Building Your Application
Building a strong graduate school application can feel like a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process more approachable. Your application is a reflection of your unique academic and professional journey, so it's important to showcase your strengths, experiences, and goals clearly and thoughtfully. Utilize this page as a guide as you navigate the admissions process.
Research Admissions Requirements
The first step for building your application will be to research each graduate program's individual requirements. Many academic programs may have separate deadlines and requirements beyond the university's general requirements. Keep a list of what materials each program needs and ensure you familiarize yourself with the procedures. The Graduate School's Admissions website provides general and TGS-specific guidance on applying.
Writing Statements of Purpose
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four different parts.- Writing the Statement of Purpose, University of California–Berkeley Graduate Division
- What's My Purpose? Writing a Statement of Purpose for the Social Sciences and Humanities by Dr. Dorothy Sanchez & Dr. Linn Posey Maddox, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose, University of California–Santa Barbara
Using AI for Graduate School
As generative AI evolves, so does policies surrounding its usage in academia. Some universities are crafting statements and policies that address the potential role and reliance on AI, meaning you'll need to check each program's guidelines to ensure you are operating within their guidelines and requirements.
The overall consensus is that application materials should derive from the applicant's own voice and authentic experience, free from plagiarism.
>> Using AI for Graduate School and Law School, Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Faculty Requests
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Emailing Faculty
Contacting faculty for recommendation letters or potential mentorship can be daunting and frustrating. Set yourself up for success (and a timely reply) by composing an informative, concise, and respectful opening email.
>> How to Email Your Professor (Without Being Annoying AF) by Laura Portwood-Stacer
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Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters are a crucial piece of your graduate school application. An effective letter should provide those making admissions decisions with an assessment of your potential as a graduate student and/or researcher. Explore Cornell University's Requesting Letters of Recommendation for more guidance.
If you are thinking of taking time off prior to graduate school, you should still ask for your letters of recommendation prior to leaving campus, when it is easier to connect with your recommender and you are fresher in their memory. Ask for a ‘general’ letter and keep them on file for future use. Letters of recommendation can also be stored in Interfolio.
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Interviewing for Graduate School
When interviewing, its important to do your research on the program and school ahead of time. Come prepared to talk about your experiences and why you are committed to the program. In this blog, you will see some of the most common and some of the most difficult or tricky graduate school interview questions candidates often face in interviews.
>> 120 Common and Difficult Graduate School Interview Questions by Dr. Michela Insenga, PhD
Taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Do I need to, and if so, how do I do well?
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a graduate school entrance exam that influences admissions decisions. Researching grad program admissions statistics can help you determine which GRE scores qualify for acceptance at desired programs.
Some departments may accept or require the results of the GRE test. Please visit your program’s website to determine their requirements and explore the Academic Programs page for a list of all programs and their websites.
- "About the GRE," U.S. News
- "Graduate School Entrance Exams: What Prospective Students Need to Know," U.S. News
- "What is a Good GRE Score for Graduate School Admissions?", U.S. News