Gannon University

  STEP 3: REVIEW ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Finding the right graduate program involves matching your criteria with what is offered or required by the school. Factors to consider include research interests of the faculty, academic reputation, size of the school/program, location, cost, availability of scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships, opportunity for internship or research, and how your academic record matches the program requirements.

RESEARCH

• Contact schools to request application materials and specific information on admissions, application fees, required tests, placement of graduates, and financial aid. Check for on-line application information.

• Confirm that you meet undergraduate course requirements and QPA standards.

• Review your qualifications and program requirements with an advisor or counselor.

•   View the Don Asher video “ Getting into Highly Competitive Graduate Schools” available in CDES.

PREPARATION

• Prepare a resume to use with admissions and scholarship applications, and to give to the individuals that agree to serve as a reference.

• Review your transcripts to identify strengths to highlight in essays, and weaknesses that may need to be addressed in an addendum or interview.

• Review applications and make certain you know how to complete each section. Consult with advisor or counselor on key sections (personal statement, career goals, letter of intent, essay questions).

• Prepare a personal statement/letter of intent/essay with the help of an advisor or career counselor. Tell a story that highlights your skills, ability, and personality as related to success in graduate school.

• Gather samples of your academic work, i.e. writing, research, and special projects to use if requested.

• Identify assistantships (teaching, research, administrative), fellowships, and investigate local, regional, and national financial aid/scholarship resources.

• Review the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .

• Determine if interview is required/recommended and prepare to make a professional presentation (see INTERVIEW section).

• Identify potential academic and professional references.

• Be prepared to meet all deadlines and registration dates. Follow-up with admissions office after you have submitted documents to be sure the documents were received.

• Be polite to all with whom you communicate, follow the guidelines established by each school, and don’t harass schools with email, letters, or phone calls requesting or providing information

ADMISSIONS TESTING

• Learn about the program accreditation and determine what role accreditation has in your career field.

• Register and prepare for the required admissions test. Contact CDES or go to test registration website.

• Begin test preparation at least six to eight weeks before the test.

• It is not in your best interest to take the test as a “practice run” and then take the test a second time “for real.” Colleges interpret retaking an admissions test differently. It is best to try to do your best the first time and retake only if necessary.

• CDES has graduate admissions test preparation books and CD’s for student use.  Also visit http://www.testprepreview.com/ for MAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and other test prep previews.

• Determine how high your test scores must be in order to be competitive.

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STEP 4: COMPLETING THE PROCESS 

An application allows you to introduce yourself to admissions officers and program chairs. Make a good first impression! Be sure that you return all required information before the application deadline. Since schools have different requirements, procedures, and deadlines, it is important to stay organized. Understand that you are evaluated based on the following: official transcript, QPA (overall and major), test scores, quality of undergraduate institution, recommendation letters, personal statement, interview, and relevant experience.

PAPERWORK

• Start the process early. The more competitive the program the earlier the deadlines.

• Make a copy of the application and fill out the copy first. If using an online application, be sure to copy it into a word document and complete it there before submitting the application.

• Consult with your advisor or career counselor to ensure it is completed properly. Complete the original.

• Add a brief addendum to the application to explain any glaring weak points, i.e. grades or test scores.

• Take care when completing paper or online applications. Check all fields for proper spelling, grammar, and information. Have your personal statement reviewed by an advisor or a career counselor.

• Retain a copy of all forms for your records.

• Request that references write a letter of recommendation. Ask at least one faculty person in your major. Provide references with reference form, a stamped envelope addressed to the school, program information, and a copy of your resume. Allow references sufficient time to complete reference form and/or write recommendation letter (minimum of two to three weeks, a month or more is recommended). NOTE: Faculty often serve as a reference for many different students; give them plenty of time to write the recommendation.

• Check all materials before sending – completed application, written statement, copy of resume, and financial aid forms.

• Submit transcript request form to Registrar’s Office.

• Send all materials together and contact the school to verify that the application arrived.

• Contact the school with specific questions about how and when the school makes its admission decisions. This can often be done online. Do not be intrusive.

DECIDING WHICH SCHOOL TO CHOOSE

• Colleges will notify you that you have been “accepted,” “wait-listed,” or “not accepted.” If wait-listed, the college will provide information regarding future action. Wait-listed students are often not offered a spot until a month or two before classes begin.

• Weigh your options once you have received acceptances, assistantships, and financial awards.

• Be aware of deadlines for accepting the offer.

• Discuss all aspects of the offer with advisor or counselor before deciding.

• Once you have accepted an offer, make the necessary deposit to hold your enrollment. Promptly and courteously notify other schools where you were accepted of your decision (this allows schools to contact wait-listed individuals).

• Inform your references of your decision and thank all those who helped you through the process.

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THE INTERVIEW

Some schools require an interview and some make it optional or do not require one at all. The more prestigious the school or program the more likely an interview is a required part of the admission process. Programs in Psychology, Social Work, and Education will often require an interview. Medical and law programs usually require an interview and those offered an interview represent the top candidates. If a school does not require an interview it is advisable for the applicant to request an interview/meeting with the program director. This can be arranged when you schedule a visit to the campus.

PURPOSE

The purpose of an interview is to allow the admissions committee to learn more about the applicant and allow the applicant to learn more about the program so both the school and the applicant can make informed decisions.

• The interview does not guarantee an offer.

•   Applicant must be able to demonstrate the necessary academic, interpersonal, and communication skills to be successful in a particular program.

• Admissions committee may address any concerns noted from the application.

• Applicant can emphasize or clarify parts of his/her application.

• Applicant needs to show personality, knowledge, skill, and motivation.

• Preparation, practice, and patience are a necessity in making a professional presentation.

• Nervousness is part of the territory and can be minimized with proper preparation.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN INVITED TO AN INTERVIEW IT MEANS YOU ARE A VIABLE CANDIDATE.  

TIPS

BE NICE – Treat everyone with whom you speak, on the phone or in person, with respect and courtesy. A dean, an admissions counselor, or a receptionist can provide feedback that will impact the admissions decision. Make every contact a positive one.

INTERVIEW ATTIRE – Conservative dress is recommended. Wear a navy blue or dark gray suit for men and a business style dress or pants suit for women. Keep jewelry, perfume/cologne, and accessories to a minimum. If new, practice wearing the interview clothes for an afternoon to be sure they are comfortable, and if anything is not just right (collar, skirt, shoes), then you can fix it. Your attire makes a statement that you are serious about making the transition from college to the professional/graduate school.

RESEARCH THE SCHOOL – Go to the website and check out all the pages besides the admissions page. Pay attention to faculty and research information, as well as what is making the news, on and off-campus. What do department, faculty, student, and course websites say about the school?  Develop questions based on what you learn from your research.

HAVE A PLAN – Be sure to review all application materials. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can you emphasize the strengths and address the weaknesses? What stories can you tell that will highlight your academic background, technical skills, motivation, personality, or career goals? Taking the time to evaluate your background and develop results-oriented answers to potential interview questions is important. Visit websites on graduate school interviewing to familiarize yourself with possible interview questions.

PRACTICE – Schedule a mock interview with a career counselor. This exercise will help you to identify your strengths and areas where you can improve your presentation. Developing effective skills will help to reduce anxiety and make you more competitive. Presenting well at the interview can increase your chances of acceptance, particularly if your grades or test scores are not as competitive as other applicants.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The following are some question you might be asked:

• Tell me a little about yourself.

• What are your reasons for wanting to be in this profession?

• Who has most influenced your career decision?

• What is a serious problem facing this profession?

• What are your thoughts on …(a career specific issue or topic)?

• What undergraduate classes were the most challenging?

• Talk about a time when a faculty member criticized your work. How did you handle it?

• What is your greatest strength? Weakness?

• What characteristics are you looking for in a graduate program?

• Where do you see yourself in ten years?

• Describe a research project you have completed.

The following are questions you can ask during an interview:

• Describe the internship/clinical/practicum opportunities that are available.

• What are some examples of student research projects?

• How do students perform on national board exams?

• Describe the graduate culture within this department.

• What do you think is the most challenging aspect of the program?

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WRITING A PERSONAL STATEMENT OR APPLICATION ESSAY

Most applications will have a section for you to provide a written statement. The section may ask for a “statement of purpose,” “personal statement,” or “letter of intent.” Some applications will have essay questions for you to answer, often related to career goals, interest in the program, or research experience. This is your opportunity to express your motivation, highlight your academic preparation, describe personality characteristics, demonstrate your writing ability, explain research experience, or detail your life and work experience. An essay or personal statement that will get the reader’s attention usually takes two, three, or more drafts to get it right.

TELL A STORY

Telling a story is the recommended approach. The story can tell the reader about a unique learning experience, a challenge you have overcome, or describe your path to this specific career. Allow the reader to get to know about your personality traits, motivations, and strengths. Avoid the mundane, clichés, telling them what you think they want to hear, or broad statements of interest – “I always wanted to be…” or “Research skills are important in this field.” Start with an interesting first line or paragraph – “My last two summers were spent volunteering at a place called the Neighborhood House. Every day I tutored and mentored inner city kids ages six to thirteen. The atmosphere was always lively and I …” Communicate your ideas clearly using descriptive adjectives that emphasize your skills, abilities, accomplishments, diverse life experiences, and ability to succeed. Write in a clear concise manner to capture the reader’s attention. Present your story as evidence that you are a viable candidate for graduate study. Write in a serious and purposeful manner. Use humor only if it is part of your style and it is subtle. Rambling sentences or unorganized thoughts create a weak impression.

BE POSITIVE, EXACT, AND COMPLETE

Keep the essay positive and persuasive. No whining, excuses, or details on personal problems. It should contain no typographical, grammatical, or spelling errors. Neatness is a must. The essay must be typed or word-processed. Put the complete essay on the application form or write “See Attached Essay” on the form and attach the complete essay on a separate piece of paper. Follow the instructions on how to complete the essay, i.e. be sure to answer all the questions being asked, and keep it within the stated word limit; if no limit is given the general rule is no more than two pages.

FINANCIAL AID: HOW TO PAY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL

You will need to register for the Graduate and Professional School Financial Aid Service (GAPSFAS) and complete the Financial Aid Form (FAF). Listed below are types of financial aid offered by schools, government, and organizations.

• FELLOWSHIPS – Grants usually awarded for academic achievement, financial need, or career interest. Highly competitive. Offered by the institution, department, or public/private organizations. Generally provide for tuition and a stipend. Can include room/board. May include teaching or research responsibilities.

• TEACHING/RESEARCH/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTSHIPS – Apply for these campus-affiliated positions through the school/program. Competitiveness depends on the size and reputation of the program. Limited number available. Generally provide a salary for working approximately 20 hours/week. Can include partial or full tuition. Teaching, research, administrative, and department responsibilities may be part of the position. Positions can be found in academic, athletic, student development, housing, and administrative departments. Limited numbers and types available depending on size of the school. Graduate school office should have information about these types of positions.

• FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM – Based on financial need.  Not available at all schools.

• SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS – Offered by the institution or through public/private organizations. Request information from graduate office or program. Check out www.collegiate.net.

• LOANS – There are two basic sources – the federal government and private loan programs. Examples are Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and Supplemental Loans. Check out www.finaid.org/otheraid/grad.phtml or www.estudentloan.com for resources. Understand your obligation before signing any loan or agreement.

THERE ARE MANY SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID.  Return to Graduate School Resources for lists of more graduate scholarship search sites.

INVESTIGATE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

APPLYING TO PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

Applying to professional school is a lengthy process and you must begin in the junior year. The admissions test should be completed in the spring semester of the junior year or the summer semester prior to the senior year. Consult with the Pre-PT, Pre-Law, and Pre-Med faculty advisors. Begin the process as early as possible. Keep copies of all application materials that are submitted. Admission criteria will include demonstrated academic readiness, test scores, volunteer/community service, clear, defined interest in the profession, leadership and communication skills, letters of recommendation, and professional school interview. Resources are available on the CDES website and in the office.