Do you intend applying for graduate school locally or internationally? Are you finding it challenging to start or complete your graduate school application? Here are some helpful tips to guide your application:
- Do your homework/research about the school you intend applying to: Browse through the school’s website-check the departments and programs that are of interest to you. Try to understand the requirement of the program you want to apply for. Read up on the faculty members to see who is of right fit for you. Also, try to go through past projects in the department to get a general understanding of the kind of research they conduct and how research is carried out in the school.
- Before writing your statement of purpose, reflect and brainstorm: Ask yourself the reasons for wanting to undertake graduate study- Here you may wish to reflect on your intellectual development. Find out the factors that led you to your current research interests and the quality about them that appealed to you. You may wish to reflect on your past work, your plans for professional career. You can also ask yourself the life experiences that have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at that particular institution.
- Outline your statement of purpose (S.O.P): After reflecting and brainstorming, try to organize your reflections in such a way that it strengthens your SOP. Ensure that your outline provides answers to questions such as: What aspects of the school/department/program appeal to you? What are your research interests? How did you become interested in that area? How do you plan to address the issues in this research area? What are your future goals for graduate school? What are your career goals? What characteristics of the school can help you to accomplish your goal? What positive aspects do you bring to the school/department?
- Harness the power of networks and social capital: Get in touch with alumnus of the university you intend to apply for. You may also reach out to African/Nigerian students (or your country) abroad who can give you insider information on all you need.
- Be specific in your research focus: When applying for graduate school, avoid the temptation of applying with multiple research proposals. Choose an area/topic you are most comfortable with and put all your energy in that area since you cannot be an expert in so many areas. Likewise, try to create a link between your previous research interest/project and your current research.
- Develop Strong Research Proposal: A research proposal is a document envisioned to convince others that you have a worthwhile research topic and that you have the competence and the work plan to effectively complete it. Your research proposal must be able to justify the importance of your research as well as answer the “and so what” question.
- Have a strong CV: Your CV should contain your name, academic/educational background, research interests, research experience (conferences attended/paper presented), teaching/work experience, volunteer/internship or community engagement, awards and honors, publications, additional skills, as well as referees. Avoid writing referees available on request on your graduate school CV. Also tailor your CV to suit the specific department/program to which you are applying.
- Peer review: Send your work out to other scholars/mentors to read before you finally submit. You can also give it to someone outside your discipline to review to ensure that the language used is easy for non-specialist in that field to understand. Avoid grammatical, semantic, and syntax errors. Always proofread your work before submitting.
- Letter of Recommendation: There is power in a good recommendation letter. You need to have a n excellent written reference letter when applying for graduate school programs thus the selection of referees should not be done based on friendship. Choose someone that is familiar with your research interest. Your reference letter must tailor your academic and intellectual journey/ability. If possible, request to see the draft of the recommendation letter before final submission.
- Writing Sample: Your writing sample must be one of your best research works and must show your ability as a researcher. It should be the best representation of your academic self and must be free from plagiarism. Furthermore, submit a paper that is tailored towards the particular field/research area you are applying to.
- Accept rejection in good faith: Rejection can be very painful but do not let it discourage you from applying. When you get rejected, send an email to thank the reviewers and if possible, politely ask them for feedback because it will help to strengthen future applications and improve your research.
Other Helpful Tips
- Start early. The earlier you start, the more time you have to develop a strong application.
- The way you approach your prospective supervisors can either make or break you. The first letter you send to them must grab their attention and keep them reading.
- Avoid religious connotations and unnecessary familiarity about their welfare. Be formal, professional, and straight to the point.
- Avoid emotionally blackmailing the readers with sob stories. Rather be strategic in your approach.
- Avoid plagiarism at all cost as several persons have lost their admission due to evidence of plagiarism in any of their application document.
- Ensure your paragraphs are short and easy to read. Avoid using unnecessary complex/ambiguous words in your writing.
- Be strategic in where to apply and how to apply
- Don’t be too focused on getting into a particular institution
- Apply to schools that have programs that suit your research interest as it gives you a better chance of being admitted.
- Before applying, find a supervisor that is willing and able to work with you because even if your application is appealing, it may be a waste if there is no supervisor to work with you
- You statement of purpose is one of the most important documents and should be able to awe the review committee. Thus, do not misrepresent yourself or tell lies in order to sell yourself.
- Check if the program will offer you networking opportunity as well as a platform for career development
Feel free to add other tips and tricks for graduate school application in the comment section.