<p>how important is a resume to the application?</p>
<p>Don't send in a separate resume. You're not applying for an industry job. You should be able to write in all of your qualifications and experiences in your actual application and statement of purpose.</p>
<p>Actually, many programs REQUIRE resumes, so not sending one in would result in an incomplete application. </p>
<p>I think that it's important for the programs to put you in context- say if your undergrad days were a while ago, or you've been actively involved in volunteer organizations within your profession, etc.... or if you've won a bunch of awards, but don't want your SOP to sound too braggy, the resume makes sure that they still see those things. It's just another piece that helps round out the committee's mental picture of you.</p>
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Actually, many programs REQUIRE resumes
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<p>Oh really? I wasn't aware of that. Whoops, sorry. Well, if your program requires a resume, then send one in :) Otherwise, don't send in a separate resume because that's one extra thing they need to read. All applications are online nowadays, so if people can't scan through all your info in the expected places on the application, it's harder for them to go look up your additional info file.</p>
<p>I think it's a good idea for many programs to send in a CV, as well, because a CV should be a nice clean bulleted version of your SOP for professors with short attention spans.</p>