Graduate School Guide

The Application Process

Obviously, different schools have different application procedures and questions. These comments pertain to those that are fairly common.

This is a multi-step process that can be broken down into individual categories. Realize steps need to be completed simultaneously, and keep copies of everything you send out.

The Application | Resume/Curriculum Vitae | Career Goals Statement | Why I am Applying to Your Program 
Letters of Recommendation | Transcripts | The Waiting Period | Selection Interviews | Accepting and Declining

The Application

Use a computer or typewriter . The neatness (or lack thereof) speaks directly for you, especially if you are not interviewing at that school. It will be an indication of how dedicated you are to the process of applying, your work style, your desire to go to that school, etc. Give yourself two months to prepare applications and set a schedule for yourself. Be sure to include the application fee with the application when you send each one out.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

This is not necessary, but it is recommended. If your resume is neat, concise, and speaks well of you as a candidate for the program, use it. Include research, work, honors, training and anything pertaining to your specialty. Your resume will probably not help if it has no "relevant" information (info directly related to your intended field of study). If you have significant relevant experience, consider doing a curriculum vitae which is a style of resume unique to academia. See in CRC library as well as our resume guide.

Career Goals Statement

Most, if not all, schools will ask for a statement regarding your goals and perhaps experience which led you to your decision to apply to graduate school. Take this assignment VERY SERIOUSLY. A well-written, well- thought-out statement may not override below-average grades and test scores, but a poorly-written essay will greatly hurt your chances of acceptance. 

Stick to the requested information. Be honest and straight-forward. Say what is relevant. Don't feel bad if you think you have little experience and little to say about yourself. Admissions committees are looking for good candidates who will adapt well, be committed, enhance the program and who seem to "fit" their program. They do not expect you to know "everything" upon entrance.

Why I am Applying to Your Program Statement

This is also a very important part of the application process. If you have done your research on the programs, you already know what attracted you so this should be relatively easy. If the goals and philosophy of the school appeal to you and you like certain opportunities that are being offered, say it in a concise manner. See Donald Asher and other CRC resources. 

Letters of Recommendation

Ask for these approximately two months before you will need them. Find professors or other recommendors who are qualified to speak about your potential in your chosen field of study. Professors are generally best because they are familiar with your academics, study habits, work philosophy and research. Ask your recommendors if they feel they know you well enough to write a fairly in-depth description of your qualifications. This is very important because of the weight these letters carry in the final admissions decisions.

You may find the Credential Service offered by the CRC to be beneficial. By submitting a simple form and fee, the credential coordinator will send the specified number of letters to the graduate schools you choose. Pick up an info sheet at the CRC or call for further information.  You may send e-mail to the Credential Service Coordinator at ascholar@wesleyan.edu.

Transcripts

The Registrar at Wesleyan handles requests and charges a fee. Requests must be made in writing. If you studied abroad or at another institution, you will need to obtain your transcripts from these schools. Keep in mind the time overseas mail will take.

The Waiting Period

The wait seems to go on forever. Do not expect to hear from schools any sooner than mid-March unless the school indicated that they will notify you sooner. Wait for the return of the postcards you will have self-addressed and sent with the application forms. (These postcards come with the applications.) If you don't get these back in 2-3 weeks, or if a school does not use them, you may want to call to check the status of your file.

Selection Interviews

Again, if you did your homework on each school, you should be prepared for the interview. Review your application, statement of goals, etc. Think of questions you would like to ask. Be able to give an accurate appraisal of your weaknesses as well as your strengths. Be tactful and relaxed. Avoid name dropping and elaborate attempts at impressing the interviewers.

Few schools reimburse for travel costs. This is another expenditure you will want to keep in mind.

Accepting and Declining

Most schools begin notifying students of decisions mid-to-late March. Schools offering fellowships or assistantships for the following academic year make their first offer before April 1. You usually have until the 15th of April to decide. Even as an alternate, schools may ask you to make a decision as soon as possible as to whether you would accept an offer from them should one become available.

In declining, be considerate and don't make schools wait more than a few days, if possible. Remember, other students want those spots you will eventually decline. Putting off your decision leaves someone else in limbo.

Do not take your obligation lightly once you accept an offer. Stick to the terms of your agreement. Word gets around and backing out of an agreement may endanger your chances elsewhere. Attempts to be released from agreements after April 15 will most likely endanger your status at other schools.

Do not be discouraged if you haven't had an offer by April 15. Openings occur all the time and new opportunities open as government grants are announced. Sometimes offers will be made as late as September 1st.

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