Graduate and Professional School Applications
Graduate and professional school applications include many components to showcase your academic achievements, personal qualities, and professional aspirations. Consult each individual program you are considering about specific application requirements and deadlines. Remember to start your application process well in advance, allowing ample time for researching programs, preparing for tests, gathering materials, and refining your application. Create a tracking sheet to keep deadlines and applications organized.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a written statement describing why you are interested in pursuing advanced studies and how your previous experience prepared you for this next step. A personal statement is a critical part of your application that allows you to convey your motivations, interests, and goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders such as professors, research advisors, or employers who know you well and can provide meaningful insights into your strengths and abilities. It is advisable to request letters well in advance and provide recommenders with relevant information about your academic and professional achievements to help them write a strong letter.
Transcripts and Academic Records
Graduate/professional schools usually require official transcripts to be ordered and sent from all the institutions you have attended. Generally you want to send your transcript after your degree has been conferred, but occasionally you will need to send one copy at the time of application and a second after your undergraduate degree is completed. Order St. Scholastica transcripts by searching this topic on the website or mycss.
Standardized Tests
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are some of the standardized tests which a graduate/professional program may require. These tests assess your aptitude in areas such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Give yourself ample time to familiarize yourself with the test requirements of the program so you can prepare for the exams and take them in advance of application deadlines
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume provides a concise summary of your academic and professional experiences. It will include information such as your educational background, research experience, publications, presentations, relevant coursework, honors, awards, and any work experience that is relevant to your field of study. Make sure to tailor your CV or resume to highlight the most relevant information for each specific application.
Research Interests
Some graduate/professional programs may require a research interest statement. This statement will outline research you wish to pursue in the program with information like project descriptions or faculty mentors. Align each statement with the school and include specifics such as the current work of program faculty and how you hope to contribute to their projects.
Additional Requirements
Depending on the program and field of study, additional requirements may be necessary including: writing samples, portfolios, interviews, or supplemental essays. Carefully follow the application instructions from each school.
Centralized Application Systems
Many graduate/professional programs utilize a Centralized Application System (CAS). The intent is to simplify the application process by providing a centralized platform for applicants to complete and submit their applications to multiple programs or institutions. Students create an account and manage most of the application components from one site, selecting institutions for which they want to apply. Supplemental materials may still be required by individual institutions.