Author: Rishu Garg
Date: 7th September, 2022
Author: Rishu Garg
Date: 7th September, 2022
Tips for Graduate Admissions (Essentials)
Hello Everyone,
I think it is the time when you are in the middle of your graduate applications. The deadlines will start knocking on your door starting next month. So, here are some of the pointers that may benefit you:
Please check out the WHOLE application requirements for your intended schools. Even if you don't have the stuff prepared, just go through with the entire requirements that the form requires.**Why am I stressing about this?**a) UT Austin requires you to submit 2 applications. That's right, and one more thing, you have to submit the first one at least 4-5 days before you submit the second one. b) Harvard doesn't (internally)parse links or any media file in your application. If you are planning on including hyperlinks on your SoPs, or attach any other image/video files, then you have to post all those things in a separate section of the application. c) Columbia asks you to find the courses that you have taken in your undergraduate similar to what they offer and input the relevant grade in those fields. That is such a pain in the a. If I remember correctly, Harvard does something similar. d) Georgia Tech asks you very selective questions with a very limited word count. It can be challenging.
Please maintain an excel/keep sheet of all the deadlines. Sometimes, as many as 4 schools have a deadline on the same day. You really have to push through on those nights(or days depending on your timezone).
Your SoP is not your extended CV. However, it is not very different from that. If you are confused then here are some of the pointers: a)Â Read very carefully what they are asking you. Every word is there for a reason, and hence it is important to highlight those points in your answer. b) The first paragraph should be split between two parts. The first part should highlight what you want to do and the second should describe what you will gain from that experience. The following paragraphs should relate the past experience(not all, only the major ones) from your CV that lead you to choose the field that you chose. Example- Say you took a Biology class and you learned some awesome things (maybe a cool outcome) which kindled your interest in that field. Then you did a particular internship to get your hands dirty and after doing that, you got to know about the subtleties associated with that field. Do not forget to include the things that you learned from that experience. Then, write about the impact that the experience had on you which made you either continue on the field or switch to another one. d) In a nutshell -> Why did you do it -- What you learned from it -- How did it impact on your future explorations.
It may not be the case for everyone, but I think SoPs take at least 4-5 (or more) iterations to shape up. It's like pancakes, the first one will turn out to be bad. Be ready for that. Also, when you send it to your friends/colleagues, don't ask them 'how is it?', instead ask them 'What is wrong with it?'
Some schools offer multiple programs with varying deadlines. Like CMU offers MS in CS, Vision, MCDS etc. If your budget and recommenders allow it, go ahead and submit for all of the programs. Also do keep in mind that some schools like Stanford only allow 1 application in one academic year.
Please proof-read everything. It is not catastrophic, but it sometimes just kills the mood when reviewing and you don't want that.
Do not hesitate to remind your recommenders if they delay in submitting their recos. It is always a good practice to get this done at least a week before the deadline, but if the deadline is approaching, do not hesitate to send them a polite reminder. Also, do check for the reco deadlines (sometimes it collides with the application deadline).
Finally, just give your all. Please do not delve on the past. You messed up some grades; you can't do anything about that. You could have done better internships; yes it's possible. You don't have any publications; ITS OKAY. THE PAST IS THE PAST AND YOU DID WHAT YOU COULD DO. Please don't wallow and waste your time. You have the chance to present yourself in the best way possible. This is still in your hand. Go ahead and do that.
One last thing-- It is very hard to tell you by looking at your profile if you'll get in some X school. Let me rephrase that, it's practically impossible. A publication boosts your profile, but a lack of that doesn't mean rejection. You're opting for a CS Masters and you have a B in Data Structures. This doesn't mean that you can't get into CMU. It is highly subjective and depends on a lot of factors. Do not get depressed and do not speculate on your results.
JUST DO IT.
All the best! (I have not proofread this, so, please forgive me for any typos :P