Application and fee: Make sure the application is
neatly typed and is mailed by the deadline. If the schools you are
applying to have rolling admission you should apply as early as
possible. Even those schools with a regular admission process like to
see applications that are submitted in advance of the deadline.
Admission Test Scores: Each institution has their
own requirements regarding admission test requirements and this
information can be found in either the Peterson's or the GRE graduate
guides. The GRE, GMAT and LSAT registration booklets can be picked up in
Career Services. Within the registration booklet, you will find the
dates of the exams, pre-registration deadlines and one practice test. It
is advisable to spend some time going over individual questions and
taking more than one practice test. Test preparation books are useful
and preparatory classes such as those offered by Kaplan may be helpful.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Most general
graduate schools require the General Test and may require the Subject
Test. The General Test contains a verbal, quantitative and analytical
section. The Subject Test measures knowledge of a particular subject
matter.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): The GMAT may be a requirement for students seeking an MBA degree.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT is
designed to measure abilities needed for the study of law and to assist
law schools in evaluating their applicants. The use of the LSDAS service
is highly recommended as it assembles, in one report, all of the
information required of the applicant by most law schools.
Medical College Admissions Tests (MCAT): The
MCAT measures the applicants abilities in chemistry, physics, biology,
reading and quantitative and analytical skills. Applicants are
encouraged to take the MCAT eighteen months before entering medical
school.
Miller Analogy Test (MAT): The MAT uses verbal analogies to test reasoning ability. Some graduate schools will accept the MAT in lieu of the GRE.
Official Transcripts: Most schools ask that an
official transcript be sent from your college registrar's office. The
transcript demonstrates your receipt of an undergraduate degree, the
courses you took and grades received. If you have taken classes or
received a degree at another institution, you need to request a
transcript from that school as well.
GPA: The GPA is one factor that graduate schools
will take into effect. The GPA needed for acceptance to most graduate
schools is at least 3.0. Don't rule out graduate school if your GPA is
below a 3.0, but, concentrate on and emphasize your strengths. If your
GPA is below the average of those generally accepted, work on enhancing
your personal statement, admissions test scores or gain some relevant
work experience.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters should be
requested early from professors and/or employers who can attest to your
abilities. Individuals who can clearly articulate your abilities and
accomplishments are your best sources. Admissions officers like to see
specific examples about different facets of the application. The
reference should include some statements about your skills,
accomplishments and character. They can also be used to explain a
negative in your application.
Have employers or professors use the forms enclosed in the
application and give them information on what your professional
interests and goals are (a copy of your personal statement or resume is
helpful). Also, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Statement of Purpose: Most graduate schools will
ask you to explain to them why you seek acceptance in their program. A
statement of purpose should not be confused with the personal essay, nor
is it a prose version of your transcript. Your statement of purpose
should prove to the admissions committee your interest in and dedication
to the subject of study. If your commitment to the content area is
sincere and you have given great thought to your motivation in applying
to graduate school, your statement of purpose should reflect this. Most
applicants do not have a well-formed purpose in mind. Sincerity is
discernible and insincerity is unmistakable. Since a graduate program
means extensive work with one or two faculty members, you would be wise
to research the faculty in your area of interest. Know who they are,
research what they have written, and read what they have written. In
your statement of purpose, if you can say you are interested in studying
a specific area, explain why and then go on to elaborate your
familiarity with the work done by faculty member X in this area.
Committee members will see that you have done your homework. A resource
that may be of help to you and includes sample statements is: How to
Write a Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School by
Richard J. Steelzer (Peterson's Guides).
Interview: Some schools require an interview for
acceptance. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, an
interview may also be required. If the school does not require an
interview, it would still be advantageous to schedule a time to meet
with a faculty member or chairperson of the department for which you are
applying. This meeting provides an opportunity to obtain more
information about their school and the graduate program. Before the
interview, you should read over the catalogue to become familiar with
the institution's goals and functions. The following are possible
questions asked by graduate schools in an interview: Why did you choose
this graduate program? What are some of the reasons that you have chosen
this profession? Tell me about your experiences in your field of
interest. What are your long range goals? What was your most rewarding
college experience? Tell me about yourself.
Other: Samples of previous work may be required
for such programs as Art, Architecture, Public Relations and Journalism.
A portfolio can be created to highlight your outstanding papers,
research, art projects, etc... Putting together a portfolio can be
discussed in Career Services. Other programs may require evidence of
pervious work experience in the field. This shows your enthusiasm and
interest in the field and demonstrates out of class learning.
