Before an applicant begins the process of ordering transcripts and GRE scores, he or she must first implement a clear plan. Given the numbers of materials and dates that must be sorted, setting up an application plan the summer before the process begins can help students as they embark upon the admissions journey.
Set up a Graduate Application Spreadsheet
Because each graduate school will have different requirements, deadlines, and fees, an important first step is to set up a spreadsheet. Based on the student's needs, the spreadsheet can include a number of different columns, but the categories discussed below should be included for all schools. Although it can seem like a lot of work to set up an application spreadsheet, this step can save students a lot of time and energy later in the process.
Important Categories: University Name and Application Date
The first column should reflect the name of the university in bold. Then, the following column should have the application deadline. Be sure to check that the deadline for the current year is reflected. Some schools, unfortunately, are slow to update the application information on their admissions page. When in doubt, directly contact the school to ensure that the correct application deadline is displayed.
Transcripts, GRE Scores, and Recommendation Letters
The next few columns can appear in any order depending on the student's preferences. One column should certainly consist of transcripts, and the student should indicate how many copies are required by each school.
The same process should be followed for GRE scores. Some school require both the standard GRE and the subject GRE, while others only require the general GRE. Given how expensive the application process will be, it's best to ensure that money isn't wasted on meeting this requirement.
In addition, graduate schools vary greatly in their requirements for recommendation letters. At the beginning of the process, the student will only need to note the number of letters that are needed. As the process continues, make sure to update this section with the names of the appropriate professors. Since some students apply to numerous schools, it helps to know which professors are writing letters for which schools.
Graduate School Applications: Final Tips
As the student fulfills the requirement in each box, he or she should then highlight that cell to indicate that the element has been met. This step will not only keep the student organized but also will encourage him or her by showing the progress that has been made.
Applying to graduate school is a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process because of the number of different requirements by each school. Starting early, ideally, the year before, and setting up an application spreadsheet can greatly reduce the stress of balancing the different materials and dates.
Sara Dustin - Sara Dustin is a Ph.D. student and university instructor. As an undergraduate, she double majored in English and history at Presbyterian ...
