When I initially transferred to UCLA, I wasn’t thinking about graduate school. As a first-generation college student, I was more focused on surviving undergrad and learning how to navigate an institution that wasn’t built for me. Looking back at my experience there are things I wish I would have done in order to become a more competitive applicant for graduate school. In this blog post, I share some of my insights and personal experience.
Maintain a “Good” GPA
Generally, the criteria for admission for most graduate programs include a bachelor’s degree and at least a 3.0 GPA. However, the higher your GPA, the more competitive an applicant you become. Remember that your transcripts are only one component of your graduate application. Admissions committees are looking for students with strong academic records who demonstrate the potential to excel and contribute to their field. Although it is important to maintain a strong GPA, admissions committees take a holistic approach when reviewing applicants. Your application consists of other components including your test scores, statement of purpose, research statement, resume, and letters of recommendation. If your undergraduate GPA is especially low, consider connecting with representatives of the graduate programs you’re interested in to ask for advice. Taking a gap year between your bachelor’s and master’s or doctoral degrees to gain work experience can bolster your application depending on the discipline. There are also post-baccalaureate programs (primarily for those in the health fields) for individuals who need help boosting their GPA or for individuals considering a career shift.
Connect with Professors
Traditional graduate programs require applicants to submit at least 3 letters of recommendation. If you are applying to PhD programs, it’s highly recommended that your letters come from professors with PhDs themselves. Letters of recommendation are an important component of your application and, as such, should speak favorably of your skills, ability, and academic potential. The earlier you are able to build relationships with professors, the better. So how do you make these connections? Many of my students find their professors intimidating and unapproachable. Remember that your professors are human too! Make a positive impression by introducing yourself at the beginning of each quarter/semester, being engaged in class, and attending office hours (even if you’re not struggling!). In fact, I’d like to challenge you to introduce yourself to each of your professors within the next few weeks if you haven’t done so already. If you enjoy the teaching style of a specific professor or if you’re interested in their research area, take more classes with them and try to find ways to get involved with their research projects. Remember to stay connected even after the class ends. Send periodic emails and stop by office hours to catch up. Some professors strictly view office hours as opportunities for current students to ask questions about course material while others are open to connecting informally with students during this time. Not sure where your professor lies? Just ask!
*There are other benefits of building relationships with your professors beyond letters of recommendation.
Gain Research Experience
Research is a primary component of PhD programs. By gaining research experience as an undergraduate student, you are demonstrating your ability to engage in research at the graduate level. You are also gaining valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, and teamwork and collaboration. There are various ways you can get involved in research. If your professors are working on research projects, feel free to ask if they are looking for volunteers or hiring research assistants. Some university departments will even have websites where you can search for professors, their current research projects, and if they’re hiring. Many colleges and universities offer formal opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research. For example, students who are in honors programs are sometimes required to write a thesis. Other universities have programs (e.g. CC2PhD Scholars Program, Student Research Opportunities at CSULB, McNair Scholars Program) or centers that support undergraduate students gain research experience.
Get Involved
One of the exciting things about being a student is the numerous opportunities to get involved. Some universities have upwards of 600 clubs and organizations ranging from academic clubs to social sororities and fraternities. Take time to explore your interests and seek opportunities that align with your academic goals and professional and personal interests. Getting involved is a great way to meet new people and expand your professional network. It’s also a great way to gain leadership experience. Many clubs and organizations have governing boards that you can be a part of! One of the best decisions I made as an undergraduate student was joining a (Latina based) sorority. My sorority served (and continues to serve) as a community of support, a counterspace where my Latinidad was accepted and celebrated, and a professional network that I continue to engage in. In fact, the majority of the women who have been featured on this blog are members of my sorority.
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of internship opportunities on and off campus. These experiences will help you become a well-rounded student/applicant and help you determine your career and academic path. I understand that for some students, especially those who are working multiple jobs, have families, and/or are commuting, getting involved may not seem feasible. Remember that life experience is also valuable. Learn how to maximize your time and highlight the skills and strengths you’ve already gained through the school of life. For those with limited time, checkout micro-internships, a new model of gaining short-term and paid professional experience.
Attend Information Sessions
Find the right graduate program by doing research and attending information sessions. What’s important to you in a graduate program? Some factors to consider include location, environment, financial aid, normative time to degree, student demographics, and professors. Attending information sessions was especially important to me because I got a chance to visit various university campuses, meet professors, and ask questions.
Did I miss anything? Feel free to share your advice in the comments section!
