Postgraduate study
If you’re looking to study in the US at postgraduate level, there are a number of factors you’ll need to keep in mind right from the get-go in order to make the right choice of university.
When you’re considering a particular institution, you’ll need to investigate a broader range of questions than is the case for an undergraduate applicant. For instance: what research possibilities will a given university provide? Will it allow you to undertake teaching work, or an academic assistantship?
Once you’ve settled on a set of universities to apply to, you enter an application process which is typically more lengthy and arduous than the equivalent process at undergraduate level. You will generally need to submit:
- Application documents
- A personal statement
- An academic transcript from the university where you did your undergraduate study
- Several references and recommendations
- A CV giving a broader view of your personal profile
- A research statement giving an overview of how you will utilize opportunities for research throughout your proposed course of study
- Writing samples and/or a portfolio of previous academic or (if relevant) artistic work
Admissions exam scores. Note: these are not the same admissions tests as are in place for undergraduate admissions. In many fields, you’ll need to sit the 3.75-hour GRE General Test. In some, other tests, such as the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT and DAT, will apply. Scheduling and revising for your tests is a process that you’ll have to be responsible for yourself, so it’s no surprise that many applicants choose to engage a tutor or application advisor to help them through the process.
As is the case at undergraduate level, you might also be asked to undertake an interview. This is at the discretion of the individual university. If you’d like to hear details of how Tavistock Tutors can help you with interview technique, pitching an application package and any other aspect of the application process that you feel unsure about, feel free to get in touch.