How To Be Attractive to Graduate Admissions Committees
This post isn't going to say things like "get a high undergraduate GPA" or "get high LSAT/MCAT/GMAT/GRE scores" because while these things are true they are also pretty straightforward.
This post will focus on the more nebulous aspects of a successful graduate application. How do you 'wow' application committees and prove to them that you're the right person for their program? What character traits do you need to exude? What will make you stand out in a stack of hundreds or even thousands of applications?
Although every program's requirements and priorities are different there are thankfully some generalizations that we can make.
1) They want intellectually curious and motivated students.
Graduate programs are looking for intellectually curious students. To be intellectually curious means that you take more out of your education than the final grade. You're interested in the process of learning and growing. You enjoy researching and finding out information you didn't know before. You're open to revising your worldview.
In your personal statement, subtly highlight the ways that you've gone above and beyond what is required of you. Show, don't tell!
For example, instead of saying "I always do more than is required of me" you can talk about how you became inspired by a class project and it turned into something far deeper than the assignment itself. Or you can talk about independent research you've conducted. Or you can talk about unpaid internship experiences and how they've helped you grow in ways that you wouldn't have just gotten from your degree program.
Those are just a few ideas. Thankfully, there's a ton of ways to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity! Make sure to keep this in mind as you complete your applications!
2. They want somebody with a unique and interesting view of themselves and their life.
Everybody has a life story. What's yours?
As you prepare your application you should be thinking about how to weave together an interesting life story that explains why you're at the point where you currently are.
This means answering questions like: What choices have you made that really influenced the trajectory of your life? What defining life moments have you had? How has your personal views and your personality been shaped by what you've experienced?
3. They want passionate students.
They want you to be into the program that you're applying to. Why? Because then you're more likely to finish the program which means they won't be wasting money (if they're funding you) and you won't contribute to low retention rates.
They are also looking for students who are going to stand out once they're on the job market and make their program look great!
Be sure to talk about why you're interested in the degree program. Do NOT say "because people in X field make a lot of money" although that's definitely a fair consideration. Do NOT say "because I want my name to be Dr. or I want to put X degree initials behind my name."
Talk about what draws you to the field, what you hope to do when you graduate, how you believe your education will help you in terms of your personal development, and also how you believe your education will enable you to help others!
4. They want somebody who proofreads their stuff.
Under no circumstances should you fail to edit your application materials. That can all but guarantee that you won't be receiving an acceptance letter.
You might have wonderful ideas and demonstrated ambition and passion but if you're unable to communicate those thoughts in quality written language it won't amount to much.
Read your stuff over and over again. Take a break and then read it over again.
And don't hesitate to hire a professional academic editor for that final revision! They will have greater insight into what admission committees are looking for and provide you with not only proofreading assistance but quality suggestions about how to improve the content of your application!
Thanks for reading!
Have questions? Email me at contact@mertinawriting.com.