<p>I'm just beginning the process, and I'm wondering what major things are different (or similar) for applying to grad school that you wouldn't expect?</p>
<p>similarities:
- Standardized tests. SAT/ACT for undergrad, GMAT, MCAT, GRE, etc. for grad.</p>
<p>Differences:
- Graduate enrollment numbers are smaller than undergrad, so the selection process is considerably more intensive, or so I hear.
- You apply for admission to a particular program, like medicine, public policy, etc. rather than just general admission to the college (unless you’re applying for stuff like undergrad business, undergrad accounting, etc.)
- School prestige: the high school you applied from may have a major bearing on admission to selective colleges. This is less of a problem at the grad level, as they focus less on where you went to for college and more on how well you did.</p>
<p>That’s all i can think of right now. Also note that the standardized test scores matter more for grad admissions than they do for undergrad, but they won’t compensate for poor performance at school in either case.</p>
<p>Similarities:</p>
<p>-The GRE is much like the SAT on steroids.
-You still need good numbers (gpa, gre) for someone to take a long look at your app. Usually.
-Funding is very different.</p>
<p>Differences:</p>
<p>-Athletic/Social/Civic activities do not matter at all - they are looking for specialists, not well-rounded people.
-Work commitment as an RA, TA, or GA is an expectation.
-Letters of Recommendation!!! They will be numerous and carefully scrutinized.
-The school will be matching you not with a “student profile” but with the interests and needs of individual professors.
-Generally more selective - top programs often only accept 2-3% of applicants.
-More capricious, because it is the individual match that matters. You can be rejected by the 50th best school and accepted by the 2nd.</p>
<p>Academic politics. Your LORs are going to matter.</p>
<p>^^ A LOT. Perhaps more than anything else.</p>