Thinking of Applying to a Graduate School in The United States?

Are you considering applying for your graduate studies in the United States? Now is the time to make up your mind.

Application into a graduate program, either for a Masters’s or Doctorate, take a lot of work and time. You do not want to decide at the eleventh hour. Graduate school applications require you to submit several application materials such as a resume or Curriculum Vitae, a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement, two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE scores. In several cases, some programs will require you to write additional essays to be considered for admission or financial aid in terms of Graduate Assistantship. In some situations, you would need to start contacting potential supervisors you would like to work with. These are only a few of your to-do list.

Additionally, if you plan to resume in Fall (August) 2021, the priority deadline for most programs will be in December 2020 or January 2021. Application for your graduate studies is a massive step in your academic and professional path. Therefore, be sure that this is a decision you would like to take. But, if you are confident, it is time to get to work!

Here are a few steps you would need to take:

• Get a brand-new journal: Yes! You do not want your graduate school application process to be mixed up with other essential things. Also, you need to take account of every single record and information. Tracking your application goals is very important, especially meeting every deadline. The Ultimate Planner by The UEJ provides you with a free application tracker, alongside other planning materials, that enables you to achieve your set goals.

• Itemize the schools, along with the graduate program you would like to attend: I would recommend about five to ten different graduate programs. While you are doing this, do not look down on yourself. Do not put schools you only think you are physically qualified for. Choose to aim high by including top programs on your list. If you can dream it, it is achievable! For those interested in a terminal Masters’ or Doctorate in Economics, this is the Alphabetical List of U.S. Graduate Programs in Economics and the list of all Universities in the United States and Canada with departments or programs in Agricultural and Applied Economics. Also, you can obtain information about the graduate programs in Business, Fine Art, Health, Science, Library and Information Studies, Social Science and Humanities, Public Affairs through U.S. News and World Report.
• Check the admission requirement on the various program website: While you visit each program’s website, here are a few things to take note of:
  • GMAT, GRE, or TOEFL requirement: You need to find out which test is required for admission and financial aid or scholarships. For the GRE, would you need to take the General or the Subject Test or both? Also, to be considered for admission or provide funding through a graduate assistantship (either teaching or research assistantship), some might require you to obtain a certain score. For example, the graduate admission committee might require a high score on the speaking section of your TOEFL result and most Economics programs often considers only the quantitative reasoning score for the GRE. Of course, verbal reasoning score is necessary but not as much as the quantitative aspect.
    • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): is a computer test that assesses specific analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. It is usually used for admissions in graduate management programs of business schools.
    • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): is a standardized test that is usually an admission requirement to master’s and doctoral degree programs in various universities in the United States and Canada. It aims to measure your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): is a standardized test to measure English Language ability. It comprises four sections- Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It is required for foreign applicants.
  • The GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL school code: Each school or program has a code. You will need this when registering for your tests because scores must be sent to the school by the testing agency.
  • Application deadline: You want to be sure that you have submitted your application on or before this date.
  • Application fee
  • The list of all application documents
  • Scholarship or financial aid: Is the program funded? How is the scholarship awarded? These are essential questions that need to be answered.
  • Supervisor: Find out if you need to have a potential supervisor before submitting your application. If you do, check the faculty members and identify those whose research aligns with your interests.
  • Prerequisite courses: What undergraduate or masters’ level courses are required? If this is an admission requirement and you met the criteria, you would need to elaborate on these in your statement of purpose. However, if you do not meet up to the requirements, do not be discouraged, and do not let this be a significant factor in determining whether you apply or not. Leverage on your other academic or professional achievements that could serve as an advantage for you.
  • Lastly, you can create an application account. It will enable you to have an idea of what the application process for that particular school entails.
• Set a date and register for the GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL: It makes the application real and enables you to start preparing ahead. Also, the results are released about 10 to 14 days after the examination. You have to ensure that your scores are sent to your schools before the deadline. Spend ample time preparing for each examination by obtaining essential materials, taking online courses, and participating in practice tests. Do not aim for the minimum scores of your schools—aim higher.
• Make a list of potential academic or professional references that could submit a letter of recommendation: This is a crucial aspect of your application. Most programs would require two or three academic reference letters. In your application, you would only be allowed to provide their names and contact information. Then, an email is sent out to the references who submit their letters to the link provided. Therefore, you must choose friendly and pleasant individuals that will be willing to write a good letter of recommendation for you. They must be able to speak of your academic ability, achievements, and potentials. Do not include family members. Do not limit yourself to just a few references, especially if you are submitting several applications. Contact your references. Tell them about your plans, the schools, and their deadlines. Obtain their full name, office address, email address, and phone number.
• Start working on your resume or Curriculum Vitae and statement of purpose: Your resume or curriculum vitae should summarize your educational credentials, prior work experience, publications, honors, and awards received. Your statement of purpose should be a 2-3 page that details your academic and professional achievements, your specific areas of interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at the school, and your career goals.
• Start contacting potential supervisors if needed: If you require a supervisor before applying, you will need to decide your chosen field. Then, look for supervisors whose research aligns with your interests. Also, get in touch with current graduate students and ask questions.
• Start processing your transcripts: In some countries, processing an academic transcript takes a considerable amount of time. This can be a long process. It would be best if you did not let this delay you. Therefore, start to process your transcript on time. For most online applications, they might require only a scanned unofficial transcript to be submitted. However, once admission has been offered, they would need you to send your official transcript to the school. Also, you will need a transcript from each university you attended.
• Create a budget for the total cost of your application: The budget should include the cost of each test and all the graduate school application fees. Make an adequate financial plan. There are a few ways to get an application fee waiver in some programs. We would talk extensively about this in another blog post.
• Rest, eat, and pray: Application to graduate school can be a lot. You do not need to be overwhelmed. Be confident that you can do it. Do not limit yourself. The earlier you begin, the better. Talk with people who have gone through this process. They will be willing to guide you through. Do not be afraid to ask questions. For example, you can speak to The UEJ Team (The Ultimate Economics Journal Team) about how we can help you through this process. You can reach us through any of our social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), email, or our contact form. Also, you can comment on this post.

The UEJ Team wishes you all the very best!  

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