Tips on Applying to Graduate School

Before you even begin……

1.      Take a Deep Breath

2.      Remember how much you want this

3.      Make sure you stay organized

4.      Keep a Sweet treat in the kitchen for those stressful days

5.      Find something to distract you from the stress/nerves like: a TV show, the gym, hanging with friends, anything you like and do this at least once a week!!!

6.      Remember you can do anything you put your mind to and keep focused on the goal =)

To start….

1.      Look into the schools you want to apply to and make a word document with their deadlines, admissions requirements, and address! This will help you in the long run. Organization is your best friend! Don’t be afraid to apply to schools far away or a lot of schools. (How competitive your program is will be a deciding factor on how many schools you apply to).

2.      Research if you are required to take the GRE’s, MAT, or GMAT for your program. Register for your test early, and remember not everyone is a great standardized test taker (I personally stink). Go in with an open mind the first time and try your best. Treat yourself to drinks, ice cream, or a nice dinner after!

-Tip for the GRE’s: if you know where you want to apply send your scores the day you take your test. You will save yourself $100 because you can send them to four schools. Each time you send your scores it $25.

3.      Ask your recommenders if they will write your letters of recommendation early, you want to give them plenty of time! Make them a folder with your resume, description of what you want to go to grad school for, un-official transcripts, the schools and their deadlines you are applying to, along with envelopes with an address and stamp for the school. This makes their lives easier, which ultimately makes yours easier. Less hassle for them means the better your letter could be, the quicker they could send it out, and the more appreciative that person is of your organization.

4.      Start writing your resume and personal statements! Bring these to the career center to get looked at. Christy Cunningham is AMAZING at Stockton!! Go early though, September-October would be great! Each school is different and will require different essays. Also be on the lookout for two essays for some schools

Tips:           -The hardest thing to do is write about yourself, don’t get discouraged!

- Make your personal statement unique and different!

- Add meaningful experiences, research topics that interest you, and things that make you a unique candidate. Schools want to see what you can bring to their program.

- You have to think like this; if there are 300 applicants applying for 30 spots, why should they pick you?

5.      For very competitive programs like Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy start the process early!! Some schools use general applications such as CSDCAS, OTCAS, and PTCAS. Start these applications very early on. In addition, when you are submitting them I would recommend to do so at least two months before your deadline. It can take some time for your application to be verified from them and sent to your school.

Final Advice

-          Stay organized

-          Submit your best work, proofread everything AT LEAST twice. Then have someone else proofread it!

-          Take your time, do not rush through the application process.

-          Go see the schools you’re applying to! A school can look pretty and sound great online however, seeing it first-hand and speaking with faculty can completely change your mind!

-          Apply to a random school down south or out west, do not be afraid to take a chance.

-          Remember you can do this, this is step one to your dream career!

 I hope you find this information helpful =)

-Jessica