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Application Tips

1. Seek advice from faculty mentors about suitable programs.
2. Check the Web sites of programs in your discipline.
• Examine the faculty research pages.
• Determine if there is broad diversity in the program and adequate overlap with your research interests.
3. Determine which programs suit your aims/expectations. Select 3 - 8 programs.
4. Check deadlines and requirements. Don't delay. Budget your time to compile the following items:
• Transcripts
• GRE tests
• Letters of recommendation
• Electronic application
• Personal statement/essay
5. Contact faculty for letters of recommendation. This is often viewed as the most important aspect of the application. Don't delay in requesting letters.
• Provide updated resume to the faculty who will write the letters
• Letters from science-related faculty (or employers) are the most important, not ones from English professors, soccer coaches, and dorm advisers.
• Commentary about your research performance, whether in an academic lab or in an industrial position, is critical.
6. Personal statement/essay:
• Discuss past research experience and future goals.
• Focus on technical talents and science, not arts, crafts, personal issues, and hobbies.
• Address blemishes on academic records in a direct and factual manner.
• Try to refine the letter for each program.
7. GRE scores:
• Many graduate recruiters view the GRE scores as the least important predictor of success in graduate school.
• Many programs don't require the advanced subject exams.
• Typically the verbal and quantitative scores are evaluated.

Is Graduate School the Right Path for You?

Graduate School may be the right path for you IF:

• You have an unwavering interest in research.
• You have extensive past experience with research: you know the highs, the lows, the successes, and the frustrations that go along with research.
• You are self-motivated and self-disciplined. Graduate school typically brings a fair amount of freedom and independence. Slackers will perish.
• You know how to manage your time and approach tasks efficiently. You are able to set and stick to a schedule. You are aware that research work is rarely a 9-5 job.
• You already have or are willing to develop good communication and writing skills.
• You know what areas of scientific research interest you. Graduate school is not the place to wander; it is the place to wonder.
• You can explain why an advanced degree is necessary for your career path.

Typical Time-line

• April - October (of year preceding entrance to graduate school): consult faculty mentors, visit Web sites of graduate programs, take GRE exams.
• October - December: request letters of recommendation, write personal statement/essay, arrange for transcripts to be sent.
• January/early February: deadlines for most graduate programs.
• February/March: acceptances/rejections are issued from graduate programs.
• February/March: visit programs.
• April 15: decision day!