TEM #039: What admissions leaders know (that you don't... yet).
April 26, 2024
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Last week I had the opportunity to speak and facilitate a panel of admissions leaders for a Columbus Young Professionals event.
(Side note: they're the largest young professionals org in the US with 30K+ members, it's amazing).
Today I'm highlighting some of the key takeaways - my personal favorite was a vote for the buddy system! 👭
This week’s highlights:
Your education affirmation
What admissions leaders know (that you don't... yet)
A vote for the buddy system
Education affirmation.
"If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb
What admissions leaders know (that you don't... yet).
I recently facilitated a fireside chat with a panel of graduate admissions leaders in Ohio called Empowerment Through Continuing Education.
Our pre-session chat and the event discussion highlighted my personal beliefs on helping working professionals pursue graduate school: there is no one size fits all approach.
This applies for applicants as well as how admissions processes work at different universities.
Here are the main takeaways from my conversation with admissions leaders from Case Western Reserve University (MBA), Ohio University (online graduate programs), and The Ohio State University (business graduate programs):
There is no "perfect" applicant
Standardized tests are equally important *and* not at all important
Use the buddy system
Honorable mention: if you wait to go back to school until one day when __(whatever's holding you back)__ changes or happens in your life, the day will never come. Just go for it.
🎓 🎓 🎓
#1 - There is no perfect applicant
With K-12 and higher education systems rooted in grades and achievements, it's easy to think that the only way you'll get into graduate school is with a high college GPA and/or experience at a name brand company after graduation.
NOT true, not even a little bit.
The truth is, admissions committees are looking for proof that an applicant has what it takes to learn, grow and succeed in the future.
In the applicant pool, reviewers could be comparing apples and oranges of individuals with vastly different life circumstances and experiences.
Not everyone has a 4.0 GPA, and sometimes those that do are missing other factors that suggest they'll maximize their time in graduate school.
Maybe extenuating circumstances affected grades or availability for extracurriculars. Or perhaps it took someone a few years to even find their true calling.
Admissions reviewers take all of this into account and ultimately choose people who will be excellent participants in class, plus have potential to be exceptional leaders in their field one day.
Quick personal story to highlight this concept:
I was accepted to a top 10 master's program with an average college GPA.
Why?
Because I explained my personal growth during the semester I had all Cs (... I overextended myself and learned a valuable lesson).
I proceeded to channel that growth into future semesters and into my first work experiences, which was highlighted in my personal statement. My application showed I would maximize every opportunity and work hard to be successful in my field one day.
It worked!
→ Your takeaway? If you want to go back to graduate school, apply.
Don't discount your accomplishments and experiences - what your imposter syndrome would lead you to believe is lackluster about your qualifications could actually make you a shining star in this year's applicant pool ✨
#2 - Standardized tests are equally important and not at all (it depends on the program)
This was one of the hottest topics of the panel!
When asked about the importance of standardized tests in their review processes, sentiments from admissions leaders ranged from:
Very important. In fact, if someone has a score they're not happy with, we tell them not to submit the score because we can't remove it from our system, even if they take it again a few months later and do better. It's to their benefit to not have a low score on our records for reviewers to see at any point in the process.
Not at all. We won't even look at scores if they are submitted and actively tell applicants not to waste time or money submitting them to us.
→ Your takeaway? Before committing time and money to taking standardized tests, know which programs you're considering and ask their admissions representatives about the weight of test scores on acceptance decisions.
#3 - Use the buddy system 👯♀️
One of the MBA admissions leaders mentioned that she encourages applicants to apply and enroll with someone they know (i.e. a colleague, friend or family member) because it often results in the most positive student experience.
Why is this?
When starting a new and somewhat stressful experience, having a trusted person for accountability and support can make all the difference on the road to graduation.
(Of course, you'll have the opportunity to make friends in your program to commiserate through long nights and projects, too).
→ Your takeaway? If you know someone considering going back to school for a similar focus area, apply at the same time and tackle the challenge together.
Fun fact.
The buddy system became a recognized term in 1942, in reference to having two people mutually look out for each other's safety in hazardous situations (i.e. war).
Other names: "Wingmen" (Air Force), "Shipmates" (Navy), "Battle Buddies" (Army).
We'll need to come up with a better name than "classmate" for your future buddy in grad school!
As always, thanks for being here - hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Dr. Jena
P.S. Don't forget to check out The When to Go Back to Graduate School Quiz!
** Whenever you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help **
If you’re thinking about graduate school 🤔
If you’re ready to apply this year 😃
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Hi! I’m Dr. Jena. I help working professionals confidently apply to graduate school and advanced degree programs so they can achieve their career goals.
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