THREAD/ Normally, I read and give feedback on grad school applications starting around this time. I've got a lot going on and won't be helping out with any this year, but I wanted to list a couple of pieces of advice that I often give.

Have fun writing!

Before you write, think carefully about why you're applying to each school and program on your list. I think three applications, each with custom-written letters - where you make it seem like that school is the only option! - is better than 20 apps with cut and paste letters.

I researched the shit out of journalism schools before I got down to the two schools I applied to. With those two schools, I doubled down on my research: their specific programs, previous classes, past guest lectures, faculty, and where some of their graduates were at.

When I read apps, the first thing I often say is to be more specific. If you mention a faculty member, can you quote something they've written lately or a lecture they've given? If you mention a specific program, can you mention a specific class and a guest that came to speak?

This often means going back to do more research. Finding faculty on Twitter, following the schools on social media, watching old live-streams, reading interviews with grads. Is there a grad you can mention by name? A student's Master's project that you saw published and admired?

The second thing I often say - and yes, I realize this sounds super pretentious - is to work on their personal brand, story, and narrative: to create a cohesive story about who they are are, what they do, and why they do it.

To get to this, I often suggest starting with more casual writing and move toward something more polished. Can you start with handwriting your answers to why you want to become a teacher/journalist/ect. on computer paper? By journalling about your vision for your career?

I also suggest that people create a cohesive narrative. If someone writes that they're interested in covering a long list of topics, I might suggest streamlining that to frame himself or herself as an environmental journalist interested in telling stories through a business lens.

Then there's the actual writing. I often suggest to people that they don't need to take as formal a tone as they might think. Basically, strike anything that sounds like: 'I am pleased to submit my application,' 'it is with great pleasure,' and 'hereby.' Write in your own voice.

Avoid tired, rehashed phrases that can make tired reviewers' eyes glaze over. Avoid filler. If you need to rework your letters in your own voice, come up with two or three questions, answer them in a voice note, and transcribe your own words to edit off of. Read it out loud.

And lastly! If there are questions that you are meant to answer, address them extremely directly. When I see specific questions listed, I copy the questions into my draft, write my answers below each one, then remove the questions, and edit the text as I see fit.

And I’ll add! The first year I applied to grad school (in a slightly different field), I was rejected! I am not a silver linings type person, but I was grateful for the chance to think more about what I wanted and my applications the second year were much more targeted.

If you are rejected and you applied to a public school, I recommend FOI/FOIA-ing, through the relevant personal privacy act, all materials produced related to your application, including “committee notes.” I have done this and it was ... illuminating.

And last last, if you have a question that I might be able to help with, please feel totally free to DM me. I won’t be able to do line by line reviews this year, but am so happy to chat or brainstorm.