Application Checklist

Completing the application process for each school typically includes:
1. taking appropriate tests and arranging to have scores sent;
2. completing and submitting the application form and essay;
3. arranging to have official transcript(s) sent;
4. requesting and forwarding reference letters;
5. interviewing (depends on program).

The Application Form
Read the application packet thoroughly. Although similar, there are subtle differences among applications. Make a photocopy of the application form for your draft and records. Type your final application. Neatness matters and reflects positively on you. If you must print, use black ink.

Self-Assembly of Application Materials
Many graduate schools require applicants to collect all of the necessary materials (application, transcripts, essay, and references) and submit them in a single envelope. Bear in mind that confidential reference letters contained in CDC Credentials Files will only be sent directly to graduate schools. They will not be released to the applicant under any circumstances. A CDC memo explaining why reference letters are coming directly from CDC, will be attached to credentials material when sent to graduate schools requiring selfassembly. You may also ask for a copy of this memo so you can send it with your application packet.

Writing a Personal Statement Quick Reference Guide

Many programs require candidates to write an essay as part of the application process. Sometimes there will be specific questions to answer. In other cases candidates may write about a topic of their choice. In any event, the essay will be an important part of the application materials submitted. It is a writing sample and your chance to present yourself as an individual and should be something only you could have written.

Getting Started
It is important to start early and plan to spend time developing and rewriting your essay. If you are to respond to specific questions on a form provided by the school, make a photocopy to use for your draft. Retype on the original for submission. Before you begin to write, make a list of points you would like to cover in the essay. Considering your educational and career goals, select items from your list that reflect experience, skills and interests that relate. Outline the main points you want to make and in what order. Have a beginning, middle, and end to your essay.

Content
Your first draft will not be your final copy. You will edit and rewrite several times. Strive for an honest, thoughtful essay that will give the reader a sense of who you are and why you want to pursue this particular program at this particular institution. Remember, the reader doesn’t know you. When preparing your final draft, proofread carefully! Be sure there are no errors in spelling or grammar.

• Address the questions/assignment given;
• Develop a main point or thesis when writing an extended essay;
• Develop paragraphs purposefully; be specific and make every word count;
• Use action verbs and numbers to indicate the scope of your responsibility;
• Be succinct;
• Back up claims with facts/evidence;
• If discussing a problem or deficit, don’t apologize or sound defensive; state the facts, but don’t whine; then move on to positive statements about what you learned and how you grew from that experience;
• Use simple sentences; don’t try to write “fancy” or the way you think grad students should write;
• Let your personality come through;
• Demonstrate your commitment to the field and to graduate study;
• Why them?

Additional Resources in CDC
For further assistance with writing essays (including samples), the following books are available:
Graduate Admissions Essays: Write our way into the Graduate School of your Choice
Perfect Personal Statements
How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School

Several months before application deadlines give serious thought about who you will ask to write reference letters. Open a Credentials File by visiting CDC South in LSG 500. This will make managing reference materials easier for you, as well as those writing letters for you. CDC retains the original of each letter and photocopies are forwarded to each graduate school at your written request. Instead of asking each person to write several reference letters, only one is needed for the Credentials File.

Who and How to Ask
Faculty and/or supervisors of internships/jobs (preferably in related fields) are the most appropriate. While it may be tempting to have an individual of high status or influence write your letter, if that person does not know you well enough to comment on your abilities, the reference may not be as impressive as one written by someone who is familiar with you and your talents. The number of letters requested by graduate schools generally ranges from two to five. It is recommended that at least two references be from faculty, preferably from related fields. Admissions committees will be looking for people who can judge your past performance and assist them in predicting your future academic and professional potential.

When asking someone to write a reference letter, it is in your best interest to meet with that individual in person or speak with him or her by telephone. Discuss your plans; share a draft of your application, essay and/or résumé, and a list of topics you would like addressed in the letter. Ask if she or he would be willing to write a letter in support of your application to graduate school. You may get a variety of responses including an enthusiastic “yes.” If the person is cautious and expresses hesitation about providing a useful reference, don’t push it. Identify an alternative person to approach.

Graduate School Recommendation Forms
Many graduate schools provide their own recommendation forms that have specific questions. Schools may instruct you to either have each author mail the forms directly or collect letters from all authors and mail them together in one envelope. If you establish a Credentials File in CDC and receive recommendation forms that graduate schools would like completed, the following options may be appropriate:

• Ignore the form entirely and send only copies of letters from your file;
• Ask each author to complete the form provided by the graduate school and mail it directly to the graduate school (Credentials File letters would not be forwarded in this case);
• Ask authors whose letters are in your Credentials File to complete the unique aspects of the form provided by the graduate school and send it to CDC; it will be attached to the copy of the letter when it is forwarded, at your request, to the graduate school;
• Complete the portion of the form(s) which seeks your name, program for which you are applying, and name(s) of reference(s) and submit the form to CDC with your request to have your credentials sent to that school. The form will be included in materials sent.

Which Tests?
Many graduate schools will require scores from at least one test. By reading a few catalogs and talking to faculty you will quickly determine which you need to take. Depending on the kind of program to which you seek admission, you will take either the: GRE General Test, GRE Subject Test, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or others. Information bulletins for these tests are available in CDC South. You can also find information and register online by visiting www.ets.org. Testing center locations can be found on the Thomson Prometric website.

When to Take Required Tests
In determining when to take tests, keep in mind that scores will not be sent to graduate schools immediately. For paper-based tests, scores will be sent within 4-6 weeks of the test administration. If you take a computer-based test, your scores will be sent in 10-15 days. On the day of the test you can request your scores be sent to five different graduate programs free of charge, but requests made at other times will be subject to fees. Graduate schools generally accept scores from tests taken within the past three to five years.

Test Preparation
Getting ready to take a test primarily involves becoming familiar with typical directions and types of questions. This means practicing! Preparing for a test might include:

• Reviewing the sample questions in the test registration bulletin;
• Visiting the ETS website for free and/or low-cost practice materials, including practice exams;
• Taking a review course.

There is no standard formula that graduate admissions committees follow in making decisions about applicants. The following factors influence decisions most heavily: academic record, test scores, reference letters, experience, and essay. How much weight each of these factors is given varies.

• Academic Record : Your GPA, as well as the depth and breadth of undergraduate course work completed, will be viewed as indicators of potential performance.
• Tests : While important, scores are a beginning point in evaluating a candidate but are not used alone.
• Reference Letters : The most helpful letters are those that show the person knows you, how you work and what you can improve on. If the rest of an applicant’s application materials are mediocre, outstanding recommendations may be important in the decision-making process.
• Essay/Personal Statement : This is basically a writing sample and provides insight into how well ideas are articulated and developed, how well directions are followed and goals clearly communicated. A well-written essay is interesting, thoughtful, and may reveal dimensions of the applicant not available from other sources.

Graduate Admissions Interviews: What You Need to Know
Interviewing for Graduate School Admissions
Graduate School Interview Questions
Tips for a Successful Graduate School Interview