Postgraduate Study in the US

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This page is to provide you with more information on applying for postgraduate study in the United States. It is intended to be a general resource. You should do more detailed research into your particular field. If you're interested in business, law or medicine, please reference Business School in the US, Law in the US, and Medical School in the US and Canada.

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Contents

What is Graduate School?

Postgraduate study, or graduate school as it’s called in the US, is designed to give you specialized knowledge of a particular subject and practical skills for your desired profession. It does this through focused courses, independent study and/or internships. Over the course of this degree, you perform original research that concludes with a thesis, dissertation or comprehensive final exam.

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Graduate school is for people who are interested in scholarship and teaching, not for those looking to take more undergraduate courses. It is also not well suited for people looking to enter the workforce right away. In addition to being time consuming, most students in graduate programs aspire to become university professors, work in industrial or government research, or start their own companies.


In the United States, most graduate programs take longer than they do in the UK. For example, masters programs generally range from two to three years and doctoral programs typically take five or more years. The structure of the first year varies widely, but it is designed to give you background information before you start your dissertation. As you get further along in your studies, opportunities will arise for you to present your work publicly. You’ll make professional acquaintances and form an academic network that will assist you as you make your foray into the field.

Deciding to Apply

Before you decide to apply, you should evaluate your abilities and commitments. Postgraduate study demands intensity and dedication so you should attend only if you are truly passionate about a particular subject and able to adjust to the student lifestyle. To be successful in graduate school, you need to be disciplined and self-motivated. You also need to have excellent time management skills and be able to establish good relationships with your colleagues and advisors.


Graduate school is a big investment of time and money and requires a number of sacrifices. The level of study is considerably more intense than an undergraduate degree. Before you commit, you should thoroughly research your options. Talk to alumni and professors in the field. Read up on all of the resources available to you. Evaluate your situation and other possible career options. Make sure you’re considering graduate school for the right reasons and not to avoid making a decision about your future. Graduate school shouldn’t be somewhere to hide from the “real world.” You should have clear future career goals before you invest years and resources into this endeavor.


Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you apply:

Timing

There are many factors that can affect when is right for you to go to graduate school. Though many people end up attending eventually, only about 20 to 30% of finalists enroll right after graduation. The rest decide to take some time off before continuing their studies. Both options have their benefits.


If you’d like to attend right away, you’ll probably still be in the “study” mode and won’t have to readjust to school after pursuing other options. If you’re entering a field where graduate study is required, you’ll be able to enter the profession sooner. You also won’t have to worry about other financial obligations like marriage, children, and mortgages. Furthermore, undergraduate loans can be deferred while you’re attending school.


On the other hand, there are many reasons people decide to take a few years off from academia. They can range from wanting to gain some work experience or to affirm their desire to pursue an advanced degree. Additionally, most graduate schools expect applicants to have experience related to their area of specialization so some people need a year or two to fulfill these qualifications after college. Wanting a break from your studies is also a good reason to take some time off from school. Many people find they have more clearly defined goals and better perspective after they’ve spent a few years doing something outside of the university.


Selecting a Graduate School

Choosing the right graduate school can be a cumbersome process. Fortunately, there are many tools available to help you make your decision. When you’re deciding where to apply, you should consult with as many people as possible. Talk to mentors, Careers Advisors,
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and alumni. Faculty are also an excellent resource as they’ve been through the process themselves and know the community of researchers in their area. You should speak with professors in your specialty as they can provide insight as to the strengths and weaknesses of particular schools and programs.


You should also consult the web. Here are some websites that might prove useful:

Researching Programs

Once you have a list of schools, check the websites for the various programs in which you’re interested. They offer insight into the curriculum, faculty, and structure of the program. They also give instructions on how to apply. You should try to visit several schools in person, talk to faculty and alumni, and ask Admissions to put you in contact with current students.

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Narrow down your list of schools to a reasonable number of programs. You should consider having two “safety schools” that you know you’ll get into, two schools that are especially competitive for someone with your qualifications, and a few schools somewhere in the middle. Remember, this process can be quite expensive as most American schools charge an application fee.


Here are some factors you should consider:

Admissions

Environment

Logistics

Faculty

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Outcomes

Applying to Graduate School

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, it’s time to start the application process. You should read through each of the forms and make sure to fill in all the required areas. Type or neatly print each of your responses. Include your publications, outstanding achievements, or anything else that might differentiate you from other candidates. Graduate schools are looking for diverse, ambitious, mature applicants.


Make sure to proofread the application before you submit it. You don’t want to send in anything with spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. It might help to have someone else look it over to make sure you haven’t missed anything.


Most deadlines are far sooner than they are in the UK and generally fall between December 1 and February 1. Try to submit your application as soon as possible. Many graduate schools have rolling admissions so the sooner you get your application in, the greater chance you have of getting accepted. Even if the school does not have rolling admissions, it still looks better if you get your application in far before the deadline. If you aren’t able to do that, it is still imperative to meet the deadline. Most schools will not evaluate applications received after that date.


Tailor your application to the school to which you’re applying. Note any professors you would like to work with or have an advisor. Mention areas of research you are interested in pursuing as a graduate student.
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Application Supplements

Many programs evaluate samples of your work as part of the applications process. These can be the most important part of your application if you’re applying to a program in Architecture, Art, Creative Writing, Journalism, or Public Relations. Other programs also may ask for portfolios showing your work experience in the field. This is a way from them to evaluate your out-of-classroom learning and interest in the discipline.

The Personal Statement

The personal statement is a way for schools to assess your values and character. It is how you introduce yourself as a person and distinguish yourself from other applicants. It is also where you convey information about your motivation, future goals, and interest in the field and university. The personal statement is often regarded as the most important part of the application and should be well thought out and planned in advance. Many applicants find it helpful to have a professor or advisor read their essays and provide feedback.


Your personal statement should discuss significant accomplishments, contributions, publications, and experiences that are not addressed elsewhere. It should not explain, apologize for, or defend negative parts of your application, like a poor academic record or GRE score. The appropriate place to do this would be an addendum. You also shouldn’t include anything from high school (unless an interest in the field began then) or summarize your college activities. Instead, expand upon one or two experiences in greater depth. These experiences should highlight your particular strengths and qualities. A good personal statement usually has a unifying theme and discusses choices you have made or things you have done in your adult life.


Some schools ask for multiple essays, others just require one. Either way, you should tailor each essay to the individual school. Discuss why you want to join that particular program and what attracts you to that school or department. You can mention faculty members with whom you’d like to study and explain why their research or publications have intrigued you. Find people who are well-acquainted with that department and ask for guidance. This will show you’ve taken the time to do the research.


Personal statements are typically around 500 words or two pages, but follow the instructions for each school. The opening paragraph should draw the reader in while introducing the main elements you plan to cover. You can begin with an anecdote, quote, or witty line to grab that reader’s attention. In the rest of the essay you should discuss what you feel you have to offer to the school and how you will benefit from the program. The conclusion should re-articulate the main point or add something new and significant. In either case, leave the reader with a portrayal of you that will be positive and memorable.


The personal statement enables Admissions to evaluate your writing skills and communications abilities. Your statement must be clear, concise, well-organized and focused. It should also be persuasive and have varied sentence structure. Make sure you use correct grammar and spelling. Take the time to proofread your work. Remember, admissions committees consider this a “pre-interview”. Your essay should be double-spaced with appropriate margins and in 11 or 12 point font.

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For tips on how to improve your personal statement, you can visit:

Admissions Tests

The Graduate Record Exam (or GRE) is the test many schools require as part of the graduate school admissions process. There are two separate tests: the General Test and the Subject Test. The General Test is the most common. It’s comprised of a writing section, a verbal section, and a quantitative section. It can be taken on the computer or with a pencil and paper. Please reference the GRE website for where each type of test is given in the UK. In the US, most testing stations administer the computer-based test. Plan out when you’re taking it to ensure it’s been completed well before the application deadlines. It’s advisable to book a place in advance so spots don’t fill up in a particular testing location. Scores are usually valid for anywhere from three to five years.


The Subject Test measures specialized knowledge. It is offered in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. If you are applying for one of these subjects, you should check with each school to see if they require a Subject Test.


It is advisable to study for these exams either with practice tests available online or in book form, or in a review course. You should take more than one practice test under “test conditions” before you take the GREs. The more comfortable you are with the format, style, and timing of the tests, the higher you’ll score. Please visit GRE for more information.


A much smaller number of schools require the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). This test uses verbal analogies to test your reasoning abilities. Some schools accept the MAT in place of the GRE. Please see Miller Analogies for more information.

Resources at Careers Centre

Letters of Recommendation

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Letters of recommendation are another important part of your application. Graduate schools ask for somewhere between two to four letters of recommendation. These are typically written by faculty members or employers who know your intellectual capabilities and can comment on them in great detail. If you’ve done an independent study, thesis, or significant research, it is advisable to get a letter from the related supervisor.


The recommender should be willing and able to take the time to write a thoughtful and thorough letter. It is advisable to select someone who knows you well and thinks highly of your abilities. In general, it is better to ask a faculty member with whom you took several classes and received the equivalent of a “B” than a faculty member that gave you an “A” but doesn’t know you well. While it can be beneficial if the recommender is well-known in his or her field, it is only helpful if this person can comment on your work and skill set in great detail. It is better to have a strong and detailed letter from a teaching assistant than a couple impersonal lines from a famous professor. You should try to select recommenders who have seen you in other relevant activities and can compare your achievements and strengths to other students.


You should try to contact your potential referee in person when you ask if he or she would be willing to write you a letter. If that’s not possible, a phone call is appropriate. Email should only be used as a last resort. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to get a sense from that person whether or not he or she is willing to write a letter for you. You should phrase your request in a way that enables the potential recommender to decline if he or she does not feel comfortable writing on your behalf. One way is to say,
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“Do you feel you know me well enough to write a letter of recommendation supporting my application to graduate school?” Do not pressure a potential recommender to write you a recommendation. Typically, you will not receive a good letter from someone who does not wish to write one. A lukewarm recommendation can oftentimes do more harm than good.


After the recommender has agreed to write your letter, it is helpful to set up a meeting to discuss your career plans. Letters describing your suitability to a particular goal tend to be very effective. Remember goals are works in progress. You can discuss general interests as well as specific plans depending on your situation. It is helpful to provide your recommender with an updated resume, current transcript, a copy of a paper you wrote for his or her class, other writing samples, a draft of your personal statement (if you have one), a list of extracurricular activities, and other relevant information that will give him or her a sense of you and your accomplishments. You should also include a brief explanation of why you want to go to graduate school. If the school requires recommendations be written on a certain form, be sure to pass those along to your referee along with an addressed, stamped envelope.


During your meeting, it is helpful to mention your timeframe and to provide him or her with a “deadline” by which the letter should be submitted. Make sure you are flexible and accommodating but still realistic. As faculty members have busy schedules and many recommendations to write, you should ask for a recommendation the spring or summer in the year in which you plan to apply. After your initial request, it is fine to follow up by email or phone thanking the person for writing the letter and asking if he or she needs anything else. You should follow up appropriately but not excessively. Once the letters have been written and submitted, you should send another thank you note expressing your gratitude. You should also let them know the results of your applications and where you’ve decided to attend school.

Transcripts

Graduate programs typically require official transcripts from all colleges and universities where you earned credit. You can obtain your St. Andrews transcripts by following the instructions available online. If you have taken courses or received a degree at another institution, you will need to submit a transcript from that school as well. Follow their procedures for obtaining a transcript.


Each program will have different instructions for how they would like transcripts submitted. Be sure to read each application thoroughly. Be apprised of all deadlines. It is your responsibility to make sure your transcript arrives on time.


Grade Point Average Your overall GPA will factor into admissions decisions. Generally, you will need at least a 3.0 to gain acceptance to graduate school. If your GPA is below this mark, you should make sure you have strong GRE scores, a well-written personal statement, and relelvant work experience. Some schools will make allowances for “off” semesters if there is significant improvement in subsequent semesters. An upward trend is looked upon more favorably than a strong start followed by poor upper year grades. Likewise, improvement after a change of major or leave of absence can have some bearing on how your grades are perceived. If you did have a problem semester or year, it is useful to submit an explanatory addendum with your application. This addendum should explain the nature of the difficulty and how you came to resolve it. This explanation should only be made in the addendum not in the personal statement.


St. Andrews will send a grading sheet with your academic transcript that converts your grades to the American scale.

Interviews

Interviews are required for some graduate programs, others just for applicants to assistantships or internships. If the school has optional interviews, it is often advantageous to request one. It will convey your interest in the program and allow you to learn more about the university and the course. Furthermore, it will help personalize your application.

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If you do have an interview, make sure you are thoroughly prepared. Visit the school and department websites. Read the course catalogue and any other printed materials available. Familiarize yourself with the mission and goals of the institution. Know what makes them unique. You should also read publications by faculty members in the department and be acquainted with their areas of interest. You should come prepared with five questions you plan to ask the interviewer. Make sure these are educated and well thought out. Interviewers will take you seriously as a candidate if they know you’ve taken the time to do the research.


Here are some sample questions schools might ask you:

Funding

There are various ways for you to fund your graduate education. Many schools provide teaching assistantships (TAs) or research assistantships (RAs) to help their graduate students offset the cost of fees. TAs typically hold half-time teaching positions whereas RAs perform research for professors. Additionally, departments can sometimes offer fellowships, awards, or scholarships. Contact the financial aid advisor at the school to which you’re applying for more information. You should ask how funding works at that school and when the deadlines are. Deadlines for aid often occur before deadlines for applications. Most schools require that you fill out a Free Application for Federal Aid form or FAFSA. Financial aid is generally based on a combination of merit and financial need.


If you do not receive funding through the school, there are several other foundations that offer grant money and scholarships. There are some websites listed below. Additionally, there are several books on funding available at the Careers Centre, such as Funding for United States Study.

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An additional way to pay for your education is through student loans. These can be obtained through Sallie Mae or from independent lenders. Thoroughly research all of your options before applying for a loan, as they can be burdensome to pay off.


Here are some websites you should visit:

Offers of Acceptance

The length of time it takes to process applications varies from school to school but you should expect to hear from everywhere by March or April. If you get acceptance letters much earlier than that, it’s appropriate to contact the school to let them know you’re happy with their offer but are waiting to hear all your results before making a decision. You will usually have to commit to one school with a deposit in early May.


Deferring Entrance

Some schools will admit you and allow you to defer your entrance for a year or two. Others will not. You should check each school’s policy before you apply.


Advice for International Students

International students looking to study in the US have to meet certain visa requirements to commence their studies. Some schools will require that you demonstrate your ability to support yourself during the period of your program. Funding varies from school to school and some universities are not able to offer substantial packages to foriegn students. Federal funding and other sources of aid may have restrictions based on nationality.


You should look at the number of international students enrolled in the programs to which you’re applying. Talk with current students and alumni about the availability of funding, the campus culture, the structure and demands of the program, and other areas of interest. Additionally, you should speak with the career center at each school to gauge the success of international students in securing employment, either in the US or in their home countries, after graduation.


Here are some websites that should be of assistance:

Resources


Resources in the Career Centre

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