Many schools have applications available on their Web site for downloading. Some schools prefer the application be typed or neatly hand-written. Apply as early as possible – particularly if there is a rolling admissions process.

Schools typically require 2-4 letters of recommendation from current or former professors. In choosing your writers, remember that your graduate school is looking to assess your potential as a student and a scholar, so letters from faculty are stronger than letters from past employers or supervisors. Letters are more valuable to the evaluator if they are written by people who know you well and can evaluate your work. (Do not focus on people with important titles- solicit writers who know your work and can provide examples to illustrate your strengths.)

Provide your letter writers with a resume, list of activities, your graduate school essay and other pertinent information that can help them write a strong letter. Make an appointment with your writers to discuss your goals and reasons for applying to schools.

Give your writers a deadline and continue to check-in with them to see if they have completed the letter. To allow ample time for a response, ask your writers early in the fall semester or beforehand if he/she will be on sabbatical.

The personal essay is a critical piece of the application packet. A well-written essay could make the difference when all the static pieces of your application (GPA, test scores, etc.) are equal. Spend some time on drafting your essay. Ask several people to review and provide feedback and suggestions. Be concise, and compelling.

Consult the following online resources:

Dr. Argondezzi’a YouTube videos on writing personal statements for graduate school

 

      Personal Statements - Part 1

      Personal Statements - Part 2

 

 

 

 

https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/career-and-post-graduate-development/graduate-and-professional-school/

http://gradschool.about.com/od/essaywriting/

Research the programs where you are applying to determine if graduate testing is required or recommended. The following are the most requested graduate exams:

• GRE (for arts & science programs) https://www.ets.org/gre.html
• LSAT (for law programs) lsac.org
• MCAT (for medical school) https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam
• GMAT (for business programs) mba.com

Additional exams that may be required:

• MAT (Miller Analogies Test) http://www.milleranalogies.com
• DAT (Dental Admission Test) http://www.ada.org/101.aspx
• OAT (Optometry Admission Test) http://www.ada.org/en/oat
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) When English is not your native language. http://www.ets.org/toefl

For information on test preparation:

• Kaplan www.kaptest.com
• Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com

 

You will need to provide an official Ursinus transcript for all the schools where you apply. Requests for transcripts should be made to the Office of the Registrar. There is a $2.00 charge for each transcript requested. Contact the Registrar’s office or visit their Web site at https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/registrar/transcripts/.

You may be asked to submit a resume with your application to graduate school. Obtain a copy of the Resume Guide in the Career and Post-Graduate Development Office and draft a rough copy. Be sure you bring your rough draft to Career and Post-Graduate Development to be critiqued by a career advisor. To download a copy of the resume guide, go to https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/career-and-professional-development/resume-and-cover-letters

Some schools will require an interview for admission to their graduate programs. Others - particularly large research institutions - cannot offer personal interviews because of the volume of applications. However, it may be in your best interest to schedule time to talk with the faculty who share your research interests. If you do have an interview, be sure to prepare by researching the institution and considering what makes you a good candidate for the program. Review interviewing tips and guidelines in the Career and Post-Graduate Development office and online at https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/career-and-post-graduate-development/interviewing-and-networking/