The Nitty-Gritty Guide to Applying to Graduate School

Compiled and written by: Carrie Small

Choosing Schools
Applying
Funding

 

Part One : Choosing Schools:

-Planning

-Research

-Resources

1. Once you have decided to go to graduate school, the next step is to research and choose a select number of graduate schools to apply to. This can seem like an overwhelming process considering the number of schools to choose from. The key is knowing where to obtain the information needed. Consult faculty members and individuals that have specialized in the discipline of your choice and have knowledge of your field. They will be able to refer you to graduate schools that they know of, and answer questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the programs. *You should pick at least 6 schools to apply to.

For anthropology graduate programs your number one guide will be the AAA (American Anthropological Association Guide to Departments). This resource book is available for viewing in the department main office, the undergraduate advisor's office and in the main library on campus.

2. Also check out the web pages of schools that you are interested in. Many schools have applications that you can download off of the web.

3. Write/email individual graduate departments and ask them to send you information on their program and the school. Take the opportunity to ask about assistantships that they may offer and how you can apply to them. Carefully research possible departments and faculty members, apply to those with interests compatible to your own; verify that adequate facilities are available for your intended research at those departments.

4. Specifically write to faculty that you are interested in working with. Find out what they are like. Are they interested in taking more students? Do they seem to be interested in you? If there is only one person in a department that you are interested in working with and that person for whatever reason is not taking students, chances are that you will not be accepted that year.

5. As you narrow down your choices- visit those schools. Talk with faculty and graduate students. Talking with someone in the program, even if not required will give you the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate interest.
 
 

Part Two: Applying

- GRE

- Purpose Statement

- Letters of Reference

 

1.GRE :You must take it. It is definitely not fun but almost all schools use this test in conjunction with your other application materials during the admissions process. Do not feel bad about taking it more than one time. But plan ahead. Start studying for the exam in the summer before your senior year. There are some excellent study prep books out there as well as courses, so take advantage of them- they are worth your while. The latest that you should take the GRE is early December (depending on when your applications are due). Keep in mind that even with the computer-based exam, you are required to wait 60 days before retaking the test.

2.Purpose Statement : This is probably one the most important parts of your application. Take it seriously!! Start writing this at the end of the summer before your senior year. The purpose of this is to give you the opportunity to articulate your goals and reasons for applying to graduate school. You may need to brainstorm before starting the draft on what’s unique about you, how you became interested in the field, your personal characteristics and skills and your previous experiences. The statement should be 2-3 pages maximum in length.

Write concisely and emphasize your research goals. Describe your general research interests and intended regional focus and tailor it to each particular school; provide the specific information requested and outline your intended career trajectory. Every faculty is judging your degree of fit in their respective department. Let them know how you will fit into the department, and identify the appropriate faculty members and the areas of research that you hope to work with. The goal is to sell yourself. It is important to demonstrate your enthusiasm. It also should show your personality and individualism. Lastly, it is important that the statement is well-written. Follow the ten writing tips provided in this packet for help on this part.

Because the statement of purpose is so important, don’t write jut one draft and be content to send it off!! Instead, have several advisors review and make comments on it for you. Take their comments seriously so you can effectively revise your statement of purpose for each schools particular focus. It is common to go through ten drafts of this statement! Often, your best reviewers of this statement are your three recommenders.

3. Letters of Recommendation: You will need three letters of recommendation for most schools. These should be from faculty (not TA’s) who know you and your abilities well. One way to get a good letter is to do independent research with a particular professor. This is also a very important part of your application so you need to make sure that your recommenders are capable and willing to write excellent letters for you. Also, be sure that you give your recommenders plenty of time to write and send the letters.

Copies of the following should be presented to your recommenders in a folder at the beginning of the Fall semester:

 -Test scores (optional especially, if they are not so great, but you should talk with you recommenders to explain why)

- Resume/vita

 - Draft of your purpose statement(s). Include versions for specific schools.

 - Any class papers that you have written for that professor (this is so that they do not have to go back into their files and gradebooks)

 - Transcript- highlight in separate colors all anthropology courses, and any relevant other courses such as geology or religious studies etc., and also highlight courses that you have taken specifically with that recommender.

 -All graduate school forms and materials. I cannot stress enough the need to have all of these forms together in one place and at one time. And don’t forget to put stamps on all of the relevant envelopes.

*By putting all of this material together you will impress your recommenders in your organizational skills and also make their job a lot easier; which they will definitely appreciate.
 
 

Part Three : Funding

The Department of Anthropology Undergraduate Advisor has more information about these, and other, resources.

Here are some helpful resources:

http://www.dla.utexas.edu/depts/anthro/grants.html

Graduate School Funding Handbook by A.Vahle-Hamel, M.Morris-Heiberger, and J. Miller-Vick (University of Pennsylvania Press)

Free Money for Graduate School

Financing Graduate School

Graduate Scholarship Directory
 
 

Final Notes: This process can be exasperating and confusing, especially on top of a busy course load. Give yourself plenty of time for each of the steps outlined above. This is an important step in your life, so, think hard about your goals before you start to apply. Good Luck!!