GRADUATE SCHOOL Applying to a Program
Application requirements differ substantially among institutions and programs, so read each school’s material carefully to make sure you file a complete and timely application.
Graduate Admission Exams
Schools generally require a graduate admission exam, which you should plan to take approximately 1 year before your anticipated matriculation date. The tests vary by type of graduate study. The schools’ catalogs will specify which test you need and may give some indication of the score needed to be competitive for the program. The most common graduate admission exams are listed below with websites for more information. • gre.com - Graduate Record Examamination • lsat.com - Law School Admission Test • aamc.org/students/mcat/ - Medical College Admission Test • mba.com - Graduate Management Admission Test • pcatweb.info - Pharmacy College Admission Test • milleranalogies.com - Miller Analogies Test * Most tests are offered on UWF’s campus; contact Testing Services for availability, prices, and times.
Official Transcripts
Your undergraduate work must also be sent to the graduate schools; contact the UWF Registrar’s Office to have your official transcripts sent.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are also a typical admission requirement. Schools may specify who should write the letters, how many letters should be written, what topics should be addressed, and any other specific criteria. The best recommender is one who has high regard for your work, is credible, and knows you well. If you have not already, build relationships with faculty members and other mentors and discuss with them your reasons for going to graduate school and why you are applying to specific programs. Approach your recommenders early in the fall of your senior year to give them time to write the letters. It is helpful to provide your recommenders with copies of your resume, personal statement, transcript, and online instructions or addressed, stamped envelopes to mail the letters.
Personal Statement/Letter of Intent
This is an important and time-consuming aspect of the application because it is your opportunity to present yourself beyond the numbers. This is one measure of your writing ability, so be meticulous about spelling, grammar, and writing style. The essay is also used to assess your enthusiasm for the field of study, your motivation, creativity, maturity, and uniqueness. Check out mycareershines.org (Go to College > Graduate School page), statementofpurpose.com and gradschools.com (Resources > Get Informed > Applying to Graduate School > Essay Writing) for more information and examples. When writing your personal statement, pay attention to word, page, and character limits. Also, be sure to thoroughly answer specific question prompts. Aligning responses to institutional missions and values is important as well. Your personal statement could be the deciding factor in your admission to graduate school, so be sure to thoroughly review it and have other reviewers provide feedback. These reviewers can include career coaches, faculty members, and others.
What Admissions Committees are Seeking
The following themes can be incorporated in your personal statement: • Individual’s background (academic/research, professional, relevant personal information, etc.) • Commitment to/enthusiasm for the field of study and particular program • Specific research interests • Publication potential • Personality and uniqueness
• Work ethic (leadership, initiative, etc.) • Commitment to goals and motivation in general • Creativity • Maturity and self-awareness • Volunteerism/philanthropic experience and altruistic future intentions
Some information adapted and copied with permission from The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
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