2 months before applying 1. Set aside time each day, or every other day, to complete your applications. 2. Address or complete one essay each time you work on your applications. 3. Make sure your recommenders are ready to go with their letters or forms, and confirm that you have provided them all the information they need. 4. Start requesting transcripts. Most universities are familiar with this part of the application process and have procedures in place. If you need additional assistance, USIEF offers attestation services to Indian citizens who are applying to U.S. higher education institutions. 5. Make sure you are ready to schedule any interviews you plan to conduct. Admissions offices will
have different procedures for these and you want to make sure you are following the right guidelines for the right school. Having your application spreadsheet is very helpful here. Tip: With the exception of essays, it may be helpful to complete the same section for each application you are submitting. That way you are going over the same information, and have a sense of accomplishment. 1 month before applying 1. Now it is time to fine-tune your applications. Thoroughly re-check your essays. Then have someone else check them. Go over each of the other sections to be sure you have accurately answered all questions. 2. Be certain, to the best of your ability, your applications are exactly the way you want them to be. 3. Start preparing your application
1 Biggest Blunders in Graduate Admissions 2
Essays
By DON MARTIN and WESLEY TETER
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fees. Keep in mind that some universities and colleges are willing to waive their application fees for financially deserving students. Contact the admissions department to explain your circumstances and request an application fee waiver. It is important to do this well in advance of the application deadline. If you need help requesting a fee waiver, contact an EducationUSA adviser in India: www.EducationUSA. info/India or call toll free at 1800 103 1231. Don Martin is a former admissions dean at Columbia, University of Chicago and Northwestern; and author of “Road Map for Graduate Study.” Wesley Teter is a former regional director for EducationUSA in New Delhi. He is also the editor of the multimedia outreach campaign, 10 Steps to Study in the United States.
Not answering the question. Remember RTQ—Read The Question! Errors and sloppiness. The essay “hall of shame” is full of misspellings, inconsistent style, etc. Be sure to carefully edit your personal statement and essays. Plagiarism. It is absolutely essential that you write your own essays. One of your best assets is communicating in your voice. Generic essays. Each essay should be tailored to the institution where you are applying, not simply a general motivation letter. Writing an autobiography. The admissions committee is not interested in your complete autobiography or a list of personal milestones. Instead, use one or two compelling stories to illustrate your point. Overly complex sentences. International applicants,
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including applicants from India, are sometimes guilty of trying to impress the committee with complex sentences and flowery language. Keep your writing clear and simple. Mentioning rankings. U.S. institutions are fully aware of rankings, but this factor should not be among your top reasons for applying to a particular school. Not saying what you mean. Words like challenging, beautiful, wonderful, etc. are vague. Be specific and reflect deeply on your own experiences and point of view. Missing information. Follow all directions—if they ask for it, answer it. And most importantly, remember RTQ.
Sources: Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher; Road Map for Graduate Study by Don Martin; Peterson’s—Graduate & Professional Programs