Crafting Your Application

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Graduate School

Aditi Sharma

12-15-2023

Whether your sights are set on a master's or PhD program, applying to a top graduate business school like Purdue’s Daniels School of Business sets you on the road to success. With thoughtful preparation, you can craft a standout application for such schools. Take the nerves out of the process by following this step-by-step guide to craft a compelling application:

Step 1: Reflect

Begin with self-reflection. Before diving into the details of applications, take time to deeply contemplate your core motivations and goals. Ask yourself substantive questions such as:

Why do I wish to pursue an advanced degree at this juncture? What drove my decision to consider further education?
How will this degree help me progress in my chosen career or field? What skills do I aim to develop?
What topics or areas of study energize and excite my intellectual curiosity?
How will advanced education enrich my personal growth and perspectives?
What life experiences have led me to this point and shaped my interests?
What are my long-term professional and personal aspirations? How does this degree align with and propel my vision?
What type of program aligns best with my needs (research-focused, practical training, blend of both)?
Does the program offer opportunities that match my goals (specific specializations, interdisciplinary study, partnerships, etc.)?

Taking time for this introspection will provide you with greater clarity and focus as you navigate the application steps. Understanding your motivations and goals will help you articulate your personal statement, communicate with program specialists and determine which opportunities are the best fit for the next stage in your journey. This self-reflection lays the foundation for a cohesive, meaningful application.

“I have always believed that obtaining a master's degree is beneficial for one's career and facilitates growth within the corporate environment. I took the opportunity to analyze my interests and subsequently made an informed decision regarding my choice of program,” says Kevika Sharma, MSM’24.

Step 2: Research

“After having done my undergrad and a few internships to figure out where my passion lies, I decided to pursue graduate studies to deepen my knowledge in the field of marketing and business so that I could be successful in my career. I did internships in finance, sales, marketing and HR before I decided to pursue studying marketing on a deeper level.” - Ratik Datta, MSM’24

Once you have reflected on your motivations, conduct thorough research to identify graduate programs that align with your interests and aspirations. Here are some key factors to investigate:

Available specializations and concentrations - Does the program offer your desired focus area?
Faculty research and expertise - Are there faculty members who share your research interests and can mentor you effectively?
Location - Do you have geographic preferences based on cost of living, proximity to professional networks, ability to visit home, weather/environmental preferences or other lifestyle factors?
Program culture - Does the program seem collaborative or competitive? Will the environment motivate you?
Cost - What is the tuition and cost of attendance? How do financial aid, fellowships or assistantships affect affordability?
Program requirements - What are the core coursework, exam, dissertation or residency requirements? Do you meet the eligibility criteria?
Career outcomes - Where do graduates go on to work? Does the program prepare students for their chosen career path?
Reputation and rankings - Is the program well-regarded in your discipline? Does it have a regional or national reputation?

As you research, current students recommend the following tips: make a spreadsheet to compare programs side-by-side. Reach out to current students to gain insider perspectives. Campus visits can also inform your understanding of program culture. Develop a list of programs that seem to align best with your professional objectives and personal needs. This investigation establishes the foundation to apply successfully.

“I reached out to several alumni and my friends who were pursuing similar programs. Their feedback was instrumental in my decision-making process,” says Sharma.

Step 3: Prepare a Strong Application

A strong application showcases your qualifications and fit for advanced academic success. The applications typically require the following documents:

Transcripts: Request official transcripts from all institutions you've attended.
Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong, personalized recommendations from professors or professionals who know you well. Provide them with your resume and a clear understanding of your goals.
- Bonus Tip: “I proactively contacted the professors and employers who had worked closely with me and were aware of my motivations for pursuing studies abroad. It truly makes a difference when people understand the reasons behind one's decisions," says Sharma.
- Bonus Tip: “I have always believed in staying in touch with my favorite professors from past institutions because I have wanted to and therefore asking them for a letter of recommendation did not seem odd or awkward for me. I filled up a small questionnaire that covered my academic and extracurricular activities at the respective institution which served as a reminder for my professors for the work that I had done during my time at the institution and served as a reference point for them to write my letter of recommendation,” said Datta.
Resume/CV: Highlight your academic achievements, work experience, research, publications, presentations and extracurricular activities.
Standardized Test Scores: If required, prepare for and take exams such as the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL (for international students). “I prepared for the GMAT with the assistance of Magoosh, and having an online study group (I found my peers through Facebook GMAT/GRE groups) proved invaluable whenever I experienced a loss of motivation or had doubts,” said Sharma.
Statements of Purpose and History: Many programs require concise, well-crafted essays that communicate your career goals and incorporate the reflection and research you’ve done to reveal why this program fits you best. Your academic statement of purpose focuses on career trajectory while your personal history statement should address formative moments that will help you fit into a diverse, academic community.

Final tip: "Following the guidelines provided on the university's website was a crucial factor. Expressing who you are and articulating it effectively in your SOP is what can truly set you apart,” said Sharma.

“Writing the statement of purpose was inarguably my favorite part of the application process. One of the most important considerations is to ensure that you have a compelling story as to why you want to do your respective program and why you would be a good fit for the same. Communicate honestly and concisely. Weave it into a captivating story connecting all the dots from your childhood to your present-day aspirations to your plans after completing the program. Talk about your dreams and aspirations and how doing the program would help you achieve them. Find connections between past experiences and program requirements, especially in the domain of leadership.

Step 4: Submit Organized Applications

Follow all instructions and meet deadlines for each program. Keep materials and status organized.

“I began my preparation well in advance, approximately a year before the applications opened, and managed everything concurrently. I organized my time according to specific tasks, such as studying for the GMAT, crafting my statement of purpose and connecting with people in my network to gather relevant information about the program and schools. As a result, I was well-prepared when the first round of applications opened, and I submitted my application well before the deadline. This proactive approach significantly contributed to my successful admission. Starting one year in advance is an appropriate timeframe for preparing applications,” said Sharma.

“Interviews can vary across different schools and programs, but one valuable tip is to have a deep understanding of the school's culture, values, and your own reasons for your interest in the program. Being genuine and demonstrating that you can be a strong addition to their alumni network and that you are a worthy candidate can make a significant difference." - Kevika Sharma, MSM’24

Step 5: Interview Confidently

If required, prepare to discuss qualifications, goals and motivations. Practice interview skills while being your authentic self. As part of its application procedure, Purdue administers an online interview.

“It is important to be authentic and confident in your interviews. The best way to do the same is to be yourself and stress how your traits or experiences match the values of the school that you are applying to. It is imperative to know your resume inside-out and be prepared to answer any questions on the details mentioned in it. Be well-read about the current affairs of the world and business news for brownie points. This is not necessary but helps you stand out from the crowd," said Datta.

Step 6: Track Status and Evaluate Offers

Regularly monitor application portals and email for status updates, interview invites, and decisions. Compare programs based on curriculum, faculty, funding, location and personal fit. Accept the program aligned with your goals. Notify other schools of your decision.

“I had a clear sense of direction from the outset, having already prioritized and created a sequential list of schools. Based on this priority list, I made my final decision. Additionally, during the application process, I reached out to university staff with my doubts and questions. The way they responded had a significant impact on my decision-making process,” says Sharma.

“I took my final decision based on the school ranking, placements and cost of the schools I had applied to. Purdue fit the bill of being a top-ranked school with good placements, strong core values which resonated with me and a great ROI which is why I ended up here,” says Datta.