How many schools should I apply to?

Have a range of choices:

If you feel you have excellent prospects consider applying to fewer schools with more assurances of being accepted. If you feel you have average to limited prospects you may want to apply to a larger number. Some will be "safety-nets" which you are confident you will be accepted to and others will be ones you hope will accept you.

Do not sell yourself short. You may have features that your hoped for school is seeking. Speak with your advisor and with faculty members in your field of interest about the conventional number of applications sent out. Ask the reasoning behind this number.

Cost:
How much are you willing to spend on the application process? Costs can be hidden and can rapidly add up. Do some budget work estimating and totally the costs versus the amount you are willing to spend.

Costs in addition to application fees:

—academic transcript request and financial aid fees,

—fees associated with the processing of financial aid forms,

—fees required for GRE,GMAT, LSAT, MCAT exams and for test reports, photocopying expenses and postage costs, and

—interview and campus visitation costs.

Regardless of the number, be sure to apply to schools which complement your academic background, fit your graduate school needs, and will aid you in reaching your career goals.

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Completing the Application

Generate a list of the attributes to present to those deciding admissions. What are your prominent attributes which secure your acceptance into a particular graduate program? Study the prerequisites of each program. Match them with your attributes. Be prepared to reflect these matches on your application.

Important tips

Review application materials and make note of deadlines.

Duplicate your blank application to use as a rough draft.

Have supplemental material such as transcripts, resume, and test scores on hand.

Read the application thoroughly before entering information.

Follow the instructions carefully.

Respond to the items in an accurate and concise manner. Pay attention to detail.

Don't"mass produce" applications. Although some information is repetitive from school to school, applications vary. Address the unique aspects of your qualifications for each program.

If not applying online, type or have a professional type your application. The application is an example of your quality of work. The form should be neat and legible.

Thoroughly proofread your application. Check that all the necessary information is complete and accurate. Have someone else review the application for misspellings and typos.

Make a copy of the completed application and keep it on file.

The Personal Statement

A personal statement (or statement of purpose or personal essay) is required by just about every graduate program. It should indicate where you have been, where are you going, and how your experiences have prepared you for where you are going. It requires requires time, thought and frequent revisions. Personal statements are seldom longer than one page or three hundred words although in some cases additional forms may be added. If you were reviewing applications, would you welcome a lengthy essay?

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Academic Transcripts

Official copies are required for any post baccalaureate school. If you have taken coursework at multiple institutions, you likely will need academic transcripts from all (including those abroad). The Web site for the Records and Registration Office may have an online system to request forwarding to the schools applying to. If not, call or write for information including fees required.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate or professional schools require two to five confidential letters of recommendation. A faculty member in your department is usually regarded as the best reference, but letters from professionals in the field you are entering are also effective. Supervisors from internships and volunteer experiences are other good recommenders. Select people who can judge your past performance and character in a fair and accurate manner.

Contact those you think will give you a positive, accurate recommendation. Say, "I'm applying to______, could you write a positive letter of recommendation?" Tell the person your plans after getting the graduate degree and describe why you are interested in your chosen field. A copy of your personal statement and resume will give your recomenders a clearer concept and they will be better able to tailor a recommendation for program. Tailored recommendations are more persuasive than "canned" recommendations. Remind the recommender of your accomplishments so they can cite specific examples.

If your application materials include forms for recommendations, give these to your recommenders along with stamped and addressed envelopes. Request that the recommendations be completed and mailed by a specific date. Check with them a couple days before, to verify that the person is on track. Note whether the schools want the recommendations sent directly by the recommender or included with your application. Follow up with a thank you note. You may need their help again.

Additional Requirements

Additional items may be required with the application. Note any audio, visual, or written samples of your work required to be submitted. If you have questions regarding appropriate submissions, speak with a contact person in the program. Don't assume. Check.

Meeting Deadlines

Generally, applications should be forwarded ten to eleven months before the semester you wish to enroll. Give yourself plenty of time to request recommendations, request transcripts, prepare your statement and additional requirements, and complete your application. After sending all requirements, make follow up phone calls to verify arrival of materials at the institutions and the completion of your admissions folder. Make copies of all correspondence and not just on a computer or disk. Keep notes on all phone calls including the name of the person spoken to. Maintain appropriate files.

Plan ahead!
Don't procrastinate!
Start early!
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