Getting through piles of homework during your last semesters at college can be overwhelming when coupled with the stress of applying to graduate school. You thought you would have more time. You thought applying would be almost as easy as applying to undergrad, but then again maybe you knew how difficult it would be. And even though you planned diligently and organized yourself, you are still caught up in being a senior. In my case, I became consumed with the idea that everything would fall into place and I'd get to it when I could. Then the storm took over. Having a part-time job, ridiculous amounts of class work, a social life, a romantic life, and the fear of taking the next step all seem to caused me to become stagnant. It's November and the GRE has to be done; personal statements, recommendation letters, and analytical essays have to be mailed. Not to mention that they have application forms that you have to fill out. But don't fret, here are some tips to help you through it all:
1. Research
You need to set aside time on school nights and research what you want to study in graduate school and where exactly you can study the subject you are interested in. This time does not have to take up a giant portion of your life or your time for sleep. This can be an hour of research. Whether you want to do this every night or every other night is your choice.
I am currently applying to graduate schools with great English and Creative Writing programs. Therefore, I researched which schools offer challenging, but rewarding programs that my current transcript and resume match well with.
One this site you can easily find your field of study and then rankings for the graduate schools that offer that specific field. Happy Hunting!!
2. Timeline & Spreadsheet
Once you have chosen a handful of possible places for you to apply to, you need to make a timeline for when all portions of your application and materials are due. Keeping up with this is very important. I choose to use excel for specific information listed as such:
University Name
Program Title (English, Rhetoric and Literary Studies, Creative Writing, etc)
Degree (MA, PhD, MS, MBA, etc)
Average Test Score (GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT)
GPA Requirement
Application Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy)
Contact for Program (email address or phone number)
This can help you remain organized logistically while you can accumulate in depth information in a word document. The document can house a list of materials you need to complete and email/mail to the university personally. Having all of this information tightly packed together will help you to stay focused. Printing it out and having a physical copy, kept in a folder or binder can be extra helpful.
3. Study
There is more time in your day than you realize. You have chunks of time that an average college student finds ways to waste throughout a busy day. You have to take an exam of some sort to get into your program, whether it's the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or another very scary acronym. So make time to do so. Most of the time that an average college wastes hours on the phone or on the computer, doing anything but homework, and when you offer yourself up to do things with you peers when you really should be doing work. This is the time to fill those hours with bursts of studying. Don't overwhelm yourself with studying for hours, utilize small amounts of time like 30-45 minutes or 45-60 minutes. Focus on one section at a time and find a groove. The hardest part about studying for a big examination such as these is starting. What I find most helpful is registering for the exam with a good chunk of time between the present and then, so that I have an obligation to the time that I have left to study for it. It's a great motivator.
4. Talk to Professor & Peers
Discussing your plans with professors in your field of study can be incredibly helpful. They went to graduate school, ask them what they know! Professors are more than just those scary people that silently judge you and your classwork. They care about what they teach, whether it's the course material, life lessons, or how to navigate graduate school. Also, you'll have to speak to some of them about recommendation letters anyway, so be proactive about it.
Talk to your fellow peers about the process. Chances are a lot of them are going through the motions of applying for graduate school as well. Discussing studying techniques, asking for advice on personal statements, and how to approach professors for help. Peers can be wonderful resources if you let them!
These two different resources can be unbelievably helpful. Let those relationships work for you during this time!
5. Take the Phone Calls
When you begin the application process with a graduate school, you often have to enter your contact information. The emails will start flooding in. Read them and email back if you have questions or concerns. But most importantly: Answer your phone. Getting calls from admissions counselors and other employees of the graduate program is such an amazing thing. First, they want you to like them therefore, they are easy to talk to. Second, you want to apply there, so make the effort to show you are interested. Lastly, answering a call can be a big step in your own decision-making process. Answering these types of calls make all the difference when you are applying!
6. Breathe
You have the time, you have the resources, and you know what you are capable of. Take it one day at a time! Even though you plan to further your education and you have a lot on your plate, don't forget to take a step back and enjoy the rest of your undergrad experience. Life isn't always easy, but it should always been fun!
Good luck!!
