Writing a Personal Statement
A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future.
Interviewing Proficiency
Much of an interviewing process is variable. It can vary based on the interviewer, the role, the organization, the needs of the program, admissions requirements, and the industry. For example, this can include how formal the interview process is, the attire recommended for the interview, or the method of interviewing used by an interviewer. Of the four pillars discussed in this guide, the one pillar that is core to the interviewing process, and that does not vary in its importance is proficiency.
Interviewing Preparation
As you begin to prepare for an interview, remember that it is essentially a conversation between two people to determine mutual fit. At the end of the conversation the interviewer should be able to determine whether or not you are able to perform the responsibilities required for the job, internship, fellowship or program and you will be able to determine whether or not the organization and role are the right next steps for your talents, taking into consideration your interests, academics and career aspirations.
Application Timelines for Graduate School
This resource provides a date-free timeline, to give you an idea of the order of events in an application process. Specific dates and timeframes/timelines can vary greatly by academic program and area of interest.
Standardized Tests for Graduate School Resource
Many, if not most, graduate school programs will require standardized test scores as part of the application for admission. Which test you will need to take will vary based on the institution and degree program. This resource will help you to research the programs to which you intend on applying to determine which test(s) will be required.
Interviewing Presentation
Presenting yourself professionally will come more naturally if you have done your due diligence to prepare for the interview. After you thoroughly research the employer, the role, and yourself, you will be ready to focus on how your presentation skills. These skills are essential to demonstrate from the time you respond to an invitation for an interview to the time you send thank you notes to the interviewers. Aim to be your most genuine, positive, polite self.
The Role of the Essay in a Graduate School Application
The application essay is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program.
The essay or personal statement gives a selection committee its best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future.
Requesting Faculty References
This resource provides best practices for letters of reference — both for those requesting them and those writing them. Review the resources below to make sure your letters will be effective and on time, and that the process will run smoothly for all involved.