Graduate School Applications

Graduate School: Preparing and Applying

After you’ve researched the programs in which you’re interested, make a list of the requirements and deadlines for each one. (Pay attention to timelines.) Check out these grad school resources:

What does a graduate or professional school application include?

Each application will include several items and an application fee ranging from $20-$100. Many institutions have an “application fee waiver program” for anyone needing financial assistance.

The application itself may contain all or most of the following parts.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is one of the most important components of your application package. The statement should be tailored to the program/school/research team for which you are applying and should give a clear and concise description of your motivation for pursuing this graduate program, and future career aspirations relating to the graduate program. Remember that this is not your autobiography. Keep your description focused and professional. It is important that you convince the department to which you are applying to, of your clear career goals and that you will be successful in completing the program. Be sure to have a career consultant/advisor/writing center staff member critique your personal statement and allow yourself plenty of time to revise. Check out these resources:

Letters of Recommendation

Your recommendations should provide the readers with a balanced perception of your academic skills and personal abilities. You should:

  • Make an appointment and spend time with your recommenders, to provide them with an understanding of your goals and motivations for graduate work.
  • Provide each recommender with a copy of your personal statement and a current resume for them to refer to.
  • Be sure to give your recommenders at least three to four weeks to complete their submissions, prior to the deadline.
  • After the letters have been written, show your appreciation by sending the writers a thank-you note.

Interviews, Portfolios, Auditions

Interviews: Some graduate schools (especially medical and business) will require an admissions interview. You should prepare for a graduate school interview just as you would for an employment interview. Learn about questions that you are likely to be asked, and practice answering them. Dress as you would for an employment interview.

Portfolios: Portfolios may be required and could be a good supplement for certain creative and design-related fields such as Fine Arts, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, Instructional Design and Education etc.

Auditions: Likewise, programs in Music, Theater, and Dance will often require an audition. Both the portfolio and audition are means to show your practical skill and ability to do further work, and should reflect the scope of your experience, training and abilities.

Aptitude Tests/Standardized Test Scores

Review the requirements of your target schools to determine whether, and which tests you need to take and when the scores are due. There are many methods for preparing for these tests. Practice taking sample online tests (for example see www.gre.org), or enroll in test prep course. Kaplan and Princeton Review are two major test prep companies, but they can be pricey. There are also numerous (some free) on-line preparation websites and guides for GRE, LSAT, MCAT, PCAT, GMAT.

GRE: Many institutions do not require the GRE anymore. Make sure to determine whether your target institution requires the GRE or not. 54 Grad Schools That Don’t Require the GRE | 2024+ Update The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. Do not plan on taking the GRE twice, using the first as a “practice test”. Institutions will average both scores together rather than counting only the highest score. The GRE General is offered in computerized testing format only. The GRE Tests (ets.org)

In addition to the general test, certain graduate programs may require a GRE Subject Test, which measures achievement in a particular field of study. The GRE Subject test is offered in the following fields: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology. Check with the programs to which you are applying to see whether they require a subject test.

LSAT – Law School: If you are applying for law school, you will need to take the LSAT and register with LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service). See Law School Admissions Council for complete information on LSDAS and for LSAT test center information. Take the LSAT – Law School Admission Test | The Law School Admission Council (lsac.org)

MCAT – Medical School: The AAMC, Associa1on of American Medical Colleges, provides extensive information for medical school admissions and testing. Prepare for the MCAT® Exam | Students & Residents (aamc.org)

PCAT – Pharmacy School: Pharmacy College admissions informa1on is available at American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. PCAT Resources | AACP

GMAT – Business and Management School: The Graduate Management Admission Council administers the GMAT exam. The GMAT is often required for MBA, Master of Accountancy, Finance or similar programs. GMAC – Graduate Management Admission Council™