Will they take me?
Posted by Jennifer Buchholz on January 6th, 2009
The application process was so intimidating! It was one of those times when I started to second-guess myself. Do I have the right background? Will they take me? Who will be my references? What will they say? So many questions ran through my head as I started the application process.
For the PhD program, filling out an application for the school was more complex than many job applications I’ve done. There were a number of requirements I needed to meet, including age, work experience, and academic experience. I was very young when I started the program - 27. Many schools had requirements that a student had to be at least 30, so I needed to get an exception, and my application and supplemental materials had to speak to my experience.
The application itself was long (thank goodness it was electronic). I continued to fine tune the application while gathering the other information. I needed to get 3 letters of recommendation - I asked my boss, a peer, and an instructor from my master’s degree program. I also needed to write an essay about why I was a worthy candidate for the program.
I think the essay was the most intimidating. Not only were they looking for post-grad quality writing, but they were evaluating the worthiness of the candidate - me. While the essay was personal in nature, I had a lot riding on it.
When you go to start your application process, here are a few tips.
1) Make sure you know everything you need to do to apply and when the deadlines are.
- Many schools will require transcripts, references, applications and essays.
- Some will have an application fee as well.
2) Contact everyone early and let them know the deadlines (allow a few days before the final due date).
3) Follow up with folks to make sure they’ve completed what you’ve asked.
4) Follow up with the school to make sure they have everything they need. Find out when they expect a decision to be made so you don’t go crazy waiting.
When filling out the application or writing the essay, just be yourself and be honest. Then get some proofreading/editing help to make sure your writing is clear - you want this to be the best work you’ve done so far.
Remember, a good application is the first step to getting in to the school you’re choosing. Don’t rush through this process.
