TEM #040: How to make your graduate school application stand out.
May 3, 2024
Happy Friday!
(And welcome to our newest subscribers!)
I had an incredible Graduate School Strategy Session yesterday - we dove into different types of programs to meet her career goals as a business leader.
One of the lightbulb moments in our conversation was the importance of knowing who's on the application review committee 💡
Keep scrolling to learn what to cover in your application in a way that speaks to your audience (and gets them excited to say ACCEPTED).
This week’s highlights:
Your education affirmation
How to make your graduate school application stand out: know your audience
The "audience effect"
Education affirmation.
"The dream is to keep surprising yourself, never mind the audience" - Tom Hiddleston
How to make your graduate school application stand out: know your audience.
"Know your audience."
We've all head this before. On a basic level, it's knowing what to say to who and when to say it.
Knowing your audience is the difference between pouring your heart out to a best friend... or an unprepared stranger in the doctor's waiting room. (This happened to me last week, it was a lot).
Knowing your audience is ALSO knowing who needs to hear which parts of your story for specific reasons.
So, how does this apply to graduate school applications?
There are two primary types of reviewers: faculty and staff.
These two groups, while equally human, can have distinctly different lenses for reading your application and personal statement.
Here's an overview of what each group is looking for:
Faculty
Academic Excellence
Program Fit
Research/Scholarly Potential
Staff
Professional Experience
Interpersonal Skills
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Read on for additional insight on each group and what they're hoping to read in your application materials.
🎓 🎓 🎓
Faculty
Academic Excellence 🏫
Faculty members typically value academic achievement and intellectual curiosity (because that's what led to their own professional success).
They like to see applicants with a strong academic record, including good grades in relevant coursework and standardized tests if required.
Depending on the competitiveness of the graduate program, they may consider the rigor and reputation of your undergraduate institution(s), too.
➡ Where to highlight this: A letter of recommendation, in your college transcript and any graded coursework since then, like a related non-degree course you take before applying.
2. Program Fit ✅
Just like how job search committees look for "culture fit," faculty are looking for signs that your academic interests align with the program's offerings and faculty expertise.
From your personal statement, they're hoping to see your understanding of the program's focus and values, plus your interest in contributing to discussions in class.
➡ Where to highlight this: Be sure to word-drop program values in your personal statement (in an authentic way; reviewers can always tell if you're keyword-stuffing)
3. Research/Scholarly Potential 🔍
Depending on the type of program (ex. master's vs PhD), faculty may put more weight in which applicants show the most understanding of the research process and demonstrate an interest in performing, presenting and publishing research.
(And will look for examples of how you've done each of these, if applicable).
For PhD applicants, they really want to see that your research interests align with those of faculty members because you'll be paired with a faculty advisor to support their research for several years.
➡ Where to highlight this: A research statement, statement of purpose or personal statement.
Staff
Professional Experience 🤹♀️
Staff members often prioritize candidates who bring relevant professional experience to the classroom. (Great news for working professionals like you!)
They look for applicants who have practical knowledge and skills that will contribute to the program's goals for students and alumni.
In your application, they'll be looking out for work experience in a relevant field, internship, or volunteer role.
➡ Where to highlight this: Your resume, personal statement and in the interview process.
2. Interpersonal Skills 👯♂️
Hiring committees aren't the only ones focused on your ability to work well in a team.
Staff reviewers know how many group projects you'll do in graduate school and look for signs in your application that you're a team player.
They especially value qualities like communication, collaboration, and leadership potential from your work, volunteer and even mentoring experiences.
➡ Where to highlight this: Your personal statement, resume, plus all communication with admissions representatives, current students and alumni.
3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 🏳🌈
Research repeatedly shows the benefits of diverse voices on a team; the same sentiment applies for graduate school cohorts.
Staff application reviewers are often committed to building a diverse and inclusive community of incoming students from a variety of backgrounds, identities, perspectives and experiences.
Even if you have privileged identities, you may have unique work experiences or are engaged with DEI-focused organizations that show your commitment to building an equitable society.
➡ Where to highlight this: Your personal statement, resume, and during the interview process.
TL;DR
When compiling your application materials, writing your personal statements, and preparing for interviews, keep in mind that your audience will be looking for different strengths and attributes that suggest you're an ideal candidate.
Be sure to ask admissions representatives who will be reviewing your application (faculty? staff? both?) and ensure your materials speak to whoever's reading.
Fun fact.
Ever heard of the "audience effect"?
It's one reason why people feel more productive working in a public place (like a library).
The audience effect triggers parts of the brain that affect motor skills and can lead you to "perform" better in front of others.
One of the fastest ways to improve your personal statement is to read it aloud to someone - let me know how it goes!
As always, thanks for being here!
Dr. Jena
P.S. Be sure 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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