Applying to graduate school can be daunting; the process is often complicated and fraught with unwritten “rules” and insider norms. Prospective applicants often rely on word-of-mouth rumors in online forums and social media to put their applications together. I love conversations that start with “I heard that ….” to find out about the latest rumors. I can help set the record straight and provide accurate and honest information about what to put front and center in your applications. Not all rumors are unfounded, and there are some common mistakes that many applicants make that can seriously hurt their chances of getting accepted. In this blog post, we'll look at some of the most common mistakes to avoid when applying to graduate school.
Failing to do your research: One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is not doing enough research on the programs they are applying to. It's important to understand the requirements for admission and research the faculty, the curriculum, and the overall culture of the program. This will help you craft a stronger application and ensure that you apply to programs that fit your goals and interests well. Time and time again, I heard admission committee members say, “this one did their homework and went on our website!” It’s important to show admission committee members that your goals and interest align with their program and that you will contribute to their program and the university community.
Not taking standardized tests seriously: While standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT may not be the only factor in the admissions decision, they are still an important part of the application (if they are required). Failing to prepare properly or not taking these tests seriously can hurt your chances of acceptance. Make sure to set aside enough time to study and take practice tests, and consider taking the test more than once if you don't get the score you were hoping for. Read more about the holistic approach to graduate school admissions here.
Submitting a weak statement of purpose: Your statement is a crucial part of your application, allowing you to showcase your personality, goals, and passion for your field. Failing to put in the effort to write a strong, well-written statement can seriously hurt your chances of getting accepted. Make sure to take the time to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and achievements. Read more about crafting a strong statement of purpose here.
Not following application instructions: Each graduate program will have its own set of instructions and requirements for the application. Failing to follow these instructions can make a negative impression on the admissions committee, as it shows that you either didn't read or didn't care about the instructions. Make sure to carefully read and follow all instructions to ensure that your application is complete and stands the best chance of success.
Relying too much on others: While it's important to get feedback and advice from others when crafting your application, relying too heavily on others can actually hurt your application. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who can demonstrate their own independent thinking and initiative. Make sure to take ownership of your application and ensure that it truly represents your strengths and goals. This is at the center of what I strive to achieve in my coaching and advising services with the students I work with. Your voice should shine through in your statement of purpose.
Submitting incomplete or inaccurate information: Failing to submit all of the required materials or submitting inaccurate information can seriously hurt your chances of getting accepted. Make sure to carefully check and double-check all materials before submitting your application to ensure that everything is complete and accurate. For example, many students use the same statement of purpose for every school they apply to (another mistake) and fail to tailor their statements to each of the programs. When I was at Stanford, I remember reading essays where other schools were listed in the essay since the applicant failed to update this information. Although admission committee members are aware that applicants apply to multiple programs, it is important to ensure that all materials are accurate and complete.
If you have questions about the graduate school admissions process, feel free to reach out for a free 30-minute consultation. During our meeting, we will discuss your circumstances and brainstorm ways to strengthen your application.
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