- \n
- Dream School:\u00a0<\/i>Dream big! If there a couple of super competitive programs that are calling you, go ahead and apply. A few schools on your list might have higher admissions requirements than you can meet, but it doesn\u2019t hurt to try if you have the time and resources.<\/li>\n
- Target School:<\/i>\u00a0Your target schools are ones with admissions requirements that you can realistically satisfy. It can be challenging to know whether your\u00a0test scores are good enough<\/a>, but with a little research, you can see how you measure up. Select a few schools to which you are confident you will be accepted.<\/li>\n
- Safety School:\u00a0<\/i>These are the schools that you are certain will accept you. You exceed the admissions requirements and know that your application will stand out. There is a common misconception that safety schools are lesser schools, but that doesn\u2019t have to be the case. Some programs are simply less competitive. Having a solid list of quality schools that you will likely be admitted to is a wise move.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 2: Make the plan.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Applying to grad school takes a substantial amount of time and effort, so making sure you\u2019re prepared will make the process even smoother. Once you have your list of schools ready, create a plan. Each school will have different requirements and deadlines, so you\u2019ll need to keep track of deadlines. Don\u2019t forget to draw on your support systems to keep you focused and cared for!<\/p>\n
Step 3: Take the tests.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Most graduate programs require scores from the GRE or GMAT for admission. Take a practice test early on to know where you stand. While they aren\u2019t everything, your\u00a0test scores are an important component<\/a>\u00a0of your graduate school application. If your scores seem too low for the programs you\u2019re applying to, you still have a few options. First, you could get professional help. Test prep services like\u00a0Magoosh<\/a>\u00a0are an accessible and affordable resource that can help raise your scores. Your second option is to pay more attention to your letters of recommendation or personal statements to compensate for lower test scores.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Write the personal statements.
![\"Write](\"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/11\/christina-wocintechchat-com-78SjVaj3XGk-unsplash-200x300.jpg\")
<\/b><\/h3>\nPersonal statements can be just as important as high test scores. While the GRE measures your quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, your personal statement is a testament to your personality, goals, and passions. It is an opportunity to showcase your individuality. And don\u2019t forget to make them unique; admissions officers will quickly discover if you\u2019ve submitted the same personal statement to 10 schools. Take the time to tailor your statement to the institution and program you\u2019re applying for. Start writing your statements early so you have enough time to write several drafts. Once you have a product you\u2019re happy with, have a trusted colleague take one final look.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Get the letters of recommendation.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Like your personal statements, your letters of recommendation are a candid look at who you are beyond the test scores. When deciding who to request a letter from, think about the professors, colleagues, or supervisors who know you best with detailed knowledge of your dedication, work ethic, and skills. And request early so your recommenders have plenty of time to write a killer letter! In the unfortunate case that they are too busy to write your letter, have a few worthy backups. You don\u2019t want to be caught without a recommendation.<\/p>\n
Step 6: Request the transcripts.<\/b><\/h3>\n
As you get closer to submitting your applications, you\u2019ll need to gather the rest of your necessary documents. If there is any part of your application that needs to be addressed early, your transcript is the most important one. Like your test scores, your transcript gives an institution an idea of how well you will complete graduate-level coursework. Admissions committees use your transcript to judge the quality of your undergraduate institution, the rigor of your coursework, your level of performance over the years (especially in courses relevant to the program you\u2019re applying to), and your GPA.<\/p>\n
Most graduate programs require an official transcript, which can only be sent directly from your undergraduate institution. An unofficial transcript has the same information, but it does not have a registrar\u2019s seal of authenticity. If you attended more than one university in your undergraduate career, you will need to request an official transcript for each one, even those from which you did not graduate. The process could take up to a few weeks, so make sure you have plenty of time. An application without a transcript will be considered incomplete and rejected.<\/p>\n
Step 7: Create the portfolio.<\/b><\/h3>\n
This step is especially important for applicants with significant life experience. If you are approaching a graduate program after several years in the workforce, take the time to curate a portfolio that showcases your experience and abilities. A summary of your work experience, internships, fellowships, or research assistantships will demonstrate your competency and prove that you\u2019re dedicated to your field of study.<\/p>\n
Step 8: Submit the applications.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Each institution has different submission deadlines and processes, so make sure you are familiar with each. A note about application deadlines: most graduate programs have set deadlines for their fall and spring sections. Depending on your institution, and even the specific program, there might be various deadlines. Generally, you can expect the following application structure:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Early:<\/i>\u00a0If your application is ready by this date, by all means submit! But if you\u2019re not ready, then don\u2019t worry. It is better to take the extra time to submit a stellar application during round 1 or round 2 than to rush for the early deadline.<\/li>\n
- Round 1:<\/i>\u00a0This is the first deadline of the general application. Remember, the earlier you apply, the better.<\/li>\n
- Round 2:<\/i>\u00a0Often the final deadline for programs, round 2 could be your last chance to submit.<\/li>\n
- Rolling:\u00a0<\/i>Some graduate programs have rolling admissions, which means that applications are accepted until a program is full. Since there is no deadline, it is essentially first come, first served. The earlier you apply to a program with rolling admissions, the sooner you\u2019ll hear back. If you apply later, chances are that it will take longer to hear back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Step 9: Prepare for the wait.<\/b>\u00a0<\/i><\/h3>\n
All of the effort and time it took to prepare your application has culminated to this point, and it\u2019s only natural to want to hear whether your graduate dreams will come true. Unfortunately, these things take time, and it will probably be a few months until you are given an answer. In the meantime, read a great book, binge watch your favorite series, and spend time with family.<\/p>\n
Step 10: Receive the decisions.
![\"Accepted](\"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/11\/webaroo-com-au-3Mhgvrk4tjM-unsplash-300x200.jpg\")
<\/b><\/h3>\nThere is nothing more gratifying than having your effort and talents recognized. As you receive acceptances, make sure to congratulate yourself for your hard work! And if you happen to receive a rejection or two, don\u2019t beat yourself up over it. You still deserve that bottle of champagne.<\/p>\n
Step 11: Make the choice.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Ultimately, you\u2019ll need to settle on one program to attend, which means you must decline whatever other offers you receive. Some schools make it easy with a click, but others aren\u2019t so convenient. For the latter situation, take the time to write a brief letter declining their offer. Keep it short and sweet; thank the admissions committee for taking the time to consider you. You aren\u2019t obligated to disclose your reasons or your ultimate choice. While not required, a thank-you note is a considerate and respectful gesture. If you happen to meet a member of the committee later in your career, such a gesture will serve you well.<\/p>\n
Step 12: Get ready for classes.<\/b><\/h3>\n
- Round 1:<\/i>\u00a0This is the first deadline of the general application. Remember, the earlier you apply, the better.<\/li>\n
- Target School:<\/i>\u00a0Your target schools are ones with admissions requirements that you can realistically satisfy. It can be challenging to know whether your\u00a0test scores are good enough<\/a>, but with a little research, you can see how you measure up. Select a few schools to which you are confident you will be accepted.<\/li>\n