1. Tips for
Writing a Grad
School
Application
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2. APPLICATION
DOCUMENTS
Scholarships /
Grants /
Teaching
Assistantships
Cover Letter /
Statement of
Purpose
A brief statement, usually in formal
letter format, outlining why you are
applying for the position
Résumé /
Curriculum
Vitae (CV)
A collection of applicable
experiences, jobs, and awards
Writing
Sample
A conference-level paper that
showcases your writing craft
Applications for financial assistance in
the form of tuition reimbursement or
employment opportunities

3. SOUND LIKE A
PRE-PROFESSIONAL
LET THEM SEE THE ADULT WHO WANTS A CAREER,
NOT A STUDENT TURNING IN A PAPER
Overused
Words & Phrases
"I always knew I wanted
to be...."
"Ever since I was...."
"Opportunity" &
"Experience"
Academic Register
Use the language of your
upper­level classes
Have a trusted professor
in your field look over
your writing
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of "Excellent time
management," give an
example of when you
managed time well
Be specific
Look Past Grad School
How do you want to
impact your field?
Why will you be an
asset to their program?
What are your dreams?

4. FOCUS ON
LANGUAGE
Look up resume and cover
letter formats in places other than Google:
Pinterest, your undergraduate career
centers, etc.
Tailor your personal statements to each
graduate program's mission statement,
but don't use it word­for­word.
Look at what the graduate teaching
professors are publishing; talk about
how your research interests intersect with
their work.
Be careful with MS Word's default résumé
creator. Make sure you're using the
appropriate format for your field!
Don't sell yourself short! Instead of "A
professor noticed I excel in
communication skills," change it to "I excel
in communication skills."

5. You're going
to be
spending a
lot of time,
energy, and
money on
grad school.
Be sure
you're
invested.
You want the
committee to
say, “Oooo,
we want her.”
Using
numbers
really helps
make
a lasting
impression.
Having
trouble
thinking
of what to
write?
Expand on
your resume
or ask friends
what you do
well!
CLOSING ADVICE

6. Make An
APPOINTMENTToday
(715)­836­2644uwec.edu/writing ENGL62@uwec.edu
"She helped me think outside the box and was able to take my
ideas and help me to expand them. Overall, a very helpful
[session]!."
"I love this place!!! It really helps me to organize my thoughts!!!"
"Josh did a fantastic job of helping me see what I need to include to
help my essay stand out from others. He was great at helping me
narrow my focus."
"I would like to thank Marc for taking the time to listen to my
personal statement and offering feedback. I appreciate the
suggestions he gave me; they helped improve my personal
statement! Thank you!"
"Lauren was very helpful and encouraging! I didn't feel judged or
condemned when I made a mistake and she was understanding. But
she also offered a lot of positive comments."