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With end of the Fall semester often comes applications to MA programs. But this process can feel very opaque, esp if you are #firstgen or #maturestudents who has been out of school.
As Grad Officer @MemorialPolisci, here’s what I wish I knew when I applied to grad programs /1
As Grad Officer @MemorialPolisci, here’s what I wish I knew when I applied to grad programs /1
1. Be extra organized: every school has a different deadline (usually between Dec 15 to Feb 15 and different requirements (2 or 3 reference letters, some want GRE/TOEFL, etc). Excel sheets are a great way to visualize all that info in one glance.
2. Most programs require some sort of statement/letter indicating why you are interested in that particular program/uni. BE SPECIFIC! Don’t tell us that, “since time immemorial, political science has been important”. We know! What made YOU interested in polisci/our dept?
3. Contact referees early (preferably 4 wks prior to deadline). Who should you ask? Profs who knows you well (e.g. taught you several courses/honors supervisor) and where you did esp. well. Also best to ask ppl teaching in the discipline you are applying.
4. When contacting referees, make sure you ask if they can write you a STRONG letter (mild/neutral letters won’t do you much good). Remind profs who you are/what courses you took with them/your grades. We too can forget!
5. Make our job easy: Provide us with latest CV, transcript & list of all progs with deadlines/where to submit letters. Let us know of any attenuating circumstances you would like us too address in letter (e.g. were your grades low in 2nd yr bc of health issues/care work?)
6. There’s no harm in applying to several programs: it doesn’t take too much work to update material once you have a draft. Afterall, your top pick in Dec may not be your top pick in May (plus, if you have competing funding packages, you *may* be able to negotiate something).
So good luck! You've got this!
