Application requirements
Navigating and completing an application for graduate school can be frustrating and confusing. Usually, you will be asked to complete an application to the graduate school and also a short application for your intended program. It is a good idea to make a checklist for each school to which you plan to apply. As you gather application materials, which will be different for each school, you can then easily keep track of what you have and have not completed.
Most applications can be divided into 5 parts:
- Personal Information - this part often consists of a form that is filed at the graduate school and also a resume and/or curriculum vitae (c.v.).
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose - usually you will be asked to answer a question or a few questions regarding your interest in pursuing a graduate degree. These statements often do double-duty as a writing sample.
- Letters of Recommendation - most often, three letters of recommendation will be requested. These usually come from your professors - although letters from others can be used. Depending on your program, letters from other professionals might be more beneficial.
- Entrance Exam Scores - most graduate programs will require one of these exams. There is usually a minimum score to be considered for admittance.
- Transcripts - these are simply a record of your post-secondary academic achievements. Your college or university registrar is usually the custodian of these official records. Transcripts requested by graduate programs for admission purposes must usually be "official". This means that the transcript must be sent directly from your previous college/university to the program in question. All prior coursework must be disclosed, so remember to forward transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. There is often a small fee for ordering transcripts.
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