If you’re preparing to apply to grad school, congratulations! 🎉 Deciding to go back to school to further your career and education is a big deal. Now that you’ve decided, it’s time to prep your graduate studies application.
As a career mentor and recent master’s program graduate, I know how daunting this process can be. That’s why I’m here! This blog post will tell you what you need to do before applying to your dream schools.
If you want more assistance, get my downloadable grad school application checklist today. It gives you more in-depth info on application prep, PLUS worksheets you can use to outline the pros and cons of each school. Not to mention, a return on investment calculator. So you can make sure the cost of each program works for you.
When to apply to graduate school
As your resident career bestie, I know you have a lot of questions about the graduate school application process. One I get asked often is, ‘When is the right time to apply?’
The average age of an MBA student is 28 years old, and the average age of a graduate student is 33 years old. However, averages aren’t always the best metric to follow since each degree program differs.
The truth is that there’s no “right” age or level of experience. What matters is that you have enough experience to apply to a program and feel confident you’ll get an acceptable return on your investment. After working in my corporate role for 1.5 years, I applied and started my degree with 2 years of experience. Learn more about my journey to MIT for grad school — plus how I landed a full scholarship!
Pro tip: Grad school isn’t cheap. Get my grad school application checklist for a return on investment calculator. 💸
How to prepare for grad school admissions
When applying to your dream grad school programs — you need to do these three things.
1. Engage with schools
Learn more about the schools you’re interested in by engaging with each one in person and online. Bonus points for engaging in ways that admissions officers will notice — like taking tours and auditing classes.
Ways to engage:
- Go for a campus tour
- Attend an info session
- Sit in on a class
- Chat with current students
- Learn about the professors
- Connect with alums on Linkedin
2. Prepare in advance
The key to feeling confident in your master’s degree applications? Get ahead of schedule! That means giving recommenders at least a few weeks, taking the GMAT or GRE with plenty of time to retake it, and writing your essays in advance.
P.S. There are a few different types of applications you should know about. They each have slightly different timelines and implications. Here are the pros and cons of each.
- Early Action: Learn if you’re in *early* without you making a commitment to the school! You’re the first to apply, which means there are tons of available spots for students.
- Early Decision: Learn if you’re in early *but* you make a binding commitment when you apply! Basically, you’re telling a school that this is your top choice, and if they accept you, you’re 100% coming!
- Regular Decision: Have more time to finish your application, but you’ll have to wait longer for a decision, and there could be fewer available spots in the class you’re joining. It could be more competitive.
- Rolling Admissions: There’s no deadline, and they accept/reject applications as they come. Admissions continue until all the spots in the class are filled. Apply as soon as possible!
My advice: If you know where you want to go 100%, I’d apply early decision. Otherwise – go early action so you can get more information earlier on to make your decision and apply at the least competitive point of the process!
3. Choose recommenders who know you well
Asking someone to recommend you for grad school is no small thing. And it’s much more important to ask a recommender who knows you well rather than someone of high status who doesn’t. Why? Someone who knows you well can speak to their personal interactions with you and knowledge of your character and traits.
Ideally, you’ll find a leader who knows you well and has time to commit to a recommendation letter. Regardless of who you choose, make sure to provide them with your resume and a list of your accomplishments. It’s a good way to remind them of your undergraduate degree and work experience.
Apply with confidence
Ultimately, your grad school journey is for one person: YOU. Choose schools that excite you, programs that will help you achieve your goals, and professors you’re excited to learn from. ♥️
When it comes to your application, don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on what makes you stand out and prepare in advance. Want more tips and a workbook to help you choose which school is right for you? Download my grad school checklist today. It includes pages of tips, room for you to write out the details of each program — including the pros, cons, and cost of each — and a return on investment calculator.
Looking to refresh your resume before applying? Check out my professional resume template. It will help you put your best foot forward and save you time.
