The Application Process
Application and Application Fee
- Most programs require two applications to be filled- a general application to the academic institutions' graduate college, and another application for the specific academic department or program. Each school will have their applications material on their website, along with the costs for applying. Give yourself time to complete all of the applications necessary so they arrive punctually and in good form.
Personal Statement
- Included in your application will be a personal statement or admissions essay. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee while indicating your passion for your chosen field of study.
- Overview of personal statements with example statements, from the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University
- Counselors and Pre-Health Advisors will read your essay and provide feedback, make an appointment 333-0395
- UIUC's Writers' Workshop will review your statement for grammar and style issues
- Personal Statement reviews can be purchased from companies such as Admissions Essays, Inc.
Transcripts
- Admissions professionals utilize the undergraduate college transcript to verify your degree and GPA, as well as to ensure that you have completed all the required academic coursework to enter their graduate program. UIUC students and alumni, order your transcripts through the Office of Admissions and Records
Standardized Tests
- Most schools will require that standardized test scores be sent. Your field of interest will determine which standardized test you will take. Most graduate programs will require the GRE, most business schools will require the GMAT, and all law schools require the LSAT.
- What Is the GMAT?
- What Is the GRE?
- What Is the LSAT?
- The UIUC Testing Center offers tests on campus
- The TestPrep website lists all grad school admissions exams
Letters of Recommendation / Letters of Evaluation
- Letters of recommendation are also know as letters of evaluation, because these letters are intended to evaluate your performance. The number and type of letters you will need varies. Most schools require a minimum of three letters of evaluation, including at least one from your academic department.
- The Career Center LEO (Letters of Evaluation Online) system will store and distribute your letters.
TIP: Start establishing relationships with your professors right away. Give evaluators plenty of time to prepare your letter by asking for letters well in advance of application deadlines. Provide the evaluator with copies of your résumé , personal statement, transcripts, and any additional information that may be helpful to them. Interview
- Some graduate programs will require an interview. While the thought of an interview might be intimidating, view the interview as an opportunity both for them to learn more about you and for you to learn more about the department, campus, and city. Be prepared to ask questions, such as the ones listed by maa.org, that will help you determine whether or not the program is right for you. For more information on interviewing go to our interviewing guide
TIP: Students often say that composing the opening sentence is the hardest part. Keep a journal of your thoughts about graduate school, and use this diary as a repository of ideas when you sit down to compose your personal statement.
TIP: Plan ahead and order your transcripts before the end of the semester rush.
TIP: Most testing centers are busiest during the beginning and end of each semester.
TIP: To hone your interviewing skills, consider conducting a mock interview at The Career Center.
