No matter your area of interest, getting the best-paying job in many sectors requires an advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), in 2022, workers with graduate degrees (master's, professional, and doctoral degrees) had the highest earnings potential and the lowest unemployment rates.
So, getting into graduate school can be a great way to propel your career forward. But you may not know where to start or how to get into graduate school. This article will outline not only how to get into graduate school but how to get into a good grad school and how to get into a master’s program that suits your needs and career interests.
Below are some common graduate school requirements, as well as applying to graduate school tips, including researching graduate programs to be sure you find the graduate program that is right for you.
Common Graduate School Requirements
Application requirements for graduate school programs can differ greatly but certain requirements are common. Meeting these requirements first is key in how to get into a graduate program that is right for you. We’ll provide more applying to grad school tips below.
- Official transcript and undergraduate degree: Whether it’s an application for a master’s, Ph.D., or doctoral degree program, you will need your undergraduate degree and official transcript. You will also need to meet the minimum GPA requirements, which are typically 3.0 or higher.
- Letters of recommendation: Graduate programs typically require one or more strong letters of recommendation that highlight your personal experiences, academic background, and professional experiences. You might need to submit two or more letters depending on the school. Building strong relationships with professors or mentors who can provide detailed and positive letters of recommendation is important. Choose individuals who know your academic abilities and can speak to your potential for success in graduate school.
- Standardized tests: Many graduate programs require standardized tests such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Familiarize yourself with the test format and consider taking practice tests to improve your scores.
- Resume: A resume is a common requirement for getting into graduate school. It is a summary of your professional and educational experience that highlights your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, and any publications or presentations you have made. Tailor your resume/CV to each program, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with their specific requirements.
- Personal statement: Last but most importantly, most graduate school applications require a personal statement or cover letter that discusses your interests in the program. This essay covers relevant experiences, career plans, educational competencies, and your passion for the subject you will study in the graduate program.
So, now you know what you will need, where do you begin? Here are a few critical next steps in how to get into grad school, possibly even the graduate program of your dreams.
Do your homework.
There are no shortcuts. Your first step is to research graduate school programs in the fields of your interests and career goals. Look for graduate school programs with a strong reputation and faculty who are conducting research in your area. Putting together a good application – one that gets noticed - is the product of careful planning and understanding how your needs fit with the program to which you are applying.
Choosing the right graduate school program can be key to your future academic and career success. Consider graduation timelines, curriculum, research opportunities, and thesis requirements. Get in touch with the graduate program department and admissions office. Looking up potential career trajectories and opportunities is another essential factor to consider while choosing a graduate school program.
Start early.
Your undergraduate years are the best time to start planning for and determining if you plan to apply to a graduate school program. You can strengthen your graduate school application by taking a few key steps during this time. Identify mentors, attend graduate school preparation events on campus, gather information on programs you may be interested in, and gather your application materials to be ready to meet the appropriate deadlines. But if you didn’t prepare during your undergraduate years, don’t worry. You can catch up, but you will want to get started as soon as possible.
Request transcripts and letters well in advance.
Within reason, it’s always best to request a letter of recommendation well in advance. Professors often have to write many letters every year so the more time you give them, the better. A standard rule of thumb is at least six weeks before the deadline.
Once the recommender agrees, it is perfectly okay to follow up with a reminder when the deadline approaches. Just be sure you aren’t overdoing it with a daily email. A note a week before and a few days before the deadline should suffice.
The same goes for transcripts. Don’t wait until the last minute to request official transcripts from your previous institutions. Requests should be submitted at least one month prior to the deadline and possibly even more to provide even more of a cushion. This allows for bureaucratic missteps or items being lost in the mail but not holding up your application.
Have the tools you need.
Graduate programs often expect you to have certain skills by the end of your undergraduate career so find out what is needed in your field to be sure that you’ve taken the right courses to prepare you with the right skills. You don’t want to have to play catch-up once you get accepted.
Take professional-level courses in the department.
Distinguish yourself by taking advanced-level courses where possible. This can better position you to get into the graduate school program of your choice. Don’t overlook the tougher courses, like junior seminars, senior colloquiums, or any course specially tailored to your major.
Sample graduate-level courses too.
Get a taste of graduate school or graduate-level research early by signing up for a graduate course as a senior. Especially if there is one in the field of your interest. You can also try to find an internship or opportunity to work with a faculty member working in your field. You are gaining valuable experience while also building important relationships that can help you down the road with your application.
Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application.
Your personal statement is one of the most crucial components in how to get into a master’s program. The statement should be about you, your skills, and your potential, as well as why you are interested in a graduate school program and field of study. Talk about your motivation and career goals.
Explain how what you have learned and done has led to your current interests and prepared you for graduate school. And be sure to do your homework and know a bit about the program to which you are applying. Share why you have chosen to apply to that particular graduate school program. If possible, mention any faculty with whom you may be interested in working. Include aspects of the school and program that you admire.
Network, network, network. Build connections with graduate faculty.
A graduate degree, especially in research or thesis-based programs, requires you to work closely with your graduate advisor. Grad program faculty also play a major role in determining whether you get into their programs. By building personal connections, you will increase your chances of acceptance. Network with faculty and professionals: Attend conferences, seminars, or events in your field to network with professionals and faculty members from your target programs. Building connections can potentially lead to valuable recommendations or insights into the admissions process.
Tailor your application materials.
Customize your application materials, including your CV/resume, personal statement, and any supplemental essays, to each specific program. Highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that are most applicable to each program's focus.
Write for a mainstream audience, avoid jargon.
Be sure to avoid overly arcane, discipline-specific language or jargon in your materials. Many of the people who will be reviewing your statement may not be experts in your field. Provide proper context about yourself and your life experiences and how it fits with the work you want to do. Why is your approach different or significant?
Highlight your experience and be specific.
Use strong, action-oriented language to describe your experience and provide specifics wherever possible. Pay special attention to any experiences that are clearly relevant to the program you are applying to. Make sure to put a spotlight on work you have done that helped you hone specific skills you will need in the graduate school program to which you are applying. The best graduate school application is one that tailors your background and accomplishments to the specific requirements and skills the program is seeking in an applicant.
Meet every deadline.
Make sure to carefully note the application deadlines for each program you are interested in and submit your application well before the deadline. Missing a deadline could disqualify you from consideration. You don’t all your hard work to go to waste.
Prepare for interviews.
Some programs may require interviews or entrance exams as part of the admissions process. If you are invited for an interview, practice beforehand by researching common interview questions and preparing thoughtful responses. For entrance exams, follow any recommended study materials or guidelines provided by the program.
Be prepared to talk about your research interest, as well as how your educational and professional background has prepared you for graduate study. Also, be sure to note why this particular program is a good fit for you. If you are applying to the same institution where you did your undergraduate degree, explain why you think that institution and this program is still the right one for graduate study.
Missteps to Avoid.
Just like there are certain things you must do to get into the graduate school program of your choice, there are also a number of things you must avoid at all costs to prevent you from being promptly excluded. Here are a few pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Not following directions / Leaving items out of the application.
Most schools provide very clear and specific directions on what they want you to do and how they would like it done. It’s critical that you follow these directions and don’t deviate from what those expectations are. You may think that it will make you stand out but what it will actually do is signal that you can’t follow basic instructions, a red flag for many decision-makers. Stand out through excellent work and in your personal statement, not by flouting the requirements or rules and “doing your own thing” to get noticed.
Too much information or unprofessional language.
As indicated previously, you definitely want to reveal your personality through your application. But there is a line you do not want to cross. Always maintain a professional tone of voice in your writing and do not veer into personal details of your life or experiences that serve no purpose. Personal experiences that have a direct bearing on your abilities and your interest in the field are fine. For example, if you have overcome personal hardships or obstacles, that may be appropriate. But always vet these sections with a trusted advisor to be sure you are not veering into territory that is best left off a graduate school application.
Never tell a lie.
Perhaps you’ve heard stories of others who have embellished their resumes or other application materials and gotten away with it. Do not be tempted to try it. The risk is absolutely not worth it. If your deception is discovered, your application will immediately be tossed or your offer rescinded. And this type of situation can follow you and hurt you later in your career. You want to get into a program that is right for you. Not one based on a lie about who you think you should be.
Finally, don’t give up!
Remember, the admissions process can be subjective, and there are various factors that go into a decision. Don't be discouraged if you receive a rejection from one program. Keep working on strengthening your profile and applying to multiple programs to maximize your chances of getting accepted. Good luck!
