M.S. Forstadt Explains: How I Got Into Graduate School (the Application Process)
By the time one gets around to writing a graduate school application, there is frankly not much to be done about one's GPA. And although some people certainly benefit from a degree of preparation for their GREs, there is probably only a limited extent to which scores can really be affected. Unfortunately, many potential graduate applicants mistakenly believe that GPA and GRE scores are of overwhelming importance, when in fact this is really not the case.
Writing ability (evidenced by the application essay and/or a sample of prior written work), research orientation (i.e., a good "fit" with faculty members of the department to which one is applying), intellectual independence (students perceived to be "self-starters" capable of original research fare better in most programs), and personal familiarity (do the faculty know who you are when it comes time for them to make a decision?) are probably the most important criteria. By far.
If a visit is not possible, talk to members of the department by phone. Often. 4) Get excellent references. 5) Be confident.
I got into a highly ranked program with a mediocre undergraduate GPA and unremarkable GRE scores. I benefited, however, by doing a Master's degree first, acquiring great (and meaningful) references, and making myself known. There is a lot of mystery and lee-way in the application process. You just have to know how to exploit it.
Writing ability (evidenced by the application essay and/or a sample of prior written work), research orientation (i.e., a good "fit" with faculty members of the department to which one is applying), intellectual independence (students perceived to be "self-starters" capable of original research fare better in most programs), and personal familiarity (do the faculty know who you are when it comes time for them to make a decision?) are probably the most important criteria. By far.
Do Your Homework
So what is to be done? 1) Research. Know the faculty and their interests; tailor each application to fit each separate department. This doesn't mean lying about your goals. Simply bridge your interests to those of as many faculty members as possible. 2) Be clear and succinct in your essay. Write well. 3) Visit the department if at all possible. The interview process can mean all the difference. Meet as many members of the faculty as possible, and talk with other graduate students in the program. In the final analysis, the faculty will REMEMBER you if you take the time to visit, and this could be the deciding factor when they choose from among their finalists.If a visit is not possible, talk to members of the department by phone. Often. 4) Get excellent references. 5) Be confident.
I got into a highly ranked program with a mediocre undergraduate GPA and unremarkable GRE scores. I benefited, however, by doing a Master's degree first, acquiring great (and meaningful) references, and making myself known. There is a lot of mystery and lee-way in the application process. You just have to know how to exploit it.
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