Planning on Returning to School? Here Are Some Application Tips (Part 3)

In parts 1 and 2 of this blog which were posted last week, I used my experience to share some application tips. Here are other tips that I hope would-be applicants find useful.

Proofread and edit your application before submission

As with most things in life, attention to detail is vital when sending in applications. Once you hit the submit button, you cannot correct any errors you may later spot in your application materials. You should therefore review your application materials thoroughly for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. Remember that a polished application not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also enhances your chances of leaving a positive impression on the admission committee. So, aim to send in a well-presented application as this reflects your professionalism. Also consider asking a trusted friend or family member to proofread your application(s) before you submit it. I certainly found it helpful to have my husband and my best friend review and provide feedback on my PhD application materials. So, I would advise having someone who’s great at reviewing materials take a look at your application before you submit it.

Ensure you meet the deadline(s)

Be sure you send in your applications in time. It’s no good writing the best essays and getting excellent references if your application will not meet the deadline. If your application is submitted after the deadline, no school worth its salt is likely to take a look at your application or read all the wonderful things your referees write about you (well, I assume they will ). I would say, if possible, submit your application(s) long before the deadline. That way, if anything goes wrong, you have ample time to correct it. One of the schools I applied to in 2013 got the wrong transcripts from my undergrad school. Another school did not get a much-needed recommendation letter until the deadline was past. As a result, my application was reviewed without this recommendation letter. Unfortunately, there was no time to sort out these issues as my applications barely made the deadlines. Often times, the deadline for scholarship applications comes before the deadline for admission applications. If you are interested in applying for scholarships, be sure to look at the deadline for the scholarships you are eligible for

Be prepared if invited for an interview

Some schools will ask to interview you before they admit you. If you do get to this stage, you stand a very good chance of getting admitted. Prepare for the interview and practice beforehand. First, re-read your application essays, personal statement, and the course information on the school website. Also anticipate common interview questions and formulate thoughtful responses. Conduct mock interviews with a friend or advisor to build confidence. For the interview, dress appropriately and arrive early. During the interview, be relaxed and polite, sit up, smile and make eye-contact. Show enthusiasm for the subject and discussion. Although most of the questions are likely to centre on your knowledge and understanding of the course and your passion for it, the interviewers will also want to know about you, your interests, goals, achievements, and what you can bring to the school community. Be sincere and honest in your responses. Before my interview for the PhD admission, I read all I could about interviews and collated likely interview questions and answers, all of which I rehearsed. Interestingly, none of the questions I included came up during my interview. However, I could confidently answer the questions I was asked (well, most of them) as they had to do with the subject and my proposal. For the one or two questions that I wasn’t quite sure how to answer, I politely responded that although the question had crossed my mind, I was yet to figure out the appropriate answer.

Apply to more than one school

Even if you have perfect grades, there is no guarantee that you will receive an admission offer from a school that is very selective. Fortunately, there are many schools that offer either the course that you would like to study or a similar course. My advice is to apply to different schools of differing standards and rankings. That way, you stand a good chance of getting an offer, even if it is not from your first-choice school.

Do your best, then rest!

When you have done all you know to do, keep an open mind and do not take it personally if you get a rejection letter. A rejection does not mean that you do not have what it takes to study the course or get into the school. I honestly believe that whether it is school admission or job employment, in some cases, there are more qualified candidates than there are spaces, and every now and then, the best candidate may lose the slot to a less-qualified candidate. This belief keeps me humble when my application is successful, and reminds me not to be too hard on myself when my application is not successful. Sometimes, as in my case, you may need to apply more than once to get in. But who knows? You may end up getting something that works better for you than what you previously applied for. I am so happy that I did not get into any of the schools I applied to in 2013 . If it is very important to you to return to school, reapply the following year. Look back at your previous application and see what improvements you can make on it. Here’s my last word on applications (and every other thing you attempt in life) – SOMETIMES YOU’LL LOSE, AND SOMETIMES YOU’LL WIN, BUT AT ALL TIMES DO PUT IN THE BEST THAT YOU CAN!

Don’t hesitate to ask me questions if you have any. My very best wishes to everyone who seeks to return to school!

P/S: An earlier version of this blog post was published on my Facebook on September 26, 2017.