About 14 percent of U.S. adults hold an advanced degree such as a master’s, professional, or doctoral degree, according to the Census Bureau. Applications for these programs follow a similar pattern everywhere. The steps below cover what most schools ask for.
Start with your goals. A master’s degree should lead to a specific job or skill. Read about what you can gain from a master’s degree and check whether the programs you like match. Apply to several schools, including some where your grades and experience put you near the top of the applicant pool.
Give yourself time. Request transcripts early. They can take weeks to arrive. Ask recommenders at least a month before the deadline, and tell them what the program values so their letters land.
Your resume should be short and specific. One to two pages. List jobs, projects, and skills with concrete results. See professional resume writing tips for the basics.
The personal statement is where you explain why this program. Say what you studied, what you worked on, and what you want to do next. Tie each point to something the school offers. Keep it under the stated length.
Some programs ask for test scores. Check whether your program requires the GRE, GMAT, or a waiver. Many programs dropped the requirement in recent years. Do not study for a test you do not need.
Read the full guide to the graduate school application process for your timeline. Then submit early. Early applications get read with full attention.
