UNDERSTANDING

THE APPLICATION
PROCESS FROM
START TO FINISH
AGENDA
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

APPLICATION TIMELINE

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

TRANSCRIPTS

C.V./RESUME

STANDARDIZED TESTS

UNDERSTANDING DEADLINES

AFTER YOU APPLY

 THE UNIVERSITY OF
ROCHESTER

➢ Private Research I (RI) Institution in Western New York

State
➢ 6,800 Undergraduates Students
➢ 5,000 Graduate Students
➢ Seven Schools
o Arts and Sciences
o Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Science
o Eastman School of Music
o Warner School of Education
o Simon School of Business
o School of Medicine and Dentistry
o School of Nursing
• Mid-August: Applications open for programs
in The School of Arts and Sciences as well as
the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied
Sciences.
• December-January: Most applications are
due in this period. Check your department’s
website for specific deadlines.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
• January 1: FAFSA applications open for
domestic applicants. Applications are due
March 15. Application timelines vary by program, so be sure
• February-April: Admission decisions are sent to check your department’s website for that
specific information. For a more general timeline,
out. If admitted, scholarship information will
you can visit
be included in the offer letter. https://www.rochester.edu/college/gradstudies/
• April 15: Generally, most admitted students admissions/timeline.html
must accept the admission offer by this date in
order to maintain financial support.
 KNOWING THE APPLICATION
PROCESS

• Statement of Purpose • CV/Resume

• Letters of • Test Scores
Recommendation • Language Tests
• Transcripts
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

• The SOP is one of the most important • Avoid listing your accomplishments, remember
components of your application. the committee already has your CV.
• Be concise, direct, and specific. • Elaborate on your relevant past experiences,
offer a glimpse into how you understand your
• Avoid generalizations like “I love literature”
field, or provide some insight into how you think
or “Biology is my passion.” as a scholar.
• Tell the committee why you are applying, • PROOFREAD! Have a friend, mentor, or co-
why this school, and what you can offer to worker look over your work.
the program. • Keep it short! 1-2 pages single spaced. Check
• Take this seriously and reserve time for your department’s website for specific
multiple revisions. requirements.
 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: STRUCTURE

• Some departments have their own requirements for the statement of purpose, which vary in length and specificity.
• There are multiple ways to organize an SOP—chronologically, thematically, or creatively, for example—but it is
important to maintain clarity and concision throughout the statement.
• This essay should show the admissions board why you are the best fit for the program, and why the program is the best
fit for you.
• Why you are the best fit for the department: this is where you highlight your relevant experience and academic
achievements.
• Why the department is the best fit for you: what faculty, research projects, or department-specific resources will
support you in achieving your academic goals? How do you hope to grow as a scholar, and what are you expecting
this program to help you achieve in the future?
 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

• Inform your potential recommenders well in

advance that you are applying and provide them
with deadlines!
• Plan on having 3-4 recommenders for each
application – you may need a back up. You can use
the same people for multiple applications if relevant.
• Recommenders should be able to speak to your
strengths of character, intellect, and capacity to
pursue graduate education.
• Recommenders could be past advisors, professors,
or supervisors.
 HOW TO DECIDE WHO TO ASK FOR A
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

• Consider any faculty with whom you have a strong, long-term relationship. Have
you worked with them on a research project, or taken multiple courses with them
over the course of your academic experience?
• Academic advisors are a great option, as they have most likely seen you grow over a
longer period of time.
• If you have completed any internships or worked in a position relevant to the
program you are applying for, you can ask your supervisors to write you a letter of
rec. This provides some variety as well as a different perspective on your strengths
and capacity to pursue an education in your field.
 HOW TO ASK FOR A LETTER OF
RECOMMENDATION

• Let them know where you are applying and what program(s) specifically you are
pursuing.
• Ask if they would feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation on your
behalf.
• Tell them how you enjoyed your time working with them, and briefly mention how
this pushed you in the direction of pursuing a graduate education.
• Let them know which of your specific skills you believe they could vouch for based
on your experience working with them.
• Make sure to submit transcripts from all
previous undergraduate and post-
baccalaureate degrees.
TRANSCRIPTS
• You only need to submit unofficial degrees
during the application process, but make
sure you can get an official copy if you are
admitted.
• If you’re an international student or you
have a three-year degree, you may need to
have your transcript processed through the
World Education Services (WES). This
evaluation will authenticate your transcript
and convert it to the U.S. standard GPA
format.
 C.V. OR RESUME

CURRICULUM VITAE (C.V.) RESUME

• No page limit • Strategic and concise

• Used primarily for academic purposes • No more than 1-2 pages
• Detailed descriptions of
- Coursework • Short lists of academic and professional
- Presentations experience
- Research • Only lists relevant skills and experiences
- Publications
- Professional affiliations • Less focus on awards, publications, and
- Teaching experience presentations
- Awards/honors
 STANDARDIZED TESTS

GRE/GMAT ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• Three components – Verbal, Quantitative, • Most commonly accepted exams
Analytical Writing - IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

- Different programs may weigh these - TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
components differently - Duolingo
• Score Minimums?
• Check program application requirements – not all
programs require this • Applicants whose primary language is not English need
to complete an English Language Test
• Give yourself enough time to prepare and study • For waiver information, visit
• Official vs. Unofficial Scores https://www.rochester.edu/college/gradstudies/admis
sions/faq.html
• Official Scores vs. Unofficial Scores
 NOW WHAT?
• Check the school’s website to find out when
you can expect to hear back.
AFTER YOU SUBMIT
• If you have not already, reach out to faculty
or staff within the program to start making
connections.
• Some programs may require an interview, so
be on the look out regarding a call back.
• Look for any programming the school
offers that will give you a better sense of
what it is like to be a student there.
• Applying to graduate school is a process, so
be proud of yourself for all the hard work
you put in!
• Try to take a deep breath and RELAX!
 Questions?
Contact Us
Email:
[email protected]
u
Phone: (585) 275-4153

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