The Graduate School Application Process: Climbing the Paperwork Mountain Dallas TX

The Graduate School Application Process: Climbing the Paperwork Mountain

One of the most daunting elements of the application process—whether your seeking a masters degree or doctoral degree—is the paperwork. Fortunately, nearly all graduate school applications have the same basic ingredients:

• Transcript

• GRE or other standardized test scores

• Letters of recommendation

• Personal statement and/or admissions essay

• Know your deadlines. Your graduate school search is too important for you to waste time and energy. Since a late application will likely result in disqualification, be sure to get your materials to your candidate schools as early as possible. Timely presentation of materials also illustrates your commitment.

• The transcript tango.  While most graduate schools will request your transcript from the institution where you did your undergraduate work, some prefer that you obtain and assemble all the needed materials in a complete application package. Be sure you know the requirements of your candidate schools before calling the Registrar’s Office at your undergrad institutions to request materials.

• Nothing worthwhile is free. Application fees can range between $30 and $75 per application. If you believe you may qualify for a free waiver, check with the graduate admissions offices of your candidate schools.

• The numbers game: Test scores. Almost all graduate schools ask applicants for applicable standardized test.

Author: Kimberly Marcelliano

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