HELPFUL HINTS FOR APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

 

 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

 

1.      Three letters of recommendation (3 academic or 2 academic and 1 clinical instructor, if you have had 390 practicum).

 

2.      Ask (preferably ask them in person) in late September through early November.

 

3.      Provide the following information in a brief letter ( you could use a draft of your letter of intent).

a.  copy of your current transcript (an unofficial from the Peterson Bldg. is fine)

b.  overall GPA, last 60 credits GPA and GPA in the major

c.  any awards/distinctions (e.g. Dean’s List)

d.  research/clinical/volunteer/work experiences

e.  anything else that will help the writer be a strong advocate for you

 

4.   Provide the form from each institution (be sure to fill in all the relevant information; your name, address, etc.). Communicative Disorders Dept will accept recommendation letters without evaluation forms if they are on letterhead with the evaluator full name and address.

 

5.   Provide an addressed stamped envelope for each institution (be sure to paper clip the application form to the envelope that it belongs with).

 

6.      Provide the deadline date for each institution (order in terms of the earliest due date to the latest due date).

 

7.      If you want to make sure the letters have been sent, provide a self addressed stamped post card and ask the writer to drop it in the mail at the same time the letters are sent.

 

8.      It’s nice to write a short ‘Thank You’ note to each person who wrote a letter for you.

 

 

LETTER OF INTENT (REASONS FOR GRADUATE STUDY)

 

1.      You may want to prepare a general statement that can be used for all the schools you apply to and then tailor a few statements or a paragraph for each school.

 

2.      This is the only true representation of your personality outside of your letters of recommendation, so build yourself up!  Include information about yourself that is not requested on the application.

 

3.      PROOF and RE-PROOF!  This is a ‘very important’ aspect of your application! If you are a UW Madison student, you may want to take your letter of intent to the Writing Lab at 6171 H. C. White Library.  This is a free service and very helpful.  You must make appointments in person.