What do grad school admissions look at?

Many worry about on-paper credentials such as test scores, GPAs, and awards. While those are certainly important details, many graduate schools prefer applicants who have relevant experience, clearly defined academic and professional goals, and a track record of showing genuine interest in their chosen field.

What qualities are grad schools looking for?

Ideal Graduate Characteristics

• attention to detail.
• ability to think for themselves.
• dependability – reliable.
• follow through – complete projects.
• punctuality.
• teamwork.
• motivation – invested.
• knowledge (of content)

Do grad schools look at your whole transcript?

Graduate schools will see your full undergraduate transcripts, and will look at individual grades. They will however care about how you did in a long list of classes.

What do graduate schools look for in applicants?

Understanding what graduate schools look for in applicants is the first step to tailoring your experiences and application to make yourself irresistible to the graduate programs of your dreams. An admissions committee’s goal is to identify applicants who will become good researchers and leaders in their field and on campus.

How do I start applying to graduate school?

Gather letters of recommendation, fill out application forms and write statement of purpose/personal statement, and graduate admissions essays. Make sure transcripts are up to date and request copies from the registrar’s office. Apply for fellowships, grants and scholarships to help offset the costs of school.

How will I know when my graduate program decision is made?

If a program does not indicate on the Graduate Application Status Page when decisions are made, you will need to contact the program for its timeline. The graduate program will notify you of its decision either by email or by postal mail. The decision will also be reflected on your Graduate Application Status Page.

How important are standardized test scores to grad school admissions?

How important standardized test scores are to a grad program depends on the field and program. The most common standardized test for grad school admissions is the GRE. For some programs GRE scores are a basic requirement; for others they’re optional. (Generally, if GRE scores are recommended but not required, it’s best to take the test anyway.