<p>Ok I'm finally starting to open up online applications (for ones that are already available) and some of these things are confusing. Contradictory instructions on where and what to send, inadequate space for seemingly important information (like word limits for personal statements), and missing things I thought would be part of the application (like GPA, extracurriculars, space for research interests, etc etc)</p>
<p>I understand much of these online applications are open-ended and *do *give you the chance to upload additional documents, but does anyone else notice these confusing apps? </p>
<p>All I want is to make sure my applications are as thorough as possible, but the online systems make it sooooo frustrating! Thanks.</p>
<p>Not sure what you mean about the missing space for stuff like GPA, extracurriculars, research work and that sort of stuff since everywhere I applied to had more than enough space for it.</p>
<p>And word limits for personal statements are there for multiple reasons. One, lots of professors really don’t care that much. Two, you need to learn how to be succinct if you’re ever going to write a paper. Three, lots of professors really don’t want to spend time reading about how you think you’re awesome.</p>
<p>Each application is different, of course, and you have to tailor your information to meet their requirements. Some applications don’t allow you to write a long statement of purpose while others pose much stricter limits. Some make you divide it up into research interests, experience, and other. Some do not have you enter your GPA; they just want your transcript, which will have the GPA on it. Some will ask you to calculate your GPA in various ways, while others will have to enter the cumulative GPA.</p>
<p>Some applications allow you to attach a CV, which would contain much, if not all, of the information you think is missing.</p>
<p>As for where to send them, almost all (if not all) graduate programs have applicants file electronically. After that’s done, then the LOR writers are notified via email about how to submit their materials. My daughter ran into problems because a few of her programs required transcripts to be sent electronically, but her LAC didn’t do that. </p>
<p>Completing graduate school applications can be very time consuming because of these differences from application to application.</p>
<p>The online systems are frustrating to navigate, though I found that the application in general is easier than undergrad applications. You really only have to write a single personal statement and change a few sentences here and there, whereas undergrad is filled without many “When School X” essays. Filling out your name and address and GPA takes some time but requires little thinking.</p>
<p>Thank you so much everyone. I think Mom’s post summarizes it especially well. Yes, every app has it’s own idiosyncrasies. </p>
<p>I have a general question about LoRs…does the system not notify your letter writers until your app is submitted and paid? That would be bad. I’ve talked to my referrals recently about the letter so they’ll have had plenty of time, but I have a feeling they won’t actually start writing it until they get that notification…</p>
<p>I basically want them to have as much time as possible.</p>
It depends. Sometimes you can request letters of recommendation as soon as you create the application, othertimes you need to submit the final application before the requests go out. Just don’t procrastinate and you will be fine.</p>
<p>I personally tried to work on my applications in batches so that my professors got several links at once, rather than one-at-a-time. It’s a bit more convenient for them and safer for me, since they are less likely to miss one. (Cornell used this screwy platform that did not allow me to re-send the links for 30 days after I requested the first batch. If a link gets lost too close to the deadline, you are screwed.) </p>
<p>I noticed that there are only a few online platforms that most universities seem to use. Some are infinitely more painful than others. My favorite platform pre-filled my basic information for each new application I started. The most painful one made me navigate all screens in order each time. For example, to get to the program-specific sections, I had to click through 10 screens of personal information first. It didn’t help that the system was slow and took several seconds to navigate between screens.</p>
<p>One of my applications has a drop down menu for GPA, however, it only lists GPA to the nearest tenth decimal. My GPA is 3.55. Do I round down or up to enter 3.5 or 3.6? I did learn in elementary school that you round up at 5, but I don’t want them to think I’m trying to inflate my GPA. Gah, it’s their own d*** fault. </p>
<p>Thanks, good advice. My unofficial/online transcript says 3.55. I have no idea if the thousands decimal is higher or lower. Thankfully I have an official transcript on delivery so I’ll rip it open to double check. </p>
<p>Another question here. I’ve been asking the program coordinators if it’s okay to send 4 letters of recommendation (vs. 3). Most of them said it’s fine and all letters will be read. However, in the online application, these schools only have spots for 3 references and no visible option to add more. Does anybody know how that 4th letter can be sent electronically? </p>
<p>I don’t want to keep bothering the program coordinators with stupid questions like this. Thanks!</p>
<p>Your official transcript should look just like your unofficial one, except it’ll probably be written on some sort of fancy paper to show it’s an official one.</p>
<p>Thanks. Actually I’m kind of hoping it doesn’t include *all *information. I changed my major sophomore year, from art to biology. My unofficial transcript shows my major above each quarter. Do you think this will affect my application?</p>
<p>Also can somebody answer my last question in post #9?</p>
<p>Also FYI, I never took a single art class during college. In fact I started my first quarter as a freshman taking the science and math courses for the biosci major. I don’t even know why I was an art major for a year, lol. Anyways, I’m curious what the adcoms will think of this when they see my transcript. I really don’t want to have to explain anything in my personal statement, because there’s nothing for me to say about it…</p>
<p>I just submitted my first app last night, but after confirming the payment on the last page, I received an Error Page (“This page has been edited or removed”). I received no email confirmation saying they had received my submission, but I did receive an email confirming my payment. Also, I checked my bank statements and the payment is already pending. </p>
<p>The problem is, when I login to the application, it looks exactly the same as before I submitted it. All fields and docs are uploaded and nowhere does it say “You’ve already submitted this application” or something like that. It’s as if I could apply all over again. </p>
<p>I called enrollment services and they said it should be fine since it takes 1-2 days for them to receive the application, but I’m still skeptical based on everything I mentioned above. I have no proof (other than that payment) that I submitted my application and I’m $30 short now. The last thing I want is to think my application is being reviewed by adcoms when it isn’t. </p>
<p>Has anybody experienced a complication/technical glitch like this? Enrollment Services told me to call them back in the afternoon or tomorrow morning to see if they received the application, but I think that even if they did, again, I have no proof. This worries me.</p>
<p>Why would you need proof? If they tell you they’ve received the application, then it’s in and you’re good to go.</p>
<p>If they didn’t get it, then there was some sort of technical glitch and you’ll just have to fill it out again. I’m sure they won’t charge you a second fee if they really didn’t receive the first attempt.</p>
<p>Just because it goes against their standard procedure. For all we know, they could be lying so I stop asking them (Knowing this, I won’t be harassing them with calls!). Wouldn’t you have an uneasy feeling if your app didn’t go through “normally” like everyone else’s?</p>
<p>Why would they want to lie to you? Do you think that they are lying to students who are inquiring about the status of their transcripts or a portfolio too? </p>
<p>In a way, you are actually lucky. A “thank you” screen after you submit your application can be very deceiving because so much could go wrong after your computer submits the application. The application manager needs to forward your application to the graduate school, the graduate school to the department, the department secretary to the admissions committee, and then there’s a risk that the decision made by the admissions committee is misrecorded or miscommunicated back to you (that has actually happened to me and was only caught through a lucky coincidence a month later). </p>
<p>A confirmation that the graduate school or your department actually received your application is in many ways better than a “thank you” screen.</p>
<p>Thanks bari. True true true. I just wanted to experience whatever usually happens. I just wanted to be normal! Seems nothing ever is for me though. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>In a related note, I called another grad admissions office and found out they couldn’t find my transcript. Then I called the actual department and they received their copy. So now I have to check back with the grad office in a few weeks, and if it still doesn’t show up, the department will make a copy for them (but then that would’ve been a waste of my $10). It’s ridiculous to have to jump through fire for stuff to be done right. </p>
<p>Can I have a smooth application process just for once? “Confusing apps” was an understated title when I created this thread. If I only knew… :)</p>
<p>edit:
Sorry for sounding so dramatic. I don’t mean to. My only point has been that you can have all your ducks lined up, but the further along you get, the more **** starts to fall apart beyond your control. *That *is the most frustrating part. Frankly, I’m surprised we’ve not seen more threads like this. Maybe it’s early in the app season and so I’m the guinea pig for complications.</p>
<p>So it’s pretty much been confirmed that my app **did not **go through, and now they just took my money for the app fee. The lady who is supposed to help me has not called back. Hopefully she does.</p>
<p>By raising these issues though, am I treading on thin ice? I don’t want to ruin relations with them, but this is absolutely not fair. I am close to steaming mad. Hopefully this all gets ironed out.</p>
<p>^^ISSUE RESOLVED. Moving on to another question;</p>
<p>On most apps there are spaces to enter your Research Interests, Faculty Interested In, and Research Experiences [bold]in addition[/bold] to the personal statement. Is it a no-no to repeat what you’ve said in your personal statement in these fields (and vice versa)? So far I’m literally repeating the same sentences. Will adcoms see through this?</p>
<p>Bump. Also some applications ask you to list 7-10 faculty members from the pull down menu. What is this for/how much influence does this have on the committee? Do I have to contact at least this many professors to make sure they are accepting grad students?</p>