Graduate School Admission

by Yulia Sharshel
(Andover, KS, USA)

I always wanted to become a nurse anesthetist. Having earned my bachelor’s degree and put my time at work as a registered nurse in intensive care unit, I was ready for admission to nurse anesthesia school; or so I thought.

Graduate admissions are very competitive in some areas, especially nursing, medicine and engineering. I did not realize as to how much more prep time and certifications I would need to obtain before even thinking into applying. So, if you are looking into applying for graduate school here is what you need to do:

First of all, read the application in its entirety and make sure you can meet minimum requirements, like GPA, test scores and letters of recommendations. I cannot even begin to tell you how frustrating it is when applications are either not completed, or the person does not even meet GPA requirement. If you cannot complete an application, you cannot be a graduate student.

Second, take the GRE or MAT, MCAT test early enough, so if your score is not stellar, you still have time to retake it before admission deadline.

Next, treat your first time of applying as if it is your only time. No test runs. Have all of your certifications, awards, etc. in the application packet, so you stand out. Everyone is going to have good grades and letters of recommendation, so you need to shine.

Don’t ask for letters of recommendation from people who cannot give you a good one. Have your resume, personal statement or CV proofread by someone else. Don’t make it too lengthy, two pages maximum.

The most important part is to meet with the program director as well as graduate admissions counselor. They need to see your face and know who you are.

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Thanks Yulia for sharing your tips on graduate school admission. I hope you were admitted to your top choice school. Best of luck.