4-tips-for-getting-into-graduate-school
Moving on from a three- or four-year undergraduate degree can be scary. Trust me: I’m currently preparing for medical school. But, through my own research, I’ve figured out some great ways to reduce stress and increase your chances of getting into the graduate school of your choice. Although grades are important for graduate schools, just as with undergraduate programs, it’s critical to highlight that you’re a well-rounded individual to increase your chances of acceptance.
1. Make Meaningful Connections With Professors
Think about the amount of time you spend in the classroom. Much of that time can be spent creating relationships with your professors that, in the future, can be translated into a meaningful reference letter. These relationships can be developed through attending most classes, sitting front and center, being engaged in class, and even attending office hours. I’ve found that when your professor remembers not only your face, but also your name, it can be beneficial in asking for reference letters in the future or even when seeking out a professor with whom to complete research in graduate school. Over the past three years, I’ve tried to build connections with professors in a range of fields in an effort to show the diversity of my personal interests and qualifications.
2. Participate in Extracurricular Activities That Genuinely Interest You
Although there may be some specific extracurriculars that look especially favorable on resumes (working in hospitals or volunteering with the homeless) it’s important that you choose extracurriculars that you enjoy. Engaging in activities that you’re excited about reflects in your work and in the quality of references you could receive from those institutions. I’ve always tried to choose extracurriculars that are reflective of who I am and what I value so that the graduate schools I apply to get a good understanding of me, not just my identity as a student. These extracurriculars can also be a great point of reference when you’re writing a personal statement or trying to relate your experience to the school’s core values.
3. Do the Best You Can on Your Entrance Exam
After spending four months studying for my MCAT, I know first-hand how difficult the process of preparing for standardized tests can be. Whether it’s the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, or any other entrance exam, it’s important that you put in maximum effort for these tests. One of the ways that I did this was by making a study schedule and choosing a preparation method that was best for the specific way that I study. In May, I spent about a week creating a schedule for my summer and mapping out the different topics of focus over that period so I had a point of reference if I ever felt like procrastinating or like I was going off course. As I’m a very hands-on learner, I also decided to take a prep course to study for my exam because I felt that a structured course would be more productive than studying on my own. While the study period is an intense time, it’s also important to allow some time for relaxation and stress relief. Fortunately, most exam prep occurs in the summer, so be sure to incorporate some R&R into your study schedule.
4. Research Many Different Schools to Find Which Works Best for You
All schools offer many different programs, courses, specialties and extracurriculars and so it’s important that you do your research and find schools where you'd feel at home. It’s important that you choose a school that shares your values or has courses that really interest you. Because I’m interested in pediatrics, I’ve been looking at medical schools that collaborate with children’s hospitals and those that have extra courses in pediatrics. It’s also important to ensure that you qualify for the schools that you’re applying to: this can either come in the form of location requirements or prerequisite courses. Finally, determine if you want to go into a research or course-load based graduate program. If you’re interested in a research-based graduate course, make sure the schools that you’re interested in are also conducting research projects that interest you.
Rent textbooks at our lowest prices and save with Wiley. Wiley textbook rental lets you keep your print textbook for a period of 130 days and your eBook rental for up to 150 days.
