record throughout your undergraduate career.

Grade Point Average, particularly in the field of interest

Your GPA is considered by most schools to be a significant measure of how successful you are likely to be in graduate school. But remember, hard work with challenging classes is a better strategy, especially in the long run, than just getting good grades in less challenging classes.

GRE scores

You've probably heard of pre-med students taking the MCAT or business students taking the GMAT. Most schools look closely at some standardized test score in making admissions decisions as well as awarding fellowships, and for many science departments, the most relevant test is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The GRE Program provides a great deal of free and low-cost materials to help students prepare for the GRE general test and subject tests. Look for those materials here. Take the GRE practice tests multiple times, if necessary, to become familiar with the test before taking the GRE general test and, if required, a GRE subject exam. As noted earlier, you can re-take the test, if necessary, to improve your scores.

A personal essay

You will be asked to provide reasons for wanting to study at a particular institution in a particular field. This is often referred to as a "Personal Statement" or "Statement of Career Goals." This statement is your opportunity to persuade members of the admissions committee about your value for their doctoral program by demonstrating your ability to think and express ideas clearly and effectively. To write a compelling Personal Statement you need to:

Study very carefully the meaning and scope of the question(s) asked.
Analyze the aspects of your background and personality that are particularly valuable to the graduate program you want to enter.
Focus on your assets, articulate your answer to the question(s) before writing the statement.
Include a section about your undergraduate research experiences (justification of your research project, what question your research addressed, what were the results and conclusions).
After drafting your statement, re-read and revise it to be sure it conveys your motivation and capacity to succeed in the program.

If possible, seek out a faculty member or colleague to review your personal statement before you submit it. You want to be sure that your statement sends a clear, strong message about whom you are and your goals and qualifications for attending graduate school. You also want to be sure that it is error-free!

Letters of reference from faculty who know you well

Generally, three or more letters of reference are required. It is best to provide more letters than the minimum in case one arrives late (or not at all).

Letters from faculty who earned their graduate degree from, or who are otherwise familiar with, the institution and program to which you are applying can be especially helpful. Letters from senior faculty members tend to carry more weight than those from newer faculty members. Because of their greater experience, senior faculty may be able to compare your record with other students who may have chosen the same graduate institution or who have been successful – especially useful information to graduate admissions committees. Thus, if possible, one or more of your letters of recommendation should be from senior faculty.

When approaching a faculty member to request a letter, consider these questions. Does the faculty member know you well? Can he or she tell you that the letter will be one of strong support? If not, ask someone else. Often the most helpful letters will come from faculty who have seen you conduct independent research. To encourage a prompt response from faculty members, always provide stamped and addressed envelopes for them to use, and don't be afraid to politely check up with them later to make sure they sent the letters.

Examples of research and other experience

Research reports or a brief essay on any research experience or other relevant experiences you have had outside the classroom are extremely valuable to graduate admissions committees and can be a positive factor in your favor.

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