Applying to Graduate School
So You Want to Apply to Graduate School?
The most important and hardest decision that any student has to make is the decision as to whether or not to continue their education and go on to graduate school. This guide has been develop to assist students through the minefield of confusing and sometimes contradictory information about applying to graduate school, with special emphasis on archaeology.
What is a Graduate School Application?
An application to graduate school is a collection of documents that convinces (or attempts to convince) a university that it is worth their while investing their time and money in you by offering you a place in their program.
Who Makes the Decision and What Do They Base it On?
Only about 1/3 of the students who apply to any one department actually get accepted to graduate school. So, what you need to know is who makes the decision to accept a student and what do they base it on?
The Application Process From the University’s End
Graduate student applications go through a process at the university departments to which they are sent. This process, while somewhat long and involved, is standard or nearly so in most university settings.
The Process from the Student's Perspective
From the point of view of the applicant to graduate school, the process of applying is a personal one that includes several important things to consider.
Applying to Graduate School - Deadlines and Timing
If you're applying to graduate school, it is of vital importance that you make all of your deadlines.
Preliminary Enquiry
The application process for graduate schools begins with a letter of enquiry directed to the department or departments of your choice.
The Application Package
The graduate student application package arrives on your doorstep: EEEK! what do you do now?
The Application Form
The application form from the university is among the first things the departments use to weed you out; so be sure to fill it out completely.
Letters of Reference
It's so important to select the right references if you're going to get into your department of choice for graduate school. Here are some tips to get the best references for your buck.
Letter of Intent
A letter of intent addressed to each graduate school you apply to is your opportunity to show your strengths and that you recognize your weaknesses.
Writing Samples
Sending along a sample of your writing will show your prospective school how well you communicate--something that is very useful in archaeology.
Curriculum Vitae
You may need to include a resume of your college career--called a curriculum vitae or c.v.--when you send your application in.
Transcripts
An official transcript of your grades from your final years in college is almost certainly a requirement. Here are some tips to make the best of a not-so-hot transcription.
Submitting Your Application
The final check list before you send in your application to graduate school may be the most important thing you do.
The Waiting Game
Now that you've sent your admission packets off to the graduate schools of your choice, you must wait to hear. Here's some idea about what's going on and when you can expect to hear results.
You've been Accepted! Now What?
After you've received a letter of acceptance from one or more graduate schools, you need to know what to do. Here are some suggestions.
An Unsuccessful Application?
If after you've applied to graduate school you get turned down by one or more departments--don't despair. Here are some tips on dealing with the rejection.
Scholarship Applications
Even more important than application deadlines to graduate schools are deadlines for scholarship applications. Here's why
Before Your First Day as a Graduate Student
You've been accepted, and you've made your final decisions and your last summer of freedom stretches before you. But wait! There are some loose ends you must tie up now.
A Few Final Words
A few final words from Lesley Nicholls about your graduate school applications