TEM #009: It’s (actually) not about you.

August 25, 2023

Happy Friday!

Big things are happening behind the scenes - and you’re the first to know:

• The Dr. Jena Application Shop is about to open with DIY anytime, anywhere resources to kickstart the graduate school application process.

• I recorded my first guest spot on a podcast (coming soon!).

• I’ve been connecting with young professional organizations to speak about what graduate school is and how to apply.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

This week’s highlights:

• Your education affirmation

• Your personal statement is (surprisingly) not about you

• Action steps for the next week

• GRE updates and discount code ✍️

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Education affirmation.

It is possible to achieve my goals, my true potential is limitless.

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On the Blog.

Your Personal Statement is Not About You 🤯

Even though the details of your personal statement are about you, for the admissions committee, it's ultimately about how you will benefit the program.

Basically, your personal statement is about them. Knowing this, you're in the best position to write a persuasive case for why you deserve a spot in their next cohort.

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Application Action Steps.

Choose your own adventure 🚁

1. Thinking about school in the future?

   • Standardized tests might be required for the degree you’re considering.

   • Open your “Future Education Opportunities” document and start a section for Standardized Tests.

   • Add the test you will most likely take (ex. GRE for most programs, GMAT for business, LSAT for law, MCAT for medical)

   • Include the link to the registration page for future reference

   • Make a note on which month or season you’d ideally like to take the test in the future, base it on your personal schedule and when you’ll have enough time to study
     

2. Actively applying later this year?

   • If you’re asking a faculty member for a letter of recommendation, we’re coming up on the best time to ask:

   • Week 3 of the semester

   • Why? Because the school year is underway and it’s not quite time for midterms. Faculty will have a little bit more bandwidth to read emails or have meetings to discuss your request

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Fun fact.

I personally believe in test-optional graduate school admissions practices as a sign of commitment to access and equity.

But if you’re applying to a school that still requires the GRE, here’s good news:

Starting late September 2023, a new general GRE test is rolling out. It will be just under 2 hours (instead of the previous 4 hours).

Plus, the registration website has a discount to promote it: "$60 off test registration using code GRE602023 through Sept. 20” (ETS)

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What has been your favorite part of The Education Mindset so far?

• Vote anonymously (1 min) to celebrate what you love and share what you want to see next. This helps me develop helpful resources for people just like you!

Thank you so much in advance for your input and for reading each week!

Dr. Jena

p.s. Have a coworker, friend or mentee thinking about graduate school? Forward this email so they can sign up here for The Education Mindset and get on track to apply.

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