How to Build a Graduate Application
To build a graduate school application portfolio you will need to write several essays. Most graduate programs require at least a Statement of Academic Purpose (SOAP) and a Personal Statement. Each program will have different prompts for the Statement of Academic Purpose and Personal Statements. Be sure to check for these before submitting your Statement of Academic Purpose and Personal Statement to each school. Also be aware that this means you will have to edit these essays to meet the requirements for each school. You will also need to develop a curriculum vitae (CV) which is a resume that lists all your academic accomplishments.
What Is A Statement of Academic Purpose (SOAP)?
A statement of academic purpose is generally and essay in which you outline you specific research interests. This is an opportunity to showcase who you are as a scholar. Explain what research you would like to develop in your graduate work and explain how you came to develop your specific research interest. It is also the place where you will explain why the school and program you are applying to are the place for you to develop your research. You should mention at least three professors and their research to explain how your own research interests fit into their work.
What Is A Personal Statement?
The title of this essay is bit deceiving as it is not necessarily a place for you to share personal information about yourself. Rather, your personal statement should convey a message about your academic achievements and talents. Within your personal statement you should detail the things you have accomplished and how these relate to your ability to be successful within a graduate program. You should also detail any work or projects you have done that have helped to develop your skills as a researcher.
What Is a Curriculum Vitae?
A curriculum vitae is a resume that details your academic achievements and experience. This is where you will list your degrees and the dates you received them, as well as any academic work you have done. You should also list any conferences you have presented at, as well as any conferences you have attended. Attending conferences illustrates that you are an engaged and driven scholar so make sure to include these. Also on your CV should be any awards or scholarships you have received as well as any school organizations with which you are involved. If you have done any volunteer or charity work, it should be listed on your CV as well.
Letters of Recommendation?
For most graduate schools you will need letters of recommendation from professors who know you and your work ethic well. These should be professors from you current institution whom you have worked with within the last few years. If you plan to apply for graduate school it is good to keep this in mind and develop relationships with your professors so that they know you and your goals well enough to write about you. Make sure that you reach out to your possible recommenders early.
Give recommenders a month or two to write the letter and submit. Rather than sending an email to ask for letters of recommendation reach out to your professors in person. You will want to provide your recommenders with a statement of academic purpose. Also provide them with information about any academic awards or achievements you have.
Give recommenders a list of the schools you are applying to along with the program names and addresses. Include information about which classes you have taken with them and your grade in those courses. You can also let them know what it is you would like them to include in the letter, such as information about your work ethic. The submission process for letters of recommendation will vary from program to program so it is important to begin your application as soon as possible.
You can begin your application and add things to it over a period of months. Do not hesitate to create a profile and begin the application process for your schools early. You will need contact information including name and email for each of your recommenders.
Research?
A strong graduate school application showcases your ability to do research. You should look into programs and opportunities for conducting research at your undergraduate university so that you can begin getting the experience needed to excel in graduate school. It is also important to have a clear idea for what research you would like to conduct in graduate school.
What Is A Writing Sample?
A graduate school application writing sample is how the admission committee will gauge your ability to write professionally. This can be an original essay you write specifically for your application, or it can be a prior work you have completed. If you have the opportunity to conduct research, your research paper is an excellent writing sample to submit. Be sure to start the application early so that you know the requirements for the writing sample for each program you are applying to.
Transcripts?
You will also need to include transcripts for all schools you have attended in your portfolio—this is a requirement for just about every graduate program. Make sure that you request transcripts from each of the schools you have attended well ahead of the deadline.