To get into a masters program, you have to pass the first screening step, which is the application. Having a promising application is what is going to get you an interview. Believe it or not, there are dos and don’ts in the actual application process! Things that the person taking your application won’t tell you. But I will.
Essays
Dee Leopold, who oversees admissions into Harvard Business School, likes to see essays that are original, but not overly dramatic. When the essay starts to read like a novel, it is “overdone”, according to Leopold. Essays should be “clear and honest”, she states.
Reapplying
And, if you’re reapplying, don’t recreate yourself. The admissions committee can see right through that. Rather, keep the same basic information and enhance it by showing how you’ve grown and matured.
Recommendation Letters
When asking for recommendations, make sure you choose people who know you well. Leopold will ask them, “what was the best constructive criticism you gave to the applicant?”, and your recommender better know the answer. Leopold also looks for lots of verbs in the recommendation, such as “She did this” and “She did that”. Make sure the people you choose for your recommendation letters can articulate this type of information. If possible, read their letter before sending it out. If it’s too vague, or worse, not flattering, then tear it up and ask someone else.
Attitude
And be humble. According to Leopold, one of the major things they screen for is arrogance. Harvard, as well as other schools, does not want to be responsible for cultivating individuals who will be toxic to the environment. Rather, she looks for “confidence with humility”.
Deadlines!
Lastly, be aware of deadlines and make sure you get your materials submitted in plenty of time. Of course I don’t need to remind you to spell check your work, and write neatly or type your application.
In my next post, I will tell you how to succeed in your interview.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barb LoFrisco
References:
Wall Street Journal, Thursday, March 1, 2012; “Harvard Business School? You’ll Go Through Her First”.
Also check:
• https://mastersincounseling.org/mental-health-2/what%E2%80%99s-it-really-like-to-be-a-counselor-a-morning-in-the-life-of-an-agency-counselor/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/education/4-reasons-you-should-apply-for-a-counseling-degree-today-2/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/3-creative-ways-to-tap-into-your-alumni-counseling-network/
