Most applications for graduate school require the following documents:
1. An application form, listing personal data and educational and/or professional background information
2. Official transcripts of college-level academic work, from each institution attended
3. Standardized test scores
4. Letters of recommendation/recommendation forms
5. Statement of purpose or a personal statement
6. Other materials may be required by specific programs, such as a resume, writing sample, or proof of professional licensing.
When completing your application:
· Provide complete and accurate information. Your application is not complete until ALL required documents have been received by the school.
· Type or write neatly. If your application isn't readable, it rcs data can't be evaluated.
· Consistently spell out your full legal name on all forms.
· Don't wait for deadlines -- get all necessary materials submitted as early as possible.
· Be organized when compiling materials for your application packet and make copies of everything you send in.
Transcripts and Grades
Transcripts submitted with your application packet must be official. If the transcript is provided to you for inclusion in your application packet, be sure NOT to open the envelope. You should, however, request a student copy to review it for accuracy. Schools usually look for an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater, but can be impressed by a pattern of improvement. Depending on the particular graduate program, the school may also consider your GPA for course work in your major or in grades for individual courses related to the graduate program.
Standardized Test Scores
Check admissions requirements to determine which (if any) standardized tests are required (e.g., GRE, GRE subject, GMAT, Miller Analogies Test). As it may take up to six weeks for a school to receive official test scores, be sure to take tests well in advance of the application deadline. Don't overstress about taking standardized tests. They are just one factor in the admission decision, and you can prepare for them, either on your own or by enrolling in a test preparation workshop. Practice test-taking skills; train to work under pressure and time constraints; and complete sample questions to become familiar with the kinds of questions and the format of the test.