A guide to graduate program applications 

Let’s take a look at each part of the application process.

One-stop application submission

Submitting applications used to be a process that included fees and keeping track of multiple moving pieces at once. At Pearson, we wanted to make that process as seamless as possible. Now you have a single application that you can submit to multiple universities. We’ll keep track of your progress and let you know when deadlines are approaching. Oh, and the best part? It’s free!

How important is your transcript for graduate program admission?

Submitting your undergraduate transcript is an integral part of the graduate program admission process.

Under most circumstances, the graduate program will need to verify that you’ve earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Competitive programs will also look for:

• A high GPA 
• Honors or distinctions you earned upon graduation
• Alignment between your undergraduate degree and field of study
• The reputation of your undergraduate institution

Don’t worry too much if it seems like your undergraduate major is not closely related to your current educational and career objectives. Share how your goals and priorities have evolved in other parts of your application, like your personal statement.

The degree to which your undergraduate experience will influence your chances of acceptance depends on how competitive the admission process is for your desired school. In many cases, undergraduate performance won’t be the final determining factor.

When you use Pathways to submit applications, we’ll request the transcripts you need on your behalf. You focus on the application and we’ll coordinate the transcript files.

Testing and graduate programs

Many graduate programs require you to submit standardized test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). However, there are highly respected schools that don’t require the GMAT or the GRE.

For schools that do require applicants to submit exam results, the program will sometimes publish the score ranges of previously admitted students. Use these to determine if your test results are compatible with admission standards in the program. Remember that you can take these exams more than once. High test scores may also lead to a more generous award letter if you’re accepted.

Start preparing to take the appropriate test based on the online graduate program you hope to attend.

Who should write your letters of recommendation?

You may need to submit letters of recommendation with your application. Recommendation letters should be written by individuals who can speak objectively about your experience.

Here are some pointers:

• Go the professional route
  Ideally, recommendations should be provided by current and past direct supervisors. Pay attention to the guidelines from individual online graduate programs, though. Some may specifically ask for an academic reference to be included, too. 
• Give your recommenders lots of time
  Provide at least a few weeks’ notice before you need to submit their recommendations. Be sure to avoid rushing your recommenders during times when you know they’ll be busy. 
• Know where the letters need to go
  To ensure their integrity, your recommendations will likely need to be submitted directly by the letter writers. Resources are available to streamline this process and avoid multiple systems. 
• Help your letter writers get specific
  Some schools may ask your recommenders to write their letter from scratch, and writing prompts can be helpful in these situations. Ask your recommenders to share specific examples, and provide them with an up-to-date resume so they know your current title and how you talk about your accomplishments.
  In particular, ask letter writers to discuss: 
  • Your unique qualifications 
  • Professional habits and work-related skills you possess 
  • Accomplishments or honors you earned while working with the recommender
    

Make a strong personal statement

A strong personal statement clearly articulates your goals and qualifications while highlighting how the online graduate program is a good fit for these attributes.

Individual programs will likely have their own guidelines. Adhere to their length requirements and answer any questions the school has outlined.

Here are some general tips for writing a graduate program personal statement:

• Start the process of writing your personal statement by looking at your application as a whole. How do you think you come across? What do you think the admissions department will want to know about you based on your academic background, work history, test scores, and recommendations?
• Don’t dwell too much on anything that could be perceived as an obstacle to admission, but do use this opportunity to succinctly share any acceptable reasons for specific issues. For example, did your GPA drop due to a family emergency while you were in college? You might want to quickly mention this fact and highlight how it improved after the event.
• Focus on how your goals align with the specific program. Is there a faculty member there who is an expert in a field you want to pursue? Does this program offer a concentration that’s not available elsewhere?
• Include descriptive examples that demonstrate your aptitude and commitment to completing the program. Explain how you intend to use your experiences in this online graduate program to grow your career in the future.

Does work experience impact your admission prospects?

Demonstrating relevant professional experience is key
Admission departments look more favorably on your application if you can demonstrate that you have professional experience related to your program’s specialization or focus.

Shine a spotlight on your workplace accomplishments
The average grad student spends 1-2 years in the workforce between undergraduate and graduate studies. Work experience paired with a high GPA is a winning combo. 

Show them how you’ve grown in your career
More important than the amount of time you’ve been working, however, is evidence of growth and progression in your career. Admissions departments want to see that you’ve acquired new abilities on the job and have been recognized for your efforts.

The specific kinds of experience that are important to your online graduate program may be based on a combination of two factors:

• Schools might want to see evidence that you have a background related to the program’s specialty or area of focus.
• Programs may want to assemble a well-rounded cohort. So, highlight if you bring something unique to the program that your classmates could benefit from.

Explain any gaps in your work experience
Also, make it clear if there’s a good reason for a significant gap in your resume. For instance, if you took time off to care for a sick relative, you might want to quickly explain that circumstance during your personal statement or interview. If applicable, highlight any unpaid work or volunteer professional experience you acquired with a nonprofit or community organization during that time.

How do you create a resume for an online graduate program?

A professional resume will help your work experience stand out when your application is being reviewed.

Some high-level thought-starters for developing a quality resume include:

• Review your resume to ensure it is cleanly and consistently formatted as well as free of errors. Proof it. Run it through a spelling and grammar check.
• Tailor the descriptions in your job history to the specific programs you’re targeting. Rearrange bullet points with the most relevant content toward the top.
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. For example, saying you “prepared reports” might undersell your achievements. What about saying you “reported” specific metrics?

For more comprehensive resume assistance, check out our Resume Resource Guide.

What goes into an online graduate school portfolio?

Graduate programs may require you to submit a portfolio along with your other application materials. If this is the case, pay careful attention to the kinds of work samples they’d like to see.

If the guidelines are fairly loose, make sure to provide a brief written overview of the documents you’re including. Explain to the admissions staff exactly what it is you’re sharing with them.

Where possible, you should include work samples that:

• Highlight personal contributions you made, not just broad-based team efforts. Share how you shaped the project.
• Show a lasting impact. Focus on projects that were fully executed, not just draft attempts that were not completed.
• Achieve verifiable value for the business. Include reports or testimonials that show how the project influenced your company or team.