Applying to graduate school is exciting. You are aiming for the next rung on the academic ladder and heading towards your career goals. In order to secure entry into the graduate program that you want, you must ensure that your application is top-notch. Here are some tips to help you ace your graduate school application.
Start Planning Early
You need to give yourself ample time to come up with an outstanding application plan. Enrolment experts recommend that you start planning at least a year ahead. This will allow you to study and sit for any required standardized tests. If your experience and qualifications are less than ideal, you can complete additional training during this time.
When you plan in advance, you can research and choose the programs that best suit your qualifications and desired career path. You will also have more time to look into funding options such as tuition loans and scholarships. Some of these funding options have deadlines as early as a year before the start of semester, so it pays to begin your preparations early.
Measure Your Fit
To determine whether your graduate school application will be successful, you need to have a clear idea of the experience and skills that you will need in your program. Understanding these expectations and knowing where you stand in your abilities will help you to formulate a solid application. It will likewise shine a light on areas that need improvement before you apply.
Ideally, you will be a good fit for the program that you want to enroll in. Think about your background and talents and emphasize the points that align you with the goals of the program. Remember that the admissions committee does not only want students who will benefit from the programs but also students who have something to offer in return.
Show Your Personality
You want the committee to see the unique traits that put you head and shoulders above the other candidates. Your application should highlight your relevant accomplishments and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the program. It should also allow your personality to shine through while maintaining a professional and respectful tone.
Infusing your application with your personality can help committee members to connect with you as an individual. You want to convince them that you are truly passionate about the field and support your statement with real-life examples of activities or projects that you have participated in. Be as authentic as possible and steer clear of bold claims and ostentatious language.
Perfect Your Personal Statement
Personal statements are narrative essays that introduce the admissions committee to your personal life and helps them to decide if you are a good fit for their program. A strong personal statement could be the difference between program acceptance and rejection. It could similarly help you to attain a full scholarship instead of a partial one.
Writing the perfect personal statement could take days or even weeks. You need to communicate your advantages and stand-out characteristics as well as show genuine interest in the program and institution. While it can be tough to craft a quality personal statement, professional writers can make it easier by editing or writing a personal statement for you.
Get Real Recommendations
Letters of recommendation are one of the most important items reviewed by the admissions committee. These letters are crucial because they prove your accomplishments, provide third-party insight into your character, and better frame your academic and career goals.
Avoid asking friends or family members to write letters of recommendation for you—it signals to the committee that you have no professional references. Instead, choose people who have worked closely with you and can speak clearly and in detail about your strengths and capabilities.
If your recommender is typically busy, ask for your letter at least a month before the deadline. It is also acceptable to send a sample letter or a list of your work to help jog their memory. Politely following up on your request as the application deadline approaches is appropriate as well.
Make a Connection
Take the initiative to find out as much about your program of choice as possible. This can include researching the teaching faculty and the history of the institution. Another great way to do this is to speak with students who are enrolled in the program. Knowing more about the people that you address in your application can help you to make a valuable connection.
Some graduate program applications will include interviews. Prepare and rehearse your interview as though you are applying for a job. During the interview, be sure to ask questions. This demonstrates that you are invested in the application process and actually paying attention. Always maintain eye contact with the people who are speaking to you and try to smile!
Graduate school applications can be daunting. By planning well ahead and taking it one step at a time, candidates can ensure that they put their best foot forward on their applications. If you are confident about your qualifications and fit for the program, complete your application with a well-written personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.