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If you want to beat the tough job market, it makes sense to pursue graduate studies to enhance your qualifications and raise your chances of employment.
Applying to graduate schools is a unique challenge on its own. Aside from having to submit the basic yet stringent requirements for application, you have to prove that you are a good fit for the program.
Fight for one of the few limited slots reserved for the best-fit graduate school candidates! Here’s how you can prepare the strongest grad school application.
While in college, explore your graduate program options.
While completing your undergraduate program, start doing the following:
- Join graduate school preparation events such as pre-application campus visits, boot camps and summer programs.
- Gather information on graduate programs through official websites, social media, and print collaterals.
- Identify and communicate with a well-respected academic advisor or mentor.
- Establish professional relationships with academic authorities who can give you strong letters of recommendation.
- Gather information on grad school exam requirements, schedules, and deadlines.
- Explore financial aid and funding options in your grad schools of choice.
As an undergrad, you have time to explore the grad school options that complement your interests, skills, and career goals. Starting in your junior year, start narrowing your options, selecting the schools you intend to apply to and gathering application materials.
Maintain high grades.
Your academic performance as an undergraduate matters to the grad school admissions committee!
Make sure your transcript reflects your dedication and commitment as an undergrad.
Most universities require candidates for their master’s and doctorate programs to have a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher for Ivy League schools.
If you’re in the last half of your undergraduate program and it seems too late to achieve a high GPA, you can still apply to prestigious universities that accept a low GPA of 2.5 or 2.0.
Processing your transcripts and having them delivered to the graduate school you’re applying to may require some time. Start making arrangements to obtain your transcripts at least two months before the application deadline.
Connect with professionals for strong letters of recommendation.
Most universities require three letters of recommendation from candidates for their master’s degree programs. If your choice of graduate schools requires more, be sure you know more professionals who can provide you with the best recommendations.
A common mistake of many students who apply for graduate school programs is to ask for recommendations from just any professor. Ideally, someone who knows your skills enough and with whom you have constant academic-related interactions is the best person to ask.
Below are the individuals you should consider getting letters of recommendation from:
- Your academic advisor
- A professor who teaches multiple courses you’re enrolled in
- Your professor in senior-level seminars or courses that involve writing and conducting presentations
- Instructors in courses that directly relate to the skills necessary for your chosen graduate program
- Supervisors in your research engagements who can vouch for your professional skills and work ethics
- Your supervisor in co-ops or internships that count as work experience
- Volunteer coordinators and community leaders
Request for letters of recommendation at least four to six weeks before the application deadline to give them sufficient time to write a compelling letter.
Prepare thoroughly to achieve competitive scores in standardized tests.
The types of standardized tests to take for your grad school application will generally depend on the field of study you’re considering. Below are the most common tests that universities require for post-baccalaureate candidates:
- GRE or Graduate Record Examination
- MCAT or Medical College Test
- GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test
- LSAT or Law School Admission Test
- Tests for international students or non-English speakers such as:
- TOEFL-Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS-International English Language Testing System
Prepare for the tests required in your grad school application by utilizing grad school prep resources and learning materials such as those in:
- Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
- Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
- Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
If you’re not satisfied with your score the first time, you can review your materials and take the test again. Remember, however, that too many retakes can be construed as unpreparedness and desperation!
If your test scores are lower than what you would have liked and you believe that these do not essentially reflect your academic abilities, explain it in your personal statement without the lengthy details. Also, prepare to discuss it during the interview.
Craft a well-written and convincing personal statement.
A personal statement is a crucial document for the assessment of your graduate school application. Also referred to as the graduate school essay, admission essay, or statement of purpose, this written document explores your personal background, academic achievements, career objectives and motivations for pursuing a specific post-baccalaureate program.
With superb writing skills, grad school applicants will not only stand out with their well-written personal essays, but they will also be able to effectively communicate and express their desire to be a part of the academic community and contribute to the industry.
Below are some ideas on what you can discuss in your graduate school essay:
- Your personal and academic background with discussions on challenges and influences to your growth
- Specific experiences that sparked your interest in your chosen field
- The aspects or components of the program that you’re most interested in
- Your contributions to and activities in worthy causes and organizations for your professional networking efforts
- Proactive discussion on weaknesses that may be in your transcripts, test scores and other materials. Make sure to address the issues in a positive, non-apologetic tone.
- An explanation of irregularities in your academic records (change of your major or gaps in your enrollment)
- The characteristics, abilities and skills you have that will boost your success in your graduate studies and career
- The compelling reasons why the graduate school should be interested in you
Make sure to follow the graduate school’s specific guidelines, if any, such as essay length and format. Obtain feedback on your essay from your mentors and professors, and refine it as needed.
Prepare to ace the interview.
If you’re pursuing a master’s degree right after college, preparing for a job interview will have to take a back seat!
Graduate application interviews can be nerve-wracking! Take the time you need to prepare!
Here are tips to ace your grad school interview:
- Research common interview questions.
- Conduct mock sessions with your mentors, connect with alumni and research online.
- Practice articulating your academic and career objectives clearly and explaining how the graduate program aligns with those.
- Record yourself while taking practice interviews to identify your areas of improvement.
- Practice techniques that will help you remain calm and positive during interviews.
- Be ready to ask questions you may have about the school and the program, including g. research requirements, resources for professional development, and support services for graduate students.