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Here’s the continuation of the last thread on preparing for grad school applications in US and Canada.
Check previous thread here: https://twitter.com/ibiagbani/status/1265210579037442048?s=21">https://twitter.com/ibiagbani...
Check previous thread here: https://twitter.com/ibiagbani/status/1265210579037442048?s=21">https://twitter.com/ibiagbani...
6. Tests: A huge question many have is whether or not they need to do the tests. Well, I’ll say if you can afford it, do the tests necessary for your field. For example, people applying for STEM disciplines most likely need GRE while people in the business world may need GMAT.
If you want to be competitive, it pays to do the tests.The tests may not be an accurate measure of your knowledge and some schools may be abolishing the need for them but whilst the rules haven’t entirely changed, you should do them so you have more choices when applying.
For people in STEM who will be taking the GRE (which I have experience with), I’ll say you should either give yourself three months of consistent learning or a one month crash course. I advise the former. I do not think you absolutely have to take classes...
..but I think you need a community of people who are on a similar journey.
Do not go in planning to write and see how it goes then return to write again. You’ll be wasting your money. People get it done once, you can too.
Do not go in planning to write and see how it goes then return to write again. You’ll be wasting your money. People get it done once, you can too.
When you register for the exam, you have access to two powerprep tests on the ETS website( http://www.ets.org/gre ">https://www.ets.org/gre"... ) that gives you the most accurate feel of what the exam is like.
If you’re following the three months consistent studying approach, I advise you take the first practice test three weeks to your exam and the second one three days to your exam. You should see a good improvement between both scores.Use the last three days to “perfect” your score.
The GRE and the GMAT for that matter really just test how much you’ve practiced the style of questions, how well you’ve memorized the right words and your comprehension skills.
Some resources I used were from Kaplan, Manhattan 5 lb book of GRE questions (was my Bible especially for English comprehensive questions and Quant), Barron 333 words, Magoosh GRE word app (highly recommend). Whatever you do, ensure you’re consistent. Put in the hours daily.
Depending on the school you choose to attend, you should aim for at least 300. I strongly advise you aim for more because you typically get less than what you aim for. So if 300 is your goal, you should aim for at least 310. The higher your score, the better your chances.
Also take note that some programs require you to have a higher score in quant or verbal. For STEM, mainly in quant. Make sure you do not neglect that even if you think you’re good at quant. Strengthen your strengths so that the knowledge you think you have doesn’t betray you.
Although some universities in the US will let you go without doing any English test, many in Canada won’t. I advise that you do the appropriate test- TOEFL or IELTS. For TOEFL, you should be working towards a 90 and above. A 100 is great with an average of 23 on each band....
....writing, speaking, listening and reading. For IELTS, you should be targeting a 7.5 or above on average for each band. Again, these scores are subjective and depend on your schools of interest. Do your research.
If your program of interest generally doesn’t require you to do any exam like a Masters in Law or the likes pele, you just read a section that was not for you.
7. Choosing the school: I think this is where many people make mistakes. I did too. To do this you should be as realistic and practical as possible. Be more interested in the programs than the school itself when looking. Application fees in the US range from $50-$100 averagely..
..you do not want to waste it on unfruitful applications. I advise people to select at least three schools (programs) when applying; one above your league, one you are just qualified for and one beneath you. If you have extra money,do one or two more at your level or beneath you.
Do not blindly go with the big names you’ve heard or seen people graduate from on twitter, especially if you’re seeking funding. Calm down and do your research. There are so many schools to look through. Look for schools that offer Graduate or Research Assistantships. They exist.
Also look at your application packet and judge yourself. If you’re applying to Harvard with a 2.8/4.0 CGPA, a 290 GRE score, no publications, no outstanding leadership experience, except you’re just exercising your faith (which can work, mind you), you are almost just setting..
yourself up for a love letter of rejection and the accompanying heartbreak. So be very practical.
If you’re coming in for a Masters with the aim of going on to do a PhD and you know you’re not a top tier school material yet, it’s okay to start small. Having one US or Canada degree especially if you do excellently sets you up to proceed to an even better school for your PhD.
If you’re applying for a PhD or Mres and you’re coming into a STEM field, it is a good idea to search for schools based on what research the professors there have to offer. If you’re interested in say bone,the best bone guys may not be in Harvard, they may be in Emory University.
Doing your work in bone at Emory will be more beneficial for you especially if you remain in that line throughout your career.
If you find professors whose work interest you, send them an email telling them who you are. Express your interest in their work, highlight similar work you’ve done in the past and if possible what you could bring to their lab if given the opportunity. Sell ya “markate”.
They will most likely reply and trust me, if a professor expresses interest in you and wants to work with you, you’ll most likely get into the program and be funded. I know, that’s how I got into grad school.
Sometimes no response or negative responses from professors in a program is a red flag especially when you’re applying for a PhD and need funding. Oftentimes it is better to apply to schools where professors have shown interest in you. Again,this may not apply to every program.
8. Last, definitely not least, Statement of Purpose: This is the rope that ties your application together. Here, you’re expected to tell your story. Why are you motivated to do the course you’re interested in? Does the research appeal to you for some personal reason?
You should zoom in on your personal reason if you can. Try to avoid generic statements lazily backed up with statistics eg 50% of Africans die from xyz. Trust me they’ve seen so many of such. Your SOP should make you think carefully about every sentence.
How can you show them you’re resilient and focused without merely saying you’re resilient and focused? How do you connect who you are, what you’ve done previously and where you’re going to the program you’re applying for?Why should they choose you instead of the other candidates?
If you’re applying for a PhD or even a research based masters, how much of the subject of your intended research do you know? You should infuse that into your SOP, demonstrate your knowledge and pose some questions you intend to answer during your course of research...
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you’ll actually answer them during your study.If you’ve approached a professor and they want to work with you, tailor your research interests to their work. Do not make the SOP a research proposal.A paragraph that communicates your knowledge is fine
Your SOP should be fitted to each program/school you apply to. What makes you a good fit for the program? Top tier schools for instance aren’t concerned only with how much you know and have done, they expect their students to have a particular persona.
You should exude confidence without being arrogant, showing them why you will be a great addition to their program. Showing not telling.
Make sure you give people who are in grad school or professors to read through your essay.
Make sure you give people who are in grad school or professors to read through your essay.
Make sure you do not try to rush writing your essay, it will end in tears. There’s always something to correct. Give your essay time to sleep and wake up, it is easier to catch the errors then.
To end this thread, I’ll say: You may have one or two rejections along the way, brace yourself, do not take it personal. That you completed an application speaks volume of your tenacity and drive. You do not need to be accepted by all the schools, just the one meant for you.
If you have questions, my DM is open.
Kindly retweet for others who may need it on your TL.
Dear current Graduate students or people who have walked the application journey, what did I miss out? Please add your tips and advice.
Kindly retweet for others who may need it on your TL.
Dear current Graduate students or people who have walked the application journey, what did I miss out? Please add your tips and advice.
