Graduate School Information
What is required to apply for admission to the Graduate School?
Requirements will vary by institution.
Bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution
Standardized test scores (e.g. GRE, GMAT)
Letters of recommendation (usually three)
Writing sample, portfolio or audition
Additional graduate program application
What to do: End of Junior Year / Summer Before Senior Year
Narrow the number of institutions you are interested in:
Talk with your advisor, other faculty/staff
Talk to graduate students on your area of interest
Review publications such as Peterson’s Guide and U.S. News & World Report
Make campus visits
Consult college catalogs
Seek alumni recommendations
Letters of recommendation:
Carefully choose recommenders
Avoid using “influential” people or friends
Ask faculty members who know you, your work, goals and accomplishments
Keep in contact with faculty recommenders during your junior and senior years
Ask the recommenders to include specifics, such as class rank, comparison ratings or specific research experience
Highlight accomplishments not readily seen in the rest of the application
Give recommenders lead time / provide postage
Arrange for one extra letter as “insurance”
What to do: Early Fall
Obtain application materials:
Attend graduate and professional school recruiting fairs to obtain application materials
Before attending, research schools that interest you
GRE Student Search Service matches prospective students with universities that provide application materials
Send for application materials and catalogs
Use the Internet to locate information and obtain application materials
Carefully review application materials for information and requirements (e.g. have you completed the necessary prerequisites or is experience required?)
Take the GRE or GMAT if required. For information contact Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541, Phone: 609-921-9000
GRE general test is given by computer only, subject tests are administered by paper
Start drafting your statement of purpose
Consider financial aid options
What to do: Mid to Late Fall
Complete application forms:
The graduate application process is more interactive than the undergraduate process
Follow directions / proofread
Copy everything you submit
Note deadlines and apply early
When the application is submitted:
Submit application fee
Statement of objectives:
Clearly state area of interest
State long term goals
Opportunity to state educational / research accomplishments related to goals
Include awards, literary prizes, publications
Outline any teaching experience
List language skills
List leadership roles / volunteer work
Focus on the positive
Tailor to the specific program; mention faculty with whom you would like to study
Follow directions (i.e. answer specific questions)
Use correct paragraph construction, spelling and grammar to demonstrate writing ability
Length: brief but informative, and stay within any stated page limits
What to do: Winter
Final admission decision
Financial aid awards
By agreement of all universities in the national Council of Graduate Schools,
financial aid accepted on or after April 15 is a firm commitment
Role of The Graduate School vs. graduate programs:
Applications processed by The Graduate School Office of Admissions
Admission decisions made by graduate programs
Official notification of admission decision comes from The Graduate School of Admissions
Select your graduate program:
Program should closely match your interests
Consider the cost of living and tuition expenses vs. availability of funding
Location
Consider the quality of programs, rankings
Ask faculty for advice
Following admission: If you are admitted, we encourage you to visit our campus and speak with faculty and students in your prospective graduate program. We believe this is the best way for you to assess the quality and environment of our programs.
Copyright 2005 Regents of the University of Minnesota.