How to Apply to Graduate SchoolSOHA ACOSTA, MAASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT AND INT’L ADMISSIONSGRADUATE SCHOOLUNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
Agenda
Parts of the Graduate Application Standardized Test Scores Transcripts Letters of Recommendation Personal Statement Curriculum Vitae/Résumé/Writing Sample/Portfolio The Application
Questions
Parts of the Graduate School Application
1. Standardized Test Scores2. Transcripts3. Letters of Recommendation4. Personal Statement5. Curriculum Vitae/Résumé/Writing
Sample/Portfolio6. The Application
1. Standardized Tests
Unique test required for type of school:Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Generally Computer-Based (Paper-Based where computer based
testing not available)NOTE: GRE has a subject test requirement for particular grad
school programs.
Dental Admission Test (DAT)Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)Law School Admission Test (LSAT)Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Overview http://www.ets.org/gre GRE test scores provide graduate schools an objective and common
measure for evaluating applicants The GRE General Test focuses on the types of skills that have been
identified as critical for success in graduate and business school, such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing — skills that are not limited to a specific field of study, but critical to all of them
The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in specific fields of study
FREE study materials: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Duration - 3 hours and 10 minutes (or at least 3 hours and 25 minutes including the tutorial, breaks, unscored and research) to complete the GRE
Graduate Record Exam
Analytical Writing Analyze an Issue
Analyze an Argument
30 minutes
30 minutes
Verbal Reasoning (two sections) 20 questions (per section) 30 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning (two sections) 20 questions (per section) 35 minutes
Unscored Varies Varies
Research Varies Varies
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Sections Verbal Reasoning – test your ability to analyze and draw conclusions from
discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent, select important points; distinguish major from minor or relevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text, and understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts
Quantitative Reasoning – tests your ability to understand quantitative information, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply basic mathematical skills and elementary mathematical concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics
Analytical Writing – test your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, examine claims and accompanying evidence, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion, and control the elements of standard written English
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Scoring The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning measures are section-level
adaptive which means the computer selects the second section of a measure based on your performance on the first. Within each section, all questions contribute equally to the final score For each of the two measures, a raw score is computed The raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly.
The raw score is converted to a scaled score through a process known as equating
The verbal reasoning section has a scaled score range of 130 – 170, in 1-point increments
The quantitative reasoning section has a scaled score range of 130-170, in 1-point increments
The analytical writing section is a scaled score of 0 – 6, in half-point increments
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Fees$205 for the exam with additional fees for late registration,
date reschedule and test center changesETS offers a limited number of GRE® Fee Reduction
Certificates on a first-come, first-served basis that are available for college seniors and unenrolled college graduates who meet eligibility requirements
When to Take GREs
Keep in mind that scores will not be sent to graduate schools immediately.
Paper-based tests - scores are sent within 4-6 weeks of the test. Computer-based test - scores are sent within 10-15 days. On the day of the test you can request your scores be sent to four
different graduate programs free of charge, but requests made at other times are $27.
Scores are reportable for five years following your test date.
2. Transcripts
Include all official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work (even if you did not receive degree).
Official transcripts should be sent directly to school (follow application directions).
Request transcripts early enough to arrive to graduate program by application deadline.
Be aware of costs associated with requesting official transcripts.
3. Letters of Recommendation
3 letters of recommendation for each school
Make a list of potential references Generally focus on faculty recommendations MBA programs - seek references from both employers and
faculty Give your writers 4-6 weeks notice to write letter; aim to get
letters back at least one month before application deadline
Letters of Recommendation
Choose people who can speak in detail about your work/work ethic desire to learn & succeed your academic/professional capabilities, and maturity
Schedule appointment with references to discuss schools of interest. Give them a copy of your resume & personal statement. Make suggestions about which skills they should highlight in
their letter.Send thank you notes and keep them updated.
4. Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Be direct, honest and sincereDon’t repeat resume; give meaning to resumeAdmission committees are interested in: Clarity of your research interests. Your unique story – tell a story only you can tell. Steps you have taken to build expertise. Your short-term and long-range goals. Why this university is your top choice. Whether you know about their program focus. Make
sure your goals and research interest align with those of their faculty.
5. CV/Résumé/Writing Sample/Portfolios
Some programs may require the following: Curriculum Vitae (CV): "the course of one's life" is a concise
overview of your educational and scholarly background and accomplishments as they relate to your academic career goals.
Résumé: is primarily for business, government, nonprofit and administrative positions, brief summary of education, skills and experience that focuses on what's important to employers.
Writing Samples: may be required if the program involves writing and research.
Portfolios: showcase your creative work and/or your writing projects.
6. The Application
Review all application requirements and make a list of deadlines. Deadlines as early as November, More competitive the school, the earlier the deadline.
Apply as early as possible within the application period. Often earlier deadlines for funding. Some schools review on rolling basis.
Familiarize yourself with all instructions before applying.
Pay attention to details.
Questions?
Soha Acosta, MAAssociate Director of Recruitment and
Int’l AdmissionsThe Graduate School, UAB 121
Thank you!