The Most Important Asset in Grad School Applications: Time [Show Summary]

This episode is devoted to how the precious and finite asset of time can help you get accepted when applying to graduate schools.

Linda Abraham, Founder of Accepted, Discusses the Importance of Following a Graduate Application Timeline [Show Notes]

The problem: Lack of time.

What’s the usual root of the problem? Applicants decide to apply one day and try to do so in too short a period of time.

What are the possible results?

A poor decision –

* Possibly applying to the wrong programs or the wrong schools

* Perhaps you’ll be accepted at schools that aren’t as good as they could be, or,

* You’ll be rejected and will face the additional costs and need additional time to reapply.

Sometime applicants start the application with plenty of time but procrastination or life gets in the way of them completing it. The most common way that life intrudes? Discovering that you need to retake an aptitude test. If you haven’t allowed that possibility, the retake can cause all kinds of problems and delays.

While it never makes sense to submit something less than your best, there are advantages to applying early. If you can submit either early in the application cycle for rolling admissions like medical school or in earlier rounds for most MBA programs, you are applying when the class is wide open. There are more interview slots and seats available.

How Much Time for Test Prep, Research, etc Prior to Application?

Here are my recommendations:

* For MBAs, allow for 6-12 months of research and test prep before planning to submit.

* For medical school, allow 12-36 months of taking classes, MCAT prep, and volunteering before actually applying.

* For law school, allow for 6-12 months of research and test prep.

* For academic masters and Ph.D. programs, allow at least 6-12 months for research and test prep, and it could be longer if you also have to get in volunteer or research experience. For these types of programs it is harder to give a rule because there is much more variety.

These time frames mean:

* You will have time to prepare for and if necessary retake an aptitude test.

* You will have time to research programs and visit those you are most interested in and are feasible for you to visit.

* You will have time to do the volunteer work or experience that is vital for some programs.

* You will have plenty of time for essays, statements of purpose, etc.

The other key element you need to know before applying for graduate programs is a post-degree goal. Most programs want to know that you have a goal they can help you achieve. Assuming you know that, and once you know your test score (and since you already know your GPA), you can move forward in choosing schools.

Important Things to Think About

Most MBA programs and all programs asking for a statement of purpose want to know the purpose of your studies. If you have no purpose, no goal, no solid reason for pursuing the degree,