Application Process
Admission Tests
What kind of admissions tests are there?
Most graduate and professional schools require test scores for admission. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General and Subject tests are required by many academic programs (Masters and Doctoral degrees). MBA programs usually require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Other tests are required in other fields such as the LSAT for law school, the MCAT for medical school, the DAT for dentistry school, the OAT for optometry school and the TOEFL English proficiency test for international students.
Where can I find information about graduate school admissions tests?
The Career Development Center has registration booklets and study guides for most admission tests. In addition, there is information on-line about each test.
Personal Statement/Essay
What should be included in a personal statement/essay?
Many programs require some sort of written statement as part of the application. The terminology differs, but may include statement of purpose, personal statement, letter of intent, or personal narrative. Sometimes there will be specific questions to answer. In other cases candidates may write about a topic of their choice. Before you begin to write, make a list of points you would like to cover in the statement. Consider your educational and career goals, select items from your list that reflect experience, skills and interests that relate. Have a beginning, middle and end to your statement. Your first draft will not be your final copy. You will edit and rewrite several times. When preparing your final draft, proofread carefully. Be sure there are no spelling errors in spelling or grammar.
The Career Development Center staff is available to critique and review personal statements. Please contact us for an appointment. The WPI Writing Center also critiques personal statements.
- Definition of a Personal Statement
- Getting Personal
- Writing a Personal Statement
- Graduate School Statement
- Statement of Purpose
- Graduate School Applications
- Tips for Writing a Personal Statement (Medical School)
Letters of Recommendation
How important are letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are required for almost every graduate school application and are a very important part of the application process. Usually grades and test scores factor in most heavily; however, your letters of recommendation could be the deciding factor in the admission process. Strong letters of recommendation can strengthen your application and if there are deficiencies in your application, they can help to outweigh them.
Whom should I ask for letters of recommendation?
The best letter writers are those that know you well and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed at the graduate level. Faculty and/or supervisors of internships/jobs (preferably in related fields) are the most appropriate. It is recommended that at least two references be from faculty, preferably from related fields. A good time to approach a letter writer is early fall of your senior year if you plan to attend graduate school immediately. Be considerate and courteous of your letter writers' time and workload, and approach them at least two months in advance with your request. When asking someone to write a reference letter, it is in your best interest to meet with that individual in person or speak with them on the telephone. Discuss your plans, share a draft of your application and/or essay, and a list of topics you would like addressed in the letter. Letters of recommendation are written strictly on a voluntary basis; a faculty member or employer may decline to write them. The best approach is to ask potential letter writers if they are willing to write you a letter is support of your application to graduate school. If you sense reluctance or the answer is no, ask someone else. Keep the letter writer informed about your status and make sure you send them a thank you note.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: July 30, 2008 13:59:13