Application Process

Prepare a comprehensive list of the graduate schools in your area(s) of interest. The easiest way to do this is to consult such resources as http://www.gradview.com/search/index.jsp, or Peterson's Annual Guides to Graduate Study or the GRE/CGS Directory of Graduate Programs. In addition to these comprehensive listings, you may find directories for your field helpful, such as The Pre-Law Handbook or Graduate Study in Psychology.

Once you have obtained a comprehensive list of schools, begin trimming the list. Your faculty advisor can be especially helpful in identifying programs that will be good matches for your interests and abilities. Also talk with a career counselor, practicing professionals; consult ratings; and use your criteria. Cut the list to ten or fifteen schools and telephone or send a post card to each school requesting a catalog, application material, and financial aid forms.

You are now ready to begin submitting applications to the schools of your choice. Most applications consist of six parts: the application form; transcripts of all past academic work; letters of reference; national examination scores; financial aid forms; and application fees.

ADMISSION TESTS

There are several admissions tests for graduate study. Listed below are the most common.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): most academic graduate programs and some professional programs use This test. There are two examinations within the GRE, aptitude and achievement. Be sure to check the requirements of each school to which you are applying. Not all programs want both.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): mostly business/management schools use This test.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT): Scores from this test are the only ones used for application to law schools.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Necessary for students planning to enter Medical School.

Millers Analogies Test (MAT): Sometimes this test is used instead of the GRE as a basic aptitude assessment tool.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Used to test the English language ability of persons whose native tongue is not English. This test does not replace any of the others.

For further information about these tests, read the introduction section of Book 1 of Peterson's Graduate and Professional Programs available in Career Services.

THE APPLICATION FORM

You should either type or neatly print your responses to all questions. Black ink or black ribbons are best. If typing, avoid using "script" typeface. Make all corrections as neatly as possible. If the application form does not look good, you will not look good. Before you put anything on the application form, write out answers to each question on a separate sheet of paper.

PERSONAL STATEMENTS AND ESSAYS

It is especially important for the Personal or Biographical Statement, Statement of Purpose, or a Statement of Career/Professional Goals to be carefully thought out and written well. These must be written with the utmost care. If you have done some career/life planning, these statements will not be difficult. Remember, essay statements can be "two edged swords." They provide you with the opportunity to speak about important aspects of yourself that were not brought out by the regular questions. At the same time, however, essay statements magnify inconsistency, arrogance, shyness, etc., more than check-off and one-word answers. It is always helpful to have someone critique your essay for you.

TRANSCRIPTS

Transcripts must be requested through the Registrar's Office. It will be your responsibility to forward an official copy of your transcript to each graduate school's admissions office that requests one. Some schools, however, will provide you with mailing labels to give to the registrar. It is your responsibility to make sure the transcripts have been sent.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Most graduate schools will want from two to five letters. Some schools may ask that you simply supply names and addresses. Most, however, will provide you with forms that you must give to the persons you wish to have write recommendations.

The selection of references should always be in accord with the graduate school's directions. To facilitate the reference person's letter writing, you should provide them with three things:

1. Information about you and why you want to attend graduate school.

2. Information about the graduate school.

3. A pre-addressed, stamped envelope.

Note: For some seniors, it may be possible to use a credential file rather than asking faculty to write a number of different letters. Ask your advisor if a credential file will assist your graduate admissions process.

ASSISTANTSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS

In many cases, the academic departments outside the normal financial aid channels handle assistantships and fellowships. Ask the department specifically how to apply. Many departments will grant assistant ships and fellowships in March.  For more information regarding financial aid for graduate school, visit: FinAid.com

FINANCIAL AID FORMS

Application for financial aid is not automatic. If you need assistance, make sure you obtain the proper application forms as early as possible. Deadlines for financial aid applications often come as early as the January preceding your expected enrollment date.

As with other forms, these should be filled out as neatly and completely as possible. Many schools are now utilizing the Graduate and Professional School Financial Aid Service (GAPSFAS) for determining financial aid distribution. Check with the Financial Aid Office for application material. If they can not provide you with the proper forms you may obtain them by writing or calling:

Graduate and Professional School Financial Aid Service
Box 2614
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
1 (800) 448-4631

APPLICATION FEES

Many schools will not act on your application until they have received your fee. If you cannot afford the fees find out if the school(s) have a "Fee Waiver" policy. Some schools will waive the fee if you can establish that you (and/or your family) do not have sufficient economic resources to pay the fee. Do this as early in the process as possible. Each school will have a different policy, so, check with all of them. NOTE: Application fees are non-refundable.

FINANCIAL AID FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

See Book 1 of Peterson's Graduate and Professional Programs. The library also has other resource books available about financing a graduate school education.