Happy Friday, Reader, you made it!
Last week I mentioned the most common question from a workshop I led on how to apply to graduate school: “What should I actually ask admissions before applying?”
Let’s dive in.
Admit It: You have a question for an admissions representative… and you’ve talked yourself out of sending it.
I did the same thing. The first time I applied to my master’s program, I never contacted admissions. I was a first-generation college student who grew up believing I needed to figure everything out by myself to prove my worth and to avoid “bothering” someone important.
(If this is you, too, get ready for permission to ask questions and make your life a lot easier.)
My first real conversation with the program director came after my rejection letter. It took everything I had to swallow my pride, reach out, and ask to meet for feedback on my application so I could reapply the following year.
I sat in Dr. Tammy’s office, made small talk about the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile whistle on her desk, then received challenging but ultimately game-changing feedback. I took what she said seriously, pursued a year of more relevant experience, reworked my personal statement, and was admitted to the nationally-ranked program the next year.
What’s wild: I could have had that conversation before I applied.
Now that I’ve been a reviewer, here’s what I know: applicant questions are part of the job, and can even be one of the most enjoyable parts. (People generally enjoy conversations more than scrolling through PDFs and spreadsheets.)
Beyond getting answers, you also benefit from being remembered as someone genuinely interested in the program. What most people may not realize is that your communication and engagement with admissions, from emails to calls and information session attendance, is often recorded in your file.
Being a communicative applicant is not a guarantee of acceptance, but when a decision is close, the person who shows clear interest in the program has the edge.
Why? Because programs want to admit applicants who will say yes to their offer.
Here are three action steps to start the conversation with admissions representatives.
Action Step 1: Do your homework first.
Ask what you can’t find on the website. (This may sound obvious, but you would be shocked at the number of applicants whose first impression on admissions is a question that’s answered on the home page.)
Read the program page, their mission and values, the frequently asked questions (FAQs), and the application itself. Then write down what questions you still have about the program and about yourself as an applicant.
Action Step 2: Choose two to three questions that fit where you are in the process.
Here are a few options.
To understand the context of how your application will be read:
- Who reads the applications (faculty, staff or both), and what is each group looking for? I wrote an article about knowing your audience that will help with this.
- If test scores are optional, how are they used when someone does submit them? “Optional” can mean “we don’t consider them much” or “a strong score helps.” Only admissions can tell you which.
- Is admission rolling, or are all applications reviewed after the deadline? If it’s rolling, applying earlier can matter.
To understand funding opportunities:
- What funding is available (like assistantships and scholarships), and is there a separate deadline? These deadlines are often earlier than the application deadline.
- Do you offer application fee waivers, and who qualifies? Programs may waive fees for service-year members and alumni, veterans, low-income applicants, or even applicants who attend an information session. Here’s a current list of fee waivers available from my alma mater, The Ohio State University.
To understand the student experience:
- Can you connect me with a current student or recent graduate? These meetings require more effort on your part but will be worth every minute for the direct insight that you can reference in your application.
Action Step 3: Make a plan to use those answers.
Keep track of who you talked to, when, what you asked, and what they said. Then note where you’ll use it in your application. (An application tracker is immensely helpful when you get to this point.)
For example, funding deadlines go on your calendar, and a course that a current student raved about might fit into your “why this program” paragraph.
Important: A couple of conversations (via email, phone, or Q&A at an information session) throughout the whole process is plenty. It’s enough to be on admissions’ radar without being the person who contacts them weekly.
What I’m working on ✍️
This week’s How to Write a Personal Statement that POPS workshop for the AmeriCorps program City Year was amazing! 63 people attended live and 152 registered to get the recording. It’s also my favorite topic, hands down.
One of the questions that came up is relevant to this week’s topic: How do I address weak spots in my personal statement?
My response: check the school’s website first. If it’s not answered there, ask admissions.
Here’s what to ask admissions: Is there an optional essay or addendum for context, or should it go in the personal statement? This is ideal if you need to address a lower GPA or get ahead of questions reviewers might have about your preparedness for the program (ex. if you’re pivoting careers and have limited experience in the field).
So if there’s an email to admissions sitting in your drafts folder, or you have a question you’ve been wanting to ask, this week is the perfect chance to do it.
They’re expecting it.
Thanks for being here, make it a great weekend!
Dr. Jena
P.S. Deciding on questions to ask admissions comes up often in my Strategy Sessions. During these relaxed 60-minute conversations, we go through the most challenging parts of your application process (they’re different for everyone) and make a plan to address them before the deadline. (Reduced rates are available for AmeriCorps and Peace Corps members who are currently serving, with limited spots each month. Apply here.)