Application deadlines vary greatly. Most deadlines are usually between
January and March for fall admission. Always meet formal
deadlines and remember that many schools encourage and
act upon early applications.
Most schools now have the capability for you to apply online; some even require
it. Check each school's web site to find the requirements
and deadlines for applying to their program.
The earlier you begin planning for grad school, the less stressful it will be. Check out this basic timeline from Princeton Review to use as a general reference.
Writing your statement of purpose (personal statement)
Your statement of purpose is an extremely important part
of your application. It gives the faculty assessing your
application their most significant impression of you as
an individual. Most schools want to know the same four things:
1. What you want to study at graduate school.
2. Why you want to study it.
3. What experience you have in your field.
4. What you plan to do with your degree once you have it.
The best preparation for writing a statement of purpose
is to be thoroughly familiar with the program to which you
are applying. Familiarize yourself with the work of the
faculty members in your research area at each institution
so that you know whether your interests match.
Tailor any general statement by showing how the program
you are applying to fits your background and interests.
In all cases, faculty members are interested in your motivation,
your intellectual skills and your suitability for their
particular program.
Neatness, accurate
spelling and correct grammar are important. Ask a previous professor/advisor to review and edit any extended
statement of purpose you are asked to supply. Even if you
have good qualifications and recommendations, your acceptance may depend on this essay.
More information on writing
personal essays is available at princetonreview.com.
A transcript is a certified, official copy of your permanent academic
record. Since a transcript contains confidential information, it cannot be
released to anyone other than you without your written authorization.
You should submit transcripts of all college work you
have undertaken with your graduate school application. Even one or two courses in a summer session
at another institution should be reported on a transcript.
At GC you can request your transcript in writing from
the
registrar's office. Allow up to one week
for your transcript request to be processed.
1. Give your writers plenty of time so they aren't forced to quickly
compose a letter or miss any application deadlines. A minimum of
three or four weeks is customary and will allow you to check back a few
days before the deadline to ensure that the letter has been sent or
faxed.
2. Give your writers a well-organized, thorough packet of materials. Ideally, these elements should include:
A current copy of your academic transcript showing the
courses you've taken and the level at which you've performed. This does
not have to be an official copy; a photocopy is fine
A copy of your academic résumé
A copy of your statement of purpose or personal statement (if the school has requested
one)
A pre-addressed envelope for each letter, with postage affixed if the letter is being sent
via postal mail.
Any
forms that need to be submitted with the letter. If you
are asked to indicate whether or not you waive access to the letter of
recommendation, be sure to answer affirmatively (that you do waive the
right). Answering otherwise gives the appearance of not trusting your
letter writer, and it dilutes the effectiveness of the letter
A cover note briefly listing:
Your contact information in case the writer needs to reach you
The deadline for each letter you need
Your career aspirations
Information you would like emphasized in the letter
By adhering to these general guidelines, you will increase the chances
of getting good letters of recommendation and, ultimately, admission to the schools you seek.
