Summary of "Tips for a Strong Graduate School Application Webinar - 2021"

Tips for a Strong Graduate School Application — Purdue Engineering (Webinar, 2021)

Presenter: Dr. Jackie McDermott, Assistant Director for Graduate Recruitment & Retention, Purdue Engineering Office of Graduate Education

Overview

This summary captures the main points and practical advice from the webinar on preparing a competitive graduate school application. Emphasis is on program-specific requirements, holistic review by admissions committees, practical timelines and logistics, and strategies for funding, letters, and contacting faculty.

1. Graduate admissions are decentralized — follow program-specific instructions

Applications are reviewed at the department/program level (not centrally like undergraduate admissions).
Requirements, deadlines, and review practices vary by program and discipline.
Always check the specific graduate program website and contact the program if anything is unclear.

2. Admissions committees look holistically; “fit” matters

Committees evaluate academic background, research/industry experience, letters, statement(s) of purpose, publications, test scores (if required), and overall potential.
A weak component (e.g., low GPA or GRE) does not automatically disqualify an applicant if other elements are strong.
Formal admission decisions are issued by the central graduate school after a department recommendation.

3. Typical timeline and logistics

Most enrollments begin in fall; apply the December before your desired fall start.
Recommended preparation timeline:
- Take standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS if required) in the summer before your final undergraduate year or the year before enrollment.
- Draft essays/statements, request letters of recommendation, and order transcripts early.
- Many deadlines fall from early December to January for fall entry.
- Admission decisions often occur January–March; April 15 is the customary reply deadline for offers.
An application is “complete” only when all components (including letters) are received.

4. Application components (what to submit)

Online application form + fee (fee waivers may be available — check program sites).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Statement (read program-specific prompts).
Resume or CV.
Typically three letters of recommendation.
Transcripts (report GPA on a 4.0 scale); final transcripts/diploma after degree completion.
Standardized tests: GRE (requirements vary; many programs have waivers), TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants who did not earn a U.S. degree.
Optional/required essays (e.g., diversity statements) — complete them when present (they may affect funding).

5. Letters of recommendation — best practices

Aim for three letters from people who can evaluate your potential for graduate study; faculty are preferred for research/PhD programs; supervisors with a PhD are also acceptable.
Avoid letters written solely by graduate students; if a grad student knows you best, have them coordinate with the faculty PI who should write or co-sign.
When asking:
- Request in person or by a thoughtful email.
- Ask whether they can write a “strong” letter.
- Provide CV/resume, SOP draft, list of programs & deadlines, and relevant materials (papers, projects).
- Give plenty of notice and follow up gently.
If a recommender asks you to draft content, give concise background notes or bullet points rather than a full self-written letter.

6. Statement of Purpose (SOP) — structure and tips

Purpose: explain why you want graduate study, how past experience prepares you, your research interests, and why the specific program is a good fit.
Typical length: about one page (roughly 300–500 words) — follow each program’s instructions.
SOP should explicitly answer:
- What have you done and what did you learn?
- What are your future career plans and how will this degree help?
- Why this program/institution? (name faculty, facilities, research areas) — explain mutual fit.
Writing guidance:
- Be specific, factual, and concise. Use simple/direct language.
- Tailor the SOP to each program — mention faculty and concrete program resources; avoid generic ranking statements.
- Briefly explain any special circumstances (grade dips, gaps), focusing on lessons learned and corrective actions.
- Proofread and get external feedback.

7. Contacting faculty

Contacting potential advisors can be beneficial, especially for PhD and research-based master’s programs, but practices vary.
When emailing faculty:
- Do research on their work; make emails brief, targeted, and personalized.
- Avoid “email blasting” many faculty with the same message.
- Do not ask faculty administrative or admissions questions — direct those to the graduate program office.
Faculty contact can help secure an advisor and funding for research-based programs; some programs admit students by cohort without pre-advisor contact.

8. Funding — types and how to pursue them

Funding sources:
- Internal: research assistantships (RA), teaching assistantships (TA), departmental fellowships, institutional grants.
- External: national fellowships (e.g., NSF GRFP), employer sponsorship, private foundations, government grants.
- Self-pay or loans: common for non-thesis/professional (course-based) master’s.
Rough figures: a large fraction of Purdue’s full-time grad students receive some funding (presenter cited ~70%).
How to increase funding chances:
- Many funding decisions derive from admissions materials — submit applications and optional essays on time.
- Some fellowships/assistantships require separate applications.
- Reach out to faculty if you want them to consider you for RA support.
Practical considerations:
- Compare stipends with local cost-of-living.
- Non-thesis professional master’s programs are less likely to include university funding.

9. Program choices and application strategy

Number of applications varies: some apply to one program, others to 5–7 (a mix of safety, target, reach).
Purdue’s graduate application allows applying to multiple programs (presenter said up to 3).
Consider applying to the term (fall is most common; spring exists but fewer PhD admits).
Deferrals are sometimes possible; policies vary by program.

10. Additional opportunities and Purdue-specific resources

Purdue events and programs:
- Virtual graduate showcase (fee waivers possible).
- Graduate Diversity Visitation Program (on-campus invitations).
- SURF summer research (undergraduate cohort program).
- Funding seminar (Dr. Janet Beagle scheduled to present).
Use departmental graduate office contacts for program-specific questions.

Actionable, step-by-step checklists

A. Before applying (6–12 months prior)

Decide programs/areas of interest; research faculty and program websites.
Register/take required standardized tests if needed (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS).
Begin drafting statement(s) of purpose; prepare CV/resume.
Identify and contact potential letter writers; request letters early.
Collect transcripts; check name consistency on records.
Search for application fee waivers for each university.

B. Submitting applications

Complete online application forms and pay (or use waiver).
Upload SOP, CV, transcripts (current in-progress transcripts OK; send final transcript if admitted).
Provide names/emails for recommenders and ensure they submit letters.
Complete optional essays (diversity, funding statements) — they can affect funding.

C. After submission

Confirm the application is “complete” (all letters, test scores, transcripts received).
If important new accomplishments occur (publications, awards), email the program contact with an update (do not re-upload a full revised CV unless allowed).
Prepare for potential visit/virtual interview (for PhD finalists).
Monitor deadlines for funding consideration and admissions timelines.

D. When contacting faculty

Tailor each email to the faculty’s research; include:
- A 1–2 sentence statement of interest.
- One relevant connection to their work.
- A concise question or request (e.g., availability to discuss opportunities).
Attach a CV and mention that you’ve applied (or will apply).
Do not use faculty as substitutes for administrative questions about admissions.

Common Q&A highlights

GRE: departmental requirements vary and have been in flux (COVID-related waivers); check program pages.
TOEFL/IELTS: required for international applicants who did not earn a U.S. degree; often waived for those who studied in the U.S.
Letters: three recommended; prefer faculty or supervisors who can comment on graduate potential; ask for “strong” letters.
Research vs. industry experience: both are valuable; research experience better prepares applicants for PhD programs.
Non-thesis (professional) master’s: typically not funded by assistantships; self-pay or loans are common.
Visiting weekends: useful; missing one with a valid reason generally does not automatically harm admission chances — communicate with the department.

Speakers and sources mentioned

Dr. Jackie McDermott — Assistant Director for Graduate Recruitment & Retention, Purdue Engineering Office of Graduate Education (primary presenter).
Dr. Janet Beagle — scheduled presenter for a follow-up funding seminar.
Current Purdue graduate students — quoted anonymously with short anecdotes.
Other named references in Q&A/context: Eric Van de Vorde; Karen Holm.
Webinar attendees who participated in Q&A (examples): Jared, Fernando.

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