Graduate School Here We Come

When a student decides to apply for graduate studies, he may at first be overwhelmed with the prospects of paperwork and procedures ahead of him. But step back a second and recollect four years or so back...to the time of college applications as a senior in high school. Surely you remember some lessons from that experience? While "graduate" may at first sound scary, you may find that underneath the façade of professionalism, applying for graduate school is very similar to the under-graduate application process.
First, recall the standardized aptitude test you had to take as a senior in high school? If you are drawing a blank, try dusting off your memories of taking the SAT, for the recommended strategies for scoring well on the SAT also apply, in general terms, to doing well on the GRE. Yes, the General Records Examination, better known as the GRE, is the graduate school version of the SAT. All applicants to graduate school are required to take the GRE for most graduate programs. That being said, there are as many, if not more, exceptions to policy at the graduate level as there is at the under-graduate level. So be certain to consult the graduate program requirements for each institution you are considering. Once you verify that the GRE is required, "yesterday" is never too early to get started with your preparations. Now there are those of us who are natural born test takers; but for most prospective grad students, studying for the GRE is necessary. In the engineering field, the analytical/mathematics portion should be a breeze. It is the rest of the GRE, particularly the vocabulary and written portions that may deserve some extra attention. So be sure to invest in one of the reputable GRE study books or courses and then practice, practice, practice. Your study should include not only the book form but also the computer-based study questions and sample exams. Depending on how you elect to take the GRE, and whether you are granted any special accommodations, you will either be taking the computer-based GRE, the paper-based GRE, or a combination of each. So practicing and becoming comfortable taking the practice GRE in the way you expect to during the real exam will make a big difference in your scores. Then, as soon as you line up your study materials, find out the dates and locations for taking the GRE and register for your preferred session. There are many sites and dates offered around the country; however, your choices may be limited if you are attending a small college, live in a rural area, or have been granted special accommodations. Personally, I didn't have a choice in the matter. Be aware too that requests for special accommodations can take a long time to be granted and arranged. So get your GRE application in early!
Second, get the campus and graduate program-specific requirements for your graduate school application. These requirements are similar but do vary slightly between institution s. These days, you will likely be able to complete your grad school application online and keep track of the components for each on the respective sites. A personal statement of intent, letters of recommendation and a form containing in effect your CV are the basic requirements. Specific programs may amend or add to these as they feel fit so again, do check with the graduate program assistant in the department you are considering. Asking for letters of recommendation early is critical. You may not yet have a final version of your personal statement but that's all right. What is most important is that you give plenty of time for your professors to write your recommendation letter(s). As soon as you have a sufficiently final draft ready, you will want to provide your recommenders with copies of your personal statement and accomplishments so that they have a reminder of what you have done to make your application most worthy of acceptance.
Third, write, review, polish and customize your personal statement, your curriculum vita, and any other supporting or requested materials. Drawing on your experience with your under-graduate application and any scholarship or fellowship applications is a good idea. You will likely end up completely rewriting your previous personal statement but having a starting place is easier than beginning with a blank document. Be sure to tailor your personal statement to the specific study and program you intend on pursuing. Then drawn on the support services your campus offers, consult your department advisor(s) and seek the advice of your family and friends. Some students may resort to hiring a professional writer but personally this is not a direction I have ever taken. Part of learning and refining is practicing the art itself.
Fourthly, perhaps the most important part of the application process, make contact with the faculty and staff at the department you are considering. Establishing a relationship early on will help to not only familiarize yourself with the specifics of a department and research focuses at the prospective university, but also to increase your chances of making a match and consequent acceptance. For as has been noted, research faculty are always looking for their next star student.
Finally, cross your t's, dot your i's and check your application is complete. One of the most common causes for rejection is simply incomplete applications. So you might want to verify that your application was received with all necessary materials and that all letters of recommendation were received as well. Following up with the graduate program advisor can be a good idea; but be cautious of being too pushy. Academic reviews run on their own time frame and constant inquiry may have an adverse effect, especially when corresponding with busy professors. So take a chill pill, focus back on your current course work and/or job, and have fun!