5 Ways to Make Your Application Process Work for You
The application process is daunting but it does not need to seem like an insurmountable task. Here are 5 suggestions about ways to make your application process run smoother and feel less stressful:
(1) Get Organized
Most applications have more than a few components. You may need to submit test scores, grade transcripts, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a personal statement, a resume, and numerous other documents in order for your application to be considered complete. This can seem overwhelming but half the battle is won once you get to organizing.
How do you organize?
Make a list of all the different parts of the application that you’re required to do. When I applied to PhD programs last fall, I strategically organized all of the application components by how much time it’d take to complete them.
Usually, standardized tests should be done at least a few months before an application deadline. This is so that you have time to sign up for the exam, receive your scores, and retake the test if necessary.
It is always polite (and safe) to ask for letters of recommendations at least six weeks before they are due. Professors and employers are busy so they need ample time to schedule in writing you the excellent letter of recommendation that you deserve.
While grade transcripts are usually easily obtained, other parts of the application (such as a writing sample or a personal statement) will take lots of time and effort to successfully craft. So when you’re organizing your application materials be sure to focus on them first. Or at least get started on them first.
(2) Make an Action Plan
So you’ve organized all of your materials—now you need to ensure that you have an action plan that will help you to get everything done not only on time, but well.
Be realistic about the speed in which you work and then add on some extra time besides because life happens but you don’t want life get in the way of a successful application. When I applied to PhD programs last fall, I gave myself about 2 months to write my statement of purpose. That might sound over the top but I know that I’m the sort of person who likes to write a statement of purpose when I’m feeling it, when I have inspiration. And that’s just not possible if I have to write it last minute.
There would be times where I’d wake up at 3 AM (no joke) to furiously write a portion of the statement of purpose because it had literally just come to me. And then there were long weeks where I wouldn’t even look at my draft in progress.
If you have a standardized exam to take, you need a study plan. If you have the resolve and dedication you can create your own study plan and stick to it. If not, consider enrolling in a course or hiring a qualified tutor. But in any case, give yourself time to learn the test.
Break your action plan down into bearable sections so that every day you have objectives to meet that when done all together will progress towards the final goal of finishing a well-done application.
(3) Seek the Assistance of Experts
While many parts of your application may seem self-explanatory, it might not be as simple as you think. For example, grammatically and stylistically you may have written a beautiful personal statement but you lacked the content that admissions officers in your program will be looking for when they read it.
That’s why it’s important to enlist the assistance and advice of qualified people. Who is qualified? Maybe somebody who has been accepted to or finished the degree program/ scholarship/ fellowship that you’re applying to. Or maybe somebody who generally has knowledge about applications and has experience helping others.
It’s up to you to find folks who are willing and able to give you tips and suggestions that will help you to set your application apart from the others. Because chances are—if you lack experience applying to this program/ scholarship/ fellowship there’s insider knowledge out there that you don’t yet know but could seriously help you.
(4) Review, Rethink & Revise
I will never knock first drafts. A first draft is a very important milestone and it’s a part of the journey towards a polished, finished product. But never, ever submit a first draft! You need to give yourself time to write things, let them sit for a while, and then review, rethink, and revise them.
When you let your writing sit you become less familiar with it. You also become less attached to the way in which you first wrote it and therefore less biased. Phrases that you thought were perfect when you penned it might sound corny or overdone after a week or so.
Of course, part of the review, rethink, and revising process is inviting others to view your work and critique it. Now more than ever you don’t need “yes” people. You don’t need people who are going to sugarcoat your work. You need folks who are going to be honest with you and at times even brutal.
I remember getting a personal statement to revise and marking things in red and striking through paragraphs of text. When the person first got the personal statement back they were appalled but in the end they were happy that I was honest. My honesty helped them work towards crafting a solid personal statement.
So allow yourself to be honest with yourself by giving yourself time to review, rethink, and revise your application materials. And then after you’ve done all you can do with your own knowledge, dedication, and expertise invite a second pair of eyes.
(5) Claim Victory!
This isn’t merely a feel-good suggestion. When you believe that you’ll succeed, when you act like you’ve already succeeded—it’ll show in your application. It’s very easy to tell when a candidate is confident and positive versus when they are unsure and self-doubting. And the latter is absolutely a turn off to admissions officers.
Now to be clear—admissions officers don’t like braggadocio. They don’t like folks who swamp their whole application in self-importance. But what is appreciated is a sense of confidence in yourself and specifically in your ability to succeed in that degree program/ scholarship/ fellowship.
When I edit personal statements I always change “if I get in to your program” to “in your program, I will” because I know the importance of coming across as self-assured in your writing. When you believe in yourself, others are more inclined to believe in you too.
So be positive. Put your best foot forward. And think like you’ve already gotten what you want. And all of this will positively come out in your application.
Best of luck with your applications!
Email us at contact@mertinawriting.com if you have any questions or would like personalized, one-on-one assistance with your applications.
If you have applications due within the next 2-3 months it’s time to start getting an action plan together. We can help! Let’s work together to make sure that you have the best application possible!