So, You’re Applying to Grad School
So, you’re applying to grad school!
Whether you’ve taken a gap year or several and are ready to take the next step, or you’re chomping at the bit right after finishing your undergraduate degree, there are plenty of reasons for wanting to earn your master’s. Maybe you want to qualify for higher positions within your field of work. Maybe there’s the potential to earn a higher salary. Maybe you’re ready for a career change, and earning you’re master’s will expand your horizons. Or maybe you’re a bit of a nerd like me who wants to prolong your academic career and/or isn’t quite ready to enter into the professional world (also like me).
Whatever the case may be, grad school offers a variety of opportunities.
When I began applying for English master’s programs this past summer, my mind was immediately flooded with traumatic flashbacks of applying to undergrad, complete with vivid imagery of sprawling personal information pages, seemingly endless personal statements and statements of intent (is there a difference?) and, of course, a few mental breakdowns over which college was the right choice.
I would love to relieve all of your anxieties and promise that applying to graduate programs is a stress-free process, but lying is bad! However, I will say that the process is very similar to that of undergrad, so at the very least, you somewhat know what to expect.
Still, as someone who has just completed the process and will begin my graduate-student journey in the fall (go LMU Lions!), I understand how overwhelming it can be to find the time and drive to start those applications.
In the hopes of easing some of that gut-wrenching stress, I wanted to provide a guide of what to expect and tips to help you stand out as an applicant. Enjoy!
Research and Prioritize
Before getting started with your applications, it’s important to decide which schools you want to apply for. Just as with undergrad, there are endless options, so it’s essential to do some research. This can consist of narrowing down where you want to go to school, discovering which universities have the best programs for your area of study, and focusing on the schools that you’re most likely to be accepted into.
Juggling all of these factors can be quite the balancing act, so I recommend creating a list of four to six schools and separating them into three categories:
Dream schools – Your top choice schools. The schools that tick all of your boxes. Although institutions such as these often have challenging admission criteria and can be extremely competitive, it can’t hurt to apply!
Target schools – Schools with strong programs in your area of study. Schools that you feel you have a solid chance of getting into. They may not tick every box, but you’d still be happy to attend, and hey, maybe they have a fantastic location!
Safety schools – Your backup schools. These are the programs you feel confident you’ll get into.
When I applied to grad schools, I submitted six applications, two of which fell into each category. Initially, I had a huge list of programs I wanted to apply for, but after browsing each school’s English program website, speaking to a few current students and alumni, and deciding I wanted to stay in California, I was able to come up with a strong list.
Another thing to consider: you don’t have to stay in the United States! If you’re someone who feels like studying abroad or your summer vacation in Europe changed your life, looking at universities in other parts of the world could be a great option. Oftentimes, it’s much cheaper too!
2. Check Admissions Criteria
After finalizing your list, it’s crucial to check each one’s admission criteria.
Most grad schools will require the following:
Your application form
Your undergraduate transcript
A personal statement and/or a statement of purpose
Test scores such as the GRE
Letters of recommendation from professors or employers
While the majority of grad schools share the same admission requirements, some elements can vary between universities. For example, some may not require a GRE score, some may ask for a copy of your resume, and some may have a minimum GPA requirement.
In my experience, some schools only required two letters of recommendation while others required three. Additionally, if you’re applying for an English or writing program, you will also need to provide one or more writing samples.
I am all for reaching for the stars when it comes to academic endeavors, but when applying for grad school, I found that staying realistic is key. To put it simply, you don’t want to waste your time applying for schools whose admissions criteria you don’t meet. Reading through each program’s admission criteria page thoroughly can save you a lot of time and effort!
3. Fill out the Application Form
Ugh, the part that procrastinators like me dread. Unlike applying for undergrad, there is no one-size-fits-all application like the UC application or the Common App. Each grad program will likely have its own website and application form, and they can be quite lengthy.
Of course, there is the tedious portion during which you’ll have to input all of your personal information, extracurricular activities, and academic history. This may seem like busy work, but it is imperative that all of your information is correct.
When I received my first rejection email, I convinced myself it was because I had missed something or made an error in my application. This didn’t end up being the case, but it would’ve sucked if it had been!
4. Prepare for the GRE (if necessary)
Although it is less common today, some schools may require a GRE (Graduate Records Examinations) Subject Test, which measures your skill level and knowledge about your field of study.
You may want to consider getting started early and either finding your own study materials or enrolling in a preparation course. In my opinion, it’s always better to be over prepared!
None of the schools I applied for required a GRE score, but it is still fairly common for those in STEM. Even if you have an incredible GPA, sending in a good GRE can help you stand out against other applicants.
5. Personal Statement vs Statement of Purpose
Most grad school programs will also require a personal statement and/or a statement of purpose. Though they may appear to be similar, there are a few key differences:
Personal Statement:
A personal statement is your opportunity to “wow” the people looking over your application. Just like the one you likely had to write for your undergraduate applications, this is a short essay focusing on your professional, academic, and extracurricular experiences.
In my opinion, the personal statement is also a chance for you to be creative and showcase your personality or a unique aspect about yourself. It’s storytelling! Consider starting with a childhood memory, a critical moment in your life, or even something completely random about yourself, and weave it into a SparkNotes story where you hit on key achievements and ambitions that express to your readers who you are as a student and an individual.
Statement of Intent:
A statement of intent, while a bit more boring than a personal statement, is just as important. This is also a brief essay, but it centers around your reasons for applying to a program. The content of this statement should be a bit more detailed with a clear focus on what you intend to research, what experience makes you the best candidate, and why this university is the one you want to attend.
To make each university feel special, I recommend reading through the each program’s web page and mentioning specific projects they’re working on that you’re interested in or inspired by. Bonus points if you also mention a few faculty members you’d like to work with!
And remember, it’s not a list of your research projects or academic achievements, but rather a chance to explain (and convince) the admissions committee what you can offer them, why you want to attend their specific program, and why you are the best candidate.
6. Update Your Resume
While you may have a professional resume ready to go for jobs or internships, many grad school programs will require an academic resume.
Try to include all of the following:
Contact information at the top
Professional experience that is directly related to your program
Ex: Writing Tutor for English programs
Ex: Research Assistant for Biology programs
Education History:
Your major (and minor(s) if applicable)
GPA (overall and within your major)
Your most relevant and important undergraduate courses
Campus engagement (extracurriculars, clubs, organizations)
Honors and awards
To make sure your resume stands out, you may also want to take into consideration it’s design. This can include creating contrast through choices like typeface, font size, line thickness, and color, making sure all of your headings and bullet points are aligned, using the same format for each section, and organizing your experience from most to least recent.
Difference is your friend, and consistency is key!
7.Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation
Gathering your transcripts and letters of recommendation can take time, so get started early!
Recommendation Letters:
Many of my professors like to remind students that they are just as busy as we are, so I would recommend asking them for letters at least a month in advance. Chances are you aren’t the only student asking them!
Additionally, although it can be a bit daunting, try to ask for a letter in person rather than over email Not only will this remind them who you are (if you don’t feel like the two of you are especially close) but I feel like it’s more respectful and personable. Also, if you’re someone who likes to plan in advance, try to take multiple courses taught by the same professor so that they have a good understanding of you as a student and an individual!
Transcripts:
I would apply the same month-in-advance deadline to requesting transcripts as well. Many schools will accept a copy or scanned version of your official transcript, but some will require your transcripts to be sent directly from your university. Check the admissions criteria and deadlines!
8. Click Submit and Relax
Once you think you have everything submitted, double-check and then triple-check. Then, once you’re absolutely 1000% certain everything is in order, click that submit button.
Congratulations, you did it!
Now, all you have to do is wait. As tempting as it is to check your application status every day, most universities will give you an decision date.
It feels hypocritical to write this, but try to relax. The worst is over, and the best is yet to come!
