Are you planning to apply to graduate school? The process can be overwhelming and confusing, with different deadlines, requirements and procedures to follow. But fear not, with proper planning and attention to detail, you can avoid common mistakes many job applicants make. As Confucius said, “Success depends on prior preparation, and without such preparation there will surely be failure.” By taking the time to research, plan, and prepare your application materials, you can increase your chances of being accepted into your desired graduate program. Let’s see how best to avoid these mistakes for a smooth Graduate School application process.
How to Avoid Mistakes in the Graduate School Application Process
Applying to graduate school can be a daunting task, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances of acceptance. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for graduate school:
Personal statement
- Steer clear of talking about your mental health. Such claims may give the impression that you are incapable of performing the responsibilities of a graduate student.
- Avoid expressing yourself as a great hero. Graduate instructors may infer from your statements that you value your goal of helping others over your desire to research and participate in other academic and professional activities to succeed in graduate school.
- Avoid sharing too much personal information. Your professors may see this information as an indication that you are unaware of the importance of maintaining professional and interpersonal boundaries in delicate situations.
- Avoid offensive humor, attempts to appear cute or smart, and references to God or religious matters if these have nothing to do with the program you are applying for. Members of the admissions committee may assume that you are unaware of the formality of the application process or the culture of the graduate school if you provide such information.
Letter of recommendation
- Don’t ask for letters of recommendation from people who don’t know you, whose descriptions of your traits may not be accurate (such as family members), or who cannot back up their claims with evidence from the academic community (e.g., your pastor). Letters from these authors may give the impression that you are unable or unwilling to solicit letters from people who can accurately, objectively, or professionally relate to their descriptions.
- Prevent authors of letters of recommendation from negatively describing your academic or personal qualities. You can tell right away from these descriptions that you are not cut out for graduate school. Your letter writers should be chosen carefully. Ask potential authors if they can write you a solid letter of recommendation rather than just assuming they’re willing to do so. They may politely decline your request if they feel their letter would do more harm than good by asking you this question.
Lack of knowledge about the program
- A generic approach to the application process or a lack of familiarity with the program you are applying for should not be reflected in your statements. These claims show that you have not honestly tried to pursue the graduate program from which you claim to obtain your degree.
- Avoid sayings like “you and the target program are a great fit” if they are not supported by concrete evidence (such as “your research interests are similar to those of the program’s facility”). The lack of this evidence may indicate that you and the program you are applying for are not suitable.
Writing skills
- Do not make grammatical or marketing errors in your application. These errors serve as a clear indication of poor writing skills, failure to proofread your work, or a desire to recklessly turn in written work.
- Be careful not to write in a way that gives the reader a confusing, incoherent, or unconvincing impression of your research, educational, or professional objectives. Writing will be an essential part of your graduate education, so don’t let those who you think will review your writing in the future know that you’re not good at it.
Ineffective attempts to impress
Do not try to impress the graduate admissions committee members with information that they might consider inappropriate or untrue flattery (such as referring to the target program in an overly positive manner). Do not use your application as a platform to discredit the intelligence of graduate admissions committees; they are composed of intelligent individuals.
Recommended Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Graduate School application process
What should I do if I can’t find anyone to write me a letter of recommendation?
If you’re having trouble finding someone to write a letter of recommendation for you, try reaching out to former professors, academic advisors, or internship or job supervisors. You can also consider taking on a research project or volunteering on a project with a professor to build a relationship and land a letter of recommendation.
How can I avoid submitting incomplete or inaccurate information about the program?
It is important to thoroughly research the graduate program you are applying for and make sure you understand all requirements and deadlines. Please take the time to read the application instructions carefully and make sure you have provided all the necessary documents and information. Please double check everything before submitting your application to avoid errors or omissions.
What can I do to improve my writing skills for my application materials?
Consider taking a writing class or workshop, or get feedback from a writing teacher or mentor. In addition, practice writing regularly and ask for feedback from colleagues or professors about your writing style and grammar. It may also be helpful to read successful graduate application essays for inspiration and guidance.
Should I try to impress the admissions committee with flashy language or extensive experience?
It is important to be honest and authentic in your application materials. Rather than trying to impress the admissions committee with flashy language or excessive experience, focus on showing your genuine interest and qualifications for the program. Make sure your application materials are well written and effectively communicate your strengths and goals.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of being accepted into your desired graduate program. Remember to stay organized, prepared, and attentive to details throughout the application process. Good luck!