This document serves as a guide for prospective graduate school applicants, outlining the five key factors considered during admissions: GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and internship/research experience. It emphasizes the importance of preparing each component thoroughly and provides tips for improving GPA and obtaining effective recommendation letters. The document encourages applicants to utilize resources available on campus and to start the application process early.

1. So, You Want to Go to Grad
School?
A Stand-Alone Instructional
Resource
By
Andrew Murray

2. Purpose
 This resource will acquaint you with
the five main pieces of information that
most graduate schools use when
admitting students
 When prompted, choose the option
that best matches you!

3. The “Fab Five”
 In order to be competitive on your graduate
school applications, it is essential to
consider the following factors:
1. GPA (grade point average)
2. GRE (Graduate Records exam)
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Personal Statement
5. Internship/Research Experience

4. Grade Point Average
 Grades are important, as they are a long term
indicator of how well you perform as a student
 They reflect your motivation and your ability to do
consistent and successful academic work
 Admissions committees not only look at your GPA,
but also at your major GPA as well as your
cumulative (overall) score
 Many grad schools will expect a 3.0 or better GPA
for admission, although the specific requirements
often differ

5. Grade Point Average
“My GPA is where it “I think I can make my
should be to be GPA better before I
competitive” apply to grad school”

6. How do I make my GPA
better?
 Success on your transcript is all about
working hard IN and OUT of the classroom
 Tips:
 In class: Take notes, ask questions, talk to your
professor before/after class
 Out of class: Form study groups, visit your
professor during office hours, use academic
resources on campus (Writing Center, Academic
Learning Center, Academic Advisors, etc.)

7. Graduate Records Exam
(GRE)
 Prospective graduate school applicants from all
around the world take the GRE
 GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship
panels to supplement your undergraduate records,
recommendation letters and other qualifications for
graduate-level study
 The GRE assesses the kinds of thinking (verbal
reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing)
you’ll do in graduate school to show you are ready
for the rigors of a professional education

8. Graduate Records Exam
(GRE)
 “I am prepared for  “I need more
the GRE and don’t information on the
have any questions” GRE… what’s my
next step?”

9. More Info on the GRE
 http://www.ets.org/gre
 GRE home page, a great place to start!
 http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general
/prepare
 Free test prep materials!

10. Letters of Recommendation
 A well-written recommendation letter provides admissions
committees with information that isn't found elsewhere in the
application
 A recommendation letter is a detailed discussion, from a
faculty member, of the personal qualities, accomplishments,
and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the
programs to which you've applied
 It’s important to consider your letter writers carefully and give
them plenty of time to write, as these letters are essential to
entrance into your graduate program
 You’ll need at least three (3) letters!

11. Letters of Recommendation
 “I already know three  “I have no idea who
great faculty could write my letters.
members / job How do I choose a
supervisors that can letter writer?”
write effective letters
on my behalf”

12. What You Need to Know About:
Letters of Recommendation
 How do I choose my letter writers?
 Choose faculty members or job supervisors with whom
you have lots of productive and positive experience
 Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you feel you can write me a
strong letter of reference?
 Make writing the letter “easy”
 Provide all necessary information and materials
 Resume
 Questions or topics to discuss
 Addressed envelopes with stamps
 Timeline for completion
 Give your letter writers time
 Your writers are busy… give them at least a month to craft
and send your letters

13. Personal Statement
 Graduate programs will often assign specific
topics that applicants must address in
writing their personal statement
 The graduate admissions essay is a critical
part of the graduate application because it is
through this essay that applicants speak
directly to the committee and demonstrate
their unique fit to the program

14. Personal Statement
 “I’ve already written  “I would like to
my statement and learn more about
consulted with how to write the
writing best personal
professionals… I’m statement I can…
good to go!” who can I talk to?”

15. More Info on: Personal
Statement
 Use your resources on campus:
 Talk to faculty members / academic
advisors
 Writing “professionals”
 The Writing Center
 Faculty with credentials in writing/language

16. Research / Internship
Experience
 Internships and research experiences allow
you to express your passion and learn more
about issues in your chosen field that
interest you!
 Internships and research experience bolster
your resume for grad school and future
employers, and allow you to gain practical
knowledge that textbooks cannot provide

17. Research / Internship
Experience
 “I already have two or  “I have less than two
more years of work years experience.
experience in the field Where can I pursue
related to my this experience? What
program… I’m all set!” resources might be
available to me?”

18. Research / Internships:
Resources!
 Research:
 Typically, your professors are scholars in your
major and are conducting research… consult
them, or the academic department, to become a
research assistant
 Internships:
 Career Services or Service Learning are great
places to start
 Both:
 Your academic advisor can connect you a lot of
these resources!

19. Beginning the Journey
 At this point, you now have the knowledge
needed to begin the application process
 Be sure to refer to the school’s website for
specific requirements
 Give yourself time to apply! Don’t rush!
 Finally, utilize your academic advisor and
favorite faculty members… they’d love to
help you!

20. For a Refresher…
 GPA
 GRE
 Letters of Recommendation
 Personal Statement
 Research / Internship Experience
 Back to the Beginning
 How do I contact the author of this presentation?

21. Thank You!
 For more information on this
presentation, please contact:
Andrew Murray
Andrew.Leon.Murray@gmail.com
Michigan State University