First, you take the standardized test. Then, write an essay and get letters of recommendation. Next is waiting nervously for the letter of acceptance — or rejection — from the school of your choice.
Bad high school flashback? Maybe. Or just possibly, you’re applying to graduate school.
How can you stand out among the hundreds — if not thousands — of worthy candidates? What are the secrets to getting accepted?
Start with the tests
For graduate schools, the Graduate Record Examination, which tests verbal, quantitative and analytical abilities, is a must. For those eyeing an MBA, it’s the Graduate Management Admission Test, which tests for those skills but is customized to the needs of business schools.
Steven Roy Goodman, an educational consultant and admissions strategist with Top Colleges, a Washington, D.C., admissions consulting firm, says the tests are important for law, business and medical schools. Other than that, each school weighs the importance of the test differently, he added.
Scott Shrum, director of MBA Admissions Research at Veritas Prep, a Malibu, Calif.-based business that helps students get into grad schools, advises using the scores as a beacon for acceptance.
“Look to see what each school’s median scores are,” Shrum said. “Are you in the ballpark? If a school’s median score is in the high 600s and you’re in the low 600s, then you may have a problem getting in. Scores are the most common reason for rejection.”
Standardized testing levels the playing field. From that point on, the intangibles will make or break you.
"Graduate schools, especially MBA schools, are looking for several attributes they want to see in potential students," said David Petersam, president of AdmissionsConsultants, a Virginia-based admissions counseling firm. "They want to see someone who is motivated to get the degree. They want to see leadership potential, intellectual ability, curiosity, analytical thinking and communications skills. They want to see an ability to work in teams. They are looking for a bit of work experience.
“Increasingly, they are looking for someone with a global perspective. They’re looking for someone who will not be left behind and will be a value to the class.”
Duane Larick, senior vice provost for strategic initiatives and dean of the graduate school at North Carolina State University, says prospective students should have two goals. “You must convince the admissions committee that you will be a student who will complete the program and that you will become an outstanding alumnus. You want to show them that you will make them proud.”
It’s an applicant’s job to convince the admissions committee that you have all of that — and more.
Essay is the perfect vehicle
Most graduate school websites offer essay guidelines. Pay close attention to them, while still making your essay personal.
“Essays are very important,” Larick said. “It gives you a way to demonstrate how you will fit into the program. You need to show them that you are invested in their program, that you want to be there and why. You need to show how your career objectives match the department’s objectives.”
Point out the experience you’ve derived from starting your own business; the world perspective gained from travel; the leadership expertise obtained by heading up a fundraising drive; the teamwork skills learned from solving a community problem.
“But it must be a real. Don’t do something and have it reek of expedience,” Petersam said. “Don’t join Big Brothers six months before you apply to grad school.”
Letters of recommendation
“The biggest mistake people make — the biggest screw-up — is underestimating the letters. It is very hard to get a great letter,” Shrum said.
Most schools require at least three letters, including one from a direct supervisor.
The letters should offer intimate knowledge of the applicant and compare the applicant to his or her peers.
“You have to make sure the letter doesn’t damn with faint praise,” Shrum said. “You need a letter that says you are the real deal.”
Another mistake is thinking the reference’s name — especially if an alumnus — makes a difference.
“It’s only important if the person really knows the applicant. But, if he or she really does, all things being equal, it helps,” Shrum said. “There’s an old saying, alumni letters only help if there is a building named after that person.”
Although many schools don’t require an interview, it’s another way to separate from the pack and plead your case.
Another big mistake is missing the application deadline.
“Don’t give them a reason to put your application aside,” Larick said.
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