How I did it: Over the past ten years, I’ve been rejected by graduate schools no less
than twenty times. This year, however, I was accepted by three of them.
This proves at least two things: 1) Persistence does indeed pay off,
and 2) I know a little bit about applying to colleges. A lot of the
following might seem like common-sense advice, but once deep in the
fray of applying, I find periodic reminders quite helpful.

Now that I’ve succeeded in getting into a Ph.D. program (For the
record, I didn’t spend the last decade trying to get into Ph.D.
programs. Ten years ago I was applying to get my master’s), I have
accumulated some tips for would-be graduate students. Though my
experience is with applications at the graduate level, most of this
advice is applicable to prospective undergraduates as well. I also
asked three of my academic mentors, friends, and the writers of my
letters of recommendation for their advice.

Here are a few bullet points on which I will expound below:

• Round up all of your documents as early as possible
• Do well on the GRE
• Research schools in-depth
• Tailor your statements of purpose to each school
• Order an extra copy of your transcripts
• Be professional, respectful, and courteous

Lessons & tips: http://roychristopher.com/how-to-get-into-college

Resources: http://roychristopher.com/how-to-get-into-college

Aug 10, 2009, 09:38AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers