Application Process: GPA, GRE, Resume, Statement of Purpose, Recommendation Letters, Writing Sample

a. Time management is crucial here. Do a backward timeline scheduling so you know what you need to do in order to have all materials ready for mailing before the deadline. Find out when GRE dates are and how long your professors need to write you recommendation letters.

b. Your GPA is an important criterion in admission. Try to have at least a B - GPA. Schools may toss out application below a certain GPA unless you’ve made other efforts for them to consider even reading your application (good words from professors advocating for review of your application b/c other parts of your application are stronger). Some schools will cons ider GPA of one’s major versus one’s overall GPA.

c. Many programs require at least a general GRE test score. Other programs require the general and a discipline specific GRE score.

Make sure you take the right tests that the programs required.
i. There are study groups for GRE. If none exists, form one!
ii. There are expensive classes to help you prepare for the GRE as well.
iii. The test is now computer-based. Go to http://www.gre.org for more information and to sign up and obtain a CD to practice for the exam.

d. Sometimes, department or program requires a resume. A one or two-page resume can be a quick documentation of your achievements. This can also help you in writing your statement of purpose, too.

e. The Statement of Purpose is ve ry important!
i. You want to demonstrate to them that you know what you’re doing. Your experience has prepared you for their program.
ii. Their program meets your needs. You meet their needs in becoming a stellar student whom they can brag for years.
iii. Provide information about your uniqueness, achievements, abilities, goals, and determination to finish graduate school.
iv. Write many, many drafts. Have many proofreaders.

f. You want professors/employers who can write you a STRONG letter of recommendation. Some professors don’t like to say no and may end up writing you a lukewarm letter, which is not to your best interest.
i. If you have choices to choose from, pick people who are prominent and respected in your field.
ii. Consider if your recommender has a positive relationship with the institution you are applying. It could work against you.
iii. Ask your potential recommender if they are willing to write you a strong letter and let them know when it’s due. Then, give a draft of all pertinent application information to your recomme nder at least a month in advance of the deadline .

g. Writing samples allow the admission committee to have a better idea about your writing and analytical abilities. Many programs now require that you submit a writing sample if not two. Writing samples are basically papers you have written in your undergraduate classes.
i. Consider the program you’re applying to and send the most appropriate/relevant writing sample.
ii. Before you send the paper, have several people proofread it. Make sure it’s a paper you’re proud of and had earned a good
grade. Use this paper to illustrate your skills in your statement of purpose.
iii. It would be even more appealing to show that you have some research interests for grad school already by providing a writing sample that is about your research interest.

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