Five Tips for Graduate School Applications

Applications of any kind can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. When applying to grad school, it's hard to avoid stress while selecting a program, writing a statement of purpose, and getting recommendation letters. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first, but with these tips, everything starts to make a lot more sense.

1. Prepare Early

Without expecting it, deadlines for applications can sneak up on you. Even if you think you have time, writing personal statements, gathering writing samples, and getting necessary documents, requires a lot of dedication and time. For a good application, it can't be pulled together in one day. Give yourself plenty of time to research the programs you are interested in so that you can submit an application you are proud of. The earlier you start preparing for the application, the easier you will find the process.

2. Understand Your Reason for Applying

As simple as it sounds, you should have a very solid idea of why you are applying. Remaining aware of your purpose for applying will give you more motivation. Grad school is not a minor thing, it is a major commitment that requires a lot of dedication and discipline. Before you even begin writing anything for your application, you should think deeply about what you hope to gain from grad school. Whether you want to pursue a certain career or more experience in a certain field, having a strong idea of what you want to do is valuable before starting.

3. Talk to Professors and Peers

Professors from your university, and from the university you wish to apply to, can be useful resources. When working on your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice or help during the process. Taking advantage of people who have experience with applying or certain programs will give you an idea of exactly what you should do or expect. Having these conversations can also make you feel more connected to the grad school’s campus, its faculty, and all the resources available. 

4. Make Your Statement Sound Like You

While your personal statements should be professional and reflect the seriousness expected of a grad school application, they should still give a clear idea of who you are as a candidate. For applications, it's not always beneficial to immediately opt to use an extremely formal tone or heavy jargon. Admission committees want to see you and see your thinking, not just your academic achievements. Considering things like what interests you and what kind of scholar you believe you are can show your personality, your strengths, and your goals that make you a worthy candidate. However, expectations differ across programs and disciplines, so consulting with professors can help you match the tone each school values.

5. Rejection is Not Personal

With how selective grad school programs are, it can be brutal when you submit an application you worked tirelessly on, only to be rejected. Often, these rejections can be somewhat random and come down because of funding limits or how you would fit within the program. Even with a great GPA, strong writing samples, and great letter of recommendations, it's not guaranteed you will be accepted into any of the schools you apply for. Despite that, a rejection does not automatically translate to a failure, rather it can be used as redirection. You can always reapply at a later date or consider other options entirely. Nobody’s paths are linear, and your timing does not have to perfectly align with anyone else's who may have been accepted.

Applying to grad school is a very stressful process. Despite that, it’s a great way to learn more about yourself and to figure out what kind of work truly motivates you to keep learning. Even if you’re unsure where you may get accepted, the process of applying can still be beneficial for yourself in the future. As long as you have a clear focus on your personal goals and put in your best effort, applying for grad schools can feel somewhat less daunting.