GRE exam is the first step to building your Grad School application. The importance of GRE score is well known to many test takers but the importance of application is still unknown. GRE scores is just a gate that needs to be passed on to get into a house but inside a house you will see many hurdles that still needs to be solved. So don’t be relaxed that you’re done after GRE score there is a way long journey ahead of you.
In simple language, application is the whole document that must be sent to the grad schools to get reviewed. Application is the multiple evaluation criteria on the basis of which grad schools differentiate between students to know which student is more apt for the seat. It consist of student’s whole potential not just mental and verbal capabilities but also behavioural abilities, academic qualifications, creativities, experiences and many more. That’s why it is equally important as the grade score. One might think not having good grades is the hurdle but no! Not having a captivating application is also a hurdle. If you have poor application than you might be in more problem than having a bad score.
What does a good Grad School application mean?
The application consist of following parts:
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Statement of Purpose –
Statement of purpose is the document that consist the reason of the field or courses you have taken in your previous schools and it consist of future plans that you might decided on. Include the personal and professional experiences during your journey. Make sure it doesn’t exceed it more than 1,000 words and write in English. Do not hire any writer to make it look more good. Mention what value you feel the university adds to you and your career while simultaneously communicating why the university absolutely NEEDS to have you as their student.
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Transcripts
Transcripts include all your semester marksheets from your Bachelor’s degree, if you’re in the midst of pursuing your bachelors, make sure you focus on your grades and constantly work on beating your past score.
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Letter of recommendation- Letter of recommendation consist of 3 letters or more that are written by faculty members or professionals that you have worked with. These are essential in bringing to light the work you have done under or with these people, and to show their endorsment of your candidature to the university.
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Resume/ CV
Resumes or CV will include your academic details, your strengths, hobbies, work experiences, projects that you have worked on, achievements, personal details, social services, waknessess. You can search for sample resumes and can include all your work to make it look more cool. You could also make a website or blog stating all your projects with links and demos to make it more captivating.
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Statement of Financial Resources
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GRE score
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Visa Details
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Government issued ID
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English proficiency requirement like TOEFL or IELTS
Why is a well rounded application important?
Students who failed to get a good GRE score must focus on other sections and selection criteria to better their chances of securing a seat. They can retake the tests and they can devote to make application the best! Many grad schools consider well rounded profiles only. This implies high importance of a good work profile along with a good grade.
Sources that may help
There are many websites you can refer to make the application look more alluring. I have stated some :
https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/phd-applications-and-financial-aid
https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/statement-of-purpose
https://crunchprep.com/gre/2014/powerful-statement-of-purpose
https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/sop-statement-of-purpose-applycontent1701
https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/graduate-school-statement-of-purpose-sample/
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2016/11/07/academic-transcripts-gre-gmat-colleges- abroad/
https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-transcripts.html
https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/how-to-write-a-cv-for-graduate-school/
