It’s summertime, and we hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved school break or possibly a more relaxed work schedule. Maybe you’ve got a vacation planned and will be firing up the BBQ with friends on a regular basis. This kind of recreation helps you recharge for the busy months ahead, so enjoy!
But if you are planning to apply to grad school in the fall or early winter, consider doing some prep work during this time as well. In this post, we offer a short list of things you can do over the summer that can significantly enhance your stature with the adcoms and get you that much closer to earning those acceptances you hope for.
1. Continue to Research Programs
You might already have your heart set on one or two “dream” programs and chosen your backup schools, too. Keep on top of what’s happening at these programs by following them on social media and tracking any other content they release, including blog posts, video interviews, and podcasts. You’ll be in the loop with any new initiatives or offerings they introduce and feel more knowledgeable about them overall. Many schools have student ambassadors or other individuals with whom applicants can connect to learn even more, so check to see whether the programs you’re interested in offer this resource.
We also suggest that you research other schools not currently on your target list. This is especially important if the programs you plan to apply to are “reach” schools for you and you are determined to clinch an acceptance the first time around. Comb through the websites of other schools that offer the degree programs you seek and follow them the same way you follow your “dream” schools. These other programs might have been under the radar for you, but think about this: they could be gems, offering an excellent education and environment where you can earn your degree and rise to the next stage of your career.
2. Analyze Your Applicant Profile
Look for opportunities to burnish your credentials in ways your target programs value. For example, if you’re applying to an MBA program and have little in the way of leadership experience or community service, get involved ASAP in something relevant that you care about and will enjoy. Doing so will help fill that hole in your profile. If you begin in June, you can still log a six-month track record by December. If you are waitlisted, your demonstrated commitment will only grow from there.
Is your academic record a bit weaker than you’re comfortable with? If so, find a class or two in one of your less-strong subjects that is relevant to your degree program, and start hitting the books. Summer is also an ideal time to prepare for any required aptitude or language tests. If your current GMAT or GRE score is disappointing and you are applying to programs that require one of these exams, find a prep course and gird up for a retake.
3. Polish Your Resume
A strong resume is a huge asset to your application, but it takes a lot of skill (and time) to effectively convey your most outstanding strengths using few words and in an organized fashion. Make sure to emphasize your most notable and recent achievements, whether in business, leadership, research, teamwork, academia, your job, or an internship. Having a solid resume in your back pocket that should require only minor revising during application season will lift one more task from your load in the fall and winter.
4. Begin to Map Out Themes for Your Essays
The schools begin to roll out their essay prompts and questions during the summer. Why not get a jump start on sketching out your ideas for themes and experiences you could write about? Law school applicants can begin working on personal statements and addenda. Check the essay prompts from the previous year. Chances are they won’t change that much. Even if you end up facing a brand-new or retooled essay question, thinking about and reviewing your experiences and goals will be time well spent. Your ideas will probably evolve over the coming months, and that can be a good thing, too, as you come up with new insights.
Here are a few final ideas for things you can do over the summer to enhance your standing with grad school admissions officers:
- Start a correspondence with a student or graduate of your target program. Ask questions that you haven’t been able to find answers to through other information streams. If the student or graduate you speak with is in your target field, ask about the classes and career opportunities they especially recommend. You might also consider trying to meet in person with a member of a local alumni chapter. Even in our digital age, in-person meetings are often more valuable and memorable.
- Network in person or online with people working in the industry you seek to join and/or in the type of role you wish to have. Keep reading, attend seminars or professional meetings (if nonmembers are welcome), and look for other ways to deepen your understanding of what you can expect when working in that field and/or role. These interactions might also provide valuable insights that you could use in one of your essays.
- If possible, try to get a part-time job or internship related to your intended field.
Reading this blog post brings you one step closer to submitting a winning grad school application. If you would like personal guidance on choosing your programs, polishing your resume, refining your essay strategy, or any other aspect of your grad school applications, schedule a free consultation with an Accepted expert. We’re here to help you get accepted!
By Judy Gruen, a former Accepted admissions consultant. Judy holds a Master’s in journalism from Northwestern University and is the co-author of Accepted’s first full-length book, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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