5 Common Graduate School Application Mistakes
Deborah Tollefsen
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
I've seen a lot of graduate school applications in my 23+ years in higher education. Here are some common mistakes:
- Failing to Articulate Program Fit: Faculty review applications to find students whose interests and research align with their work. Research faculty expertise and clearly explain why their program is the right fit for you.
- Poor Communication with Letter Writers: Strong letters of reference are often crucial, especially for doctoral programs. Choose writers wisely, ask early, and provide them with your CV, academic goals, and submission details. Ensure they can write a strong letter—if not, find another reference. Remember, their deadline is your deadline—late letters can make your application incomplete.
- Procrastinating on Submission: Waiting until the deadline risks incomplete applications due to missing or incorrect documents. Submit early to allow time to resolve any issues.
- Sloppy Supporting Documents: Personal statements and writing samples should be polished. Proofread carefully and ensure proper formatting.
- Lack of Clear Focus: Graduate programs seek applicants with well-defined academic and career goals. Avoid vague aspirations—clearly articulate what you want to study, why, and how the program fits your objectives.
