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Graduate school admissions, like master's applications or PhD applications, are much more complicated than undergraduate admissions or applications. Here we'll break down the most common components of a grad application and a tentative timeline to complete each component. For more help with your grad app, work with one of our Prompt Writing Coaches and Student Success Managers certified to assist with graduate school applications of all kinds.
The process of applying to graduate school is significantly more complex than undergraduate applications, and it will be very important to allow yourself enough time to collect the appropriate materials and ensure that your application is the strongest it can be.
As you work on your applications, specificity will be key. Not only should you consistently be specific about your proposed field of study, but you should also tailor each application to the specific program to which you are applying. Therefore, your first step will be to compile a definitive list of programs to which you will apply, and then research the unique course offerings, resources, and faculty of each program. Graduate school is typically more competitive than undergraduate programs, and admissions boards will be accepting only their top candidates. To put together a competitive application, you should demonstrate a sincere interest in what each program has to offer. As we mention in Things to Consider Before Starting Your Grad School Application, you should try to imagine yourself in each program, consider how each program will enrich your work, and think about how you would contribute to the campus community.
If you are debating between two different program types, such as a Master's of Business Administration and a Master's in Business Operations Management, make sure to research the end goals and potential career paths of both graduates. You can even use LinkedIn job postings to see which degree will most benefit you; simply find a job you would like to apply for but may not have the qualifications for yet, and read the required and preferred qualifications listed on the job posting. Does it list something like "MBA" or something more operations-minded? That will help you to focus in on the type of graduate program best suited to your end career goals.
Overwhelmed with the amount of research there is on various programs and universities? Start here with U.S. News Grad School Education Rankings and filter by location, cost, ranking, or program type. Since most schools have their first priority deadlines in fall or early spring, try to complete your research around winter or early spring so you're ready to apply for the following year's school year.
Once you’ve done your research about each program and their application requirements, you should have a clear idea of the tests you will be required to take. Most programs will require the GRE or other exams specific to your field, so you should begin studying early and take the tests in the spring or summer before applying to programs. This way, you will have time to retake the tests if your scores do not match the program’s preferences, and you will ensure that universities will receive your scores on time.
Most programs will require three letters of recommendation. Positive letters can be a deciding factor for admissions boards, and can push your application from being competitive to being accepted. While your application and personal statement, or statement of purpose, will give readers an idea of how you think of yourself, letters of recommendation show them how professionals in their field asses your work ethic, enthusiasm, and skills. Therefore, you should choose recommenders who have known you in a professional or academic capacity related to your field, and who will be able to confidently advocate for you. While prestige may play a role in how your letter is read (a glowing recommendation from a top researcher in your field never hurts), the recommender’s knowledge of your commitment and enthusiasm is more important. For example, if you took one class with a respected professor and received an A but never went to office hours or communicated with that professor individually, it may be wise to consider other options. Read our guide here on how to choose the best recommenders.
About two-three months before submitting your application, you should contact your potential recommenders and politely ask for their support and assistance. If they accept, you should immediately provide each with a list of the programs to which you are applying and an outline for a recommendation letter. Here, you should include each program’s deadline and preferred method of receiving letters of recommendation. If any programs prefer hard copies, also provide your recommenders with addressed, stamped envelopes as a courtesy.
Most programs will require your undergraduate transcripts, which can take a significant amount of time to acquire, depending on your undergraduate institution. You should request your transcripts at least two-three months before submitting your application, in order to ensure that they arrive on time. Your undergraduate university will give you the option to mail or email transcripts directly to your programs of choice. Make sure you have checked your grad school requirements for the correct address or email to send your transcripts to, as some universities will have separate graduate transcript offices. Save your transcript order number and date so that you can check on the progress of your transcripts later, if needed.
If you have the option to request an interview with a representative from the university, you should take the opportunity. While interviews are often optional, they provide colleges with a more personal idea of who you are and what you will contribute to the campus community. Letting your university programs get to know you will increase your chances of getting accepted. Once you are accepted to a few programs, you will likely have the opportunity to connect with faculty and current students, which can be an important deciding factor when narrowing down your options.
In addition to interviews, consider attending virtual informational sessions and tours, signing up for email updates from the university, and inputting your email for any downloadable content, such as pamphlets, from your universities of choice. Demonstrated interest, though primarily discussed in undergraduate admissions circles, matters for some graduate programs as well; universities like to know that you want to attend, and some are more likely to accept you if you indicate you will attend once accepted.
While you are preparing these preliminary steps, you should also be looking at the application requirements for each program, and beginning to think about how you will respond to program-specific questions. Most applications will be online, and will include sections on personal information, education, and experience. Some may require a CV, while others may have you input information from your CV into their specific template. Once you have filled out your personal information, you will arrive to the meat of the application: the personal statement and supplemental essays.
Before you begin, look over the application and familiarize yourself with the different categories, and begin planning your responses. Make sure to give yourself sufficient time to understand the application, and to spend significantly more time on the most important sections. With time, strategy, and effort, you will be able to submit a successful application.
For more help with your grad app, work with one of our Prompt Writing Coaches and Student Success Managers certified to assist with graduate school applications of all kinds.
