My name is Carolyn and I’m a graduate admissions advisor at the University of San Francisco School of Education.
As an admission advisor, and as a previous graduate student myself, I know that the graduate school application process can be intimidating.
Here’s how I recommend approaching the graduate school application process in a way that will save you time and stress.
Step 1: Researching Graduate Schools
You probably have a general sense of the subject matter you want to study, but before you jump in to specific schools and programs, spend some time reflecting on what’s most important to you and create a list of these factors.
Some of these factors may be:
- Location: Where do you want to live? Some programs will result in credentials or licenses that are state specific. If that’s the case, think about where you will work after your graduate so that you choose a program that prepares you for the requirements of that state.
- Length of Program: Are you looking for a short program that is often accelerated in timeframe, or a program that is more traditional where it’s feasible to work while you’re in school.
- Schedule of Courses: Are you looking for a full time program with classes during the day, or an executive format where you are in class in the evenings or weekends?
- Cost of Program: What is your budget? Both for the program, and for the cost of living in that area?
- Size of School and/or Size of Program: Are you looking for a small community, or a large community?
- Focus of Program: Are you interested in a research-focused program or one that’s more practically focused?
Not sure what types of programs are out there? The following are my “go-to” resources for understanding what schools and programs are available to you:
- Gradschools.com and Masterstudies.com: Online directories of graduate schools and programs. Use these sites to search for schools based on your criteria, or have the sites recommend specific programs to you based on your interests.
- Linkedin Research: Find the folks in your network that have jobs you’re interested in and check out where they went to school (Bonus: you’ve now identified a current student or alumni that you can reach out to with specific questions)
- Personal Network: Reach out to your friends, family members, colleagues to see who may have recommendations for programs they’ve attended or may have experience researching.
….and let’s not underestimate a good old fashioned Google search. You can use the list of factors you created to refine your Google search.
Step 2: Narrowing the Search – Identifying & Researching Programs
Once you have identified a school of interest, it’s time to dig a bit deeper and narrow down which program you’re interested in. Here are a few next steps –
- Review the website: In addition to finding out the basics of the program (such as course requirements) you’ll also find details about life in the program – typically there’s some information about upcoming events, highlights of students and faculty. While you’re on the website, request information. This way you’ll get invitations to events the program is hosting, and typically there’s an automated communication plan that will provide you with resources for learning more about the program and how to apply.
- Read the mission statement: This tells you about what the main focus of the program is (if you do choose to apply, the mission statement is also a great resource to review as you prepare your application materials – specifically your personal statement!)
- Contact the admissions office: Admission staff are your biggest resources! Speak with an advisor (in person or over the phone), attend an admission event, contact them when questions come up.
- Speak with current students & alumni: The best resources for learning about programs are the students themselves! Ask to speak with a current student or alumni (Hint: some programs have their profiles online, often including contact information)
- Speak with faculty: Make sure you align with faculty as they are key to your graduate school success and happiness. Get to know faculty during the research process. Contact faculty and ask them if it’s possible to visit a class as a guest.
- Review student projects: Find out what students are learning, and see if your interests align.
- Review the program’s social media accounts: Social media accounts mean you get to be a “secret shopper.” Social gives you a more authentic understanding of the student experience and what the program actually holds as important.
- Attend an on-campus (ideally) or online event: Graduate school is a big decision. Take the time to visit campus (or attend an online information session) to get a sense of the culture of the campus. Also, nothing beats an in-person conversation where you can get all your questions answered.
Step 3: Application Tips & Tricks
So you’ve figured out which school you’re interested in, you’ve researched the program….now it’s time to complete the application.
- About that Application: Your application is your argument for admission. With every document, you need to convince the reviewer that you’re the perfect candidate for the program. It’s also necessary to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of your university/program’s mission.
- Hint: Many universities offer an application fee waiver for folks that attend an event. Contact the admissions office to see how you can get a waiver!
- Letters of Recommendation: Choose your recommenders carefully. Think about who can write you the best letter for the particular program you’re applying to. Contact the admissions office to check If there are specific requirements or preferences for who writes the letter. (Hint: If your potential letter writer hesitates when you ask them, find someone else!)
- Resume: This is similar to what you likely have for employment. It should highlight your most relevant experiences first, and should also include academic awards, presentations and/or volunteer experience.
- Transcripts: Most schools will accept unofficial transcripts for the purpose of admission review, and require official transcripts after you are admitted (but always check with the program to confirm!)
- Statement of intent: Review the program’s websites for any specific prompt. Align the statement with your personal/professional goals and demonstrate how those align with the mission of the program. Tell your story!
- Additional Requirements: Some programs have additional requirements (such as testing) review the application requirements section of the website and reach out to the admissions office if you have questions.
Still have questions? Reach out to me! I’m happy to walk you through these resources, and answer additional questions you may have about researching programs and submitting a strong application.
Carolyn A. Arroyo
USF School of Education
