Graduate School Applications

The Nuts and Bolts of Graduate School Applications

This guide provides an overview of the graduate school application process, the materials required to apply and best practices for how to navigate it all.

Before You Apply

  • Do your homework
    • Consider these questions: Why graduate school? Which degree and field or subfield are right for you? The answers will help you identify the types of schools and programs would be the best fit.
    • Identify your values and needs to help with your search. These include such factors as location, cost and amenities.
    • Create a spreadsheet or document to track how each school you are considering applying to measures up to your values and needs. You should also document application requirements, costs, deadlines and any other information that is important to you. Seeing it all in one place will allow you to compare and contrast all of the options.
  • Outreach
    • For research-based programs, contact faculty you might want to work with and ask if they are accepting students for your intended semester. Faculty members may be on leave, retiring or not have room to mentor additional students, so knowing this allows you to make an informed decision about whether to apply.
    • In addition to asking whether they are taking on students, you can ask questions about the program or inquire about their research. This contact can also help you assess how student-oriented the programs are, learn which mentors are available, and connect with those who may be reviewing applications later.

Completing The Application

Below are the most common materials required for graduate applications as well as information about how to obtain or create them:

  • Transcripts
    • An official transcript will be required by the institution where you choose to enroll. First, assess how your current and prior institutions send transcripts. What is the cost?
    • Will schools you are applying to accept a copy? If yes, request one copy and upload to all application portals.
    • Transcripts
  • Test scores
    • Verify which schools require the GRE or GMAT and track the costs associated with sending scores. Often, the testing fee includes the ability to send to a designated number of schools, although additional schools will incur costs.
    • Guidance on Test Scores for Graduate Applications
  • Personal statement
    • This is your opportunity to pitch yourself. Who are you? What are your strengths and goals? Our Personal Statement Guide will give a much deeper dive on this important component of your application.
  • CV or résumé
    • Curricula vitae and résumés are formatted differently; verify which document type each school requires.

  • Recommendation letters
  • Writing sample
    • Whatever you submit should demonstrate proficiency in the writing style that will be expected in your program. For example, it’s a good idea to submit a short story to an MFA program in creative writing, but consider an honors thesis or term paper for a program in sociology.
  • Additional requirements for international students
    • In addition to these other materials, international students must demonstrate English proficiency and proof of financial support. See our admissions page for more information.
  • Application Fee
    • Most institutions will charge an application fee. ’s fee is $75. 
    • You can submit you application before test scores and recommendation letters have been sent, although you should follow up if they haven’t been received prior to the deadline.

Interviews

Some programs will host an interview or admitted students day, though this will vary by discipline and school.

  • What should you do to prepare?
    • Familiarize yourself on the details of program/institution by reviewing their website 
    • Practice standard questions which can be found in our Interview Guide or online.
    • Remember, you are interviewing them too! Prepare questions to ask, and make sure these questions aren’t easily answered by looking at their website. What do you really want to learn about the program? 
    • Consider how you feel about the campus or department and the people you are interacting with. Are you satisfied with the answers to your questions? Can you see yourself living there? Do you feel the program will aide you in achieving your goals?

Evaluating Your Options

Hopefully, you receive a number of offers to join graduate school programs. How do you decide which is the right one for you?

  • Return to your values and needs
    • Ask yourself: How does each school measure up on the things that are important to you?
    • Which school provides the best fit to meet your academic and research needs?
    • Which school has the best fit related to your personal, social and community needs?
  • Consider overall financial picture
    • Is the program offering you any funding?
    • What are the costs of tuition and fees? Which are you responsible for?
    • What is the cost of living in that area?
    • Will you need to take out loans?

Frequently Asked Questions