There are many components in an application to graduate school: applications forms, undergrad transcripts, GRE scores, essays, recommendations. Make sure you know how to create a compelling application--you must represent yourself well on paper in order to win an interview or acceptance.
After having decided where and when to apply, your next step is to obtain application forms from the various schools that you've selected. Call the admissions offices and have them put you on their mailing lists. Also check the schools' websites, as many have downloadable applications. Once the applications begin arriving, you'll notice one thing quickly: no two applications are exactly alike. But despite their differences, most follow a general pattern with variations on the same kinds of questions.
When it comes to applying to graduate school, think of yourself as "the product." Your application is your marketing document. Marketing yourself doesn't mean that you should lie or even embellish the facts. It simply means that you need to make a lucid and convincing presentation. Everything on your application should contribute to an overall picture of yourself that clearly demonstrates that you belong in the class and will make a solid contribution to the learning of your peers. Sell yourself.
Admissions Essays
Personal Statement... Statement of Purpose... Candidate's Admission Statement... These terms can seem daunting. You should think of the personal statement, however, as an opportunity to show admissions officers what you're made of. They want to know why you want to attend their grad program and this is your chance to tell them as clearly and compellingly as you can.
Two Basic Purposes
Personal statements can serve two basic purposes. First, they show whether or not you can write a clear, coherent essay that's logically and grammatically correct. These days, students' writing ability is often presumed deficient unless proven otherwise. Second, they provide you with the opportunity to present the admissions committee with more of a "three-dimensional" portrait of yourself as a deserving candidate than grades and test scores possibly can. What you choose to write sends clear signals about what's important to you and what your values are. You can explain why you really want to pursue grad work and the career path it will enable you to follow. Your essay also enables you to explain things like a bad grade or term in an otherwise creditable record.
Gathering Recommendations
Recommendations rank among the most important items in your admissions file. So start thinking about them as soon as possible. The whole process of identifying good recommenders, lining them up, and then making sure they follow through with winning letters can take a lot of time. If you're still in college or a recent grad, your college professors will likely make the best references. This is especially true if you're going on to study the same subject in grad school.
Out of School for a While?
If you've been out of college for a while, it can be harder to find someone to write a letter of reference. Most grad schools will make a reasonable accommodation for older students and accept letters from your bosses or colleagues who can attest to your intellectual abilities and suitability for grad school. But getting a boss or work colleague to attest to intellectual abilities that specifically relate to graduate study can be a challenge. Sometimes taking a college or grad-level course and asking that teacher for a reference can be a good solution for this problem.
