Application deadlines are fast approaching so now is the time to start building your application for graduate school. It’s still early, but there is no better time to start. Applications take planning. You need letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, writing samples, etc. Reduce the stress of last minute scrambling and potential errors by starting now!

General applicants should maintain/organize the following:

1.) Statement of Purpose – The Statement of Purpose is the place to tell Saint Rose why you want to pursue this degree. In your statement provide your goals and aspirations, and how Saint Rose will help you further your career. It’s not a place to apologize for bad grades  and it’s not a place to tell your life story beginning with where you were born. The statement is a place to tell the faculty where you are now and where you want to go and why Saint Rose is the place for you.

Above all else, be sure to proofread. Spell check isn’t as reliable as you think it is.

2.) 2 Letter of Recommendation – 2 letters of recommendation are required for the Saint Rose application. The letters should be written by a professor or a professional. Choose individuals who are familiar with your worth ethic. Don’t ask a family friend or a family member. Your best bet will be to choose a professor from your undergraduate studies with whom you worked closely with, but make sure it’s a professor within your major.

Do you want your math teacher vouching for your grammatical feats?

If you’re choosing an individual from a professional setting, the same rules apply. Choose an adviser you worked closely with during an internship, field placement, volunteering, etc. Someone who knows your work ethic related to your future career.

3.) Official Transcript – Contact the registrar at your undergraduate institution and ask them to send a copy of your transcript to Saint Rose. The college isn’t accepting electronic transcripts, so advanced planning is required. For most programs, a 3.0 GPA is required for admissions.

4.) Resume – Resumes are recommended for all programs, but are required for: Accounting, Business Administration (MBA and all related certificate programs), College Student Services Administration, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Counseling (School & Mental Health), Computer Information Systems, Creative Writing, Educational Technology Specialist, Internet Programming, and School Psychology programs.

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Resume’s are meant to show your professional side and grammatical errors show just the opposite. Visit your college’s career center and ask the opinion of an expert. You can never be too safe!

5.) Writing Sample – Writing samples are not required for every program, but for some. When choosing a writing sample, don’t only choose a good paper, revise it. Edit it again, have a friend read it over, and make changes as needed. No paper is ever perfect the first time through!

6.) Financial Aid – Financing your education can be stressful. Graduate school isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the money. Saint Rose offers Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships. Grants and loans are also viable options. Planning ahead will help the process run smoothly.

Some programs maintain specific requirements, so before applying, check this site.

If you have any questions about graduate school or the admissions process, please call Graduate Admissions at (518) 454-5143 or email grad@strose.edu.