Attending college is a huge milestone in any individual’s life. When graduation day comes, students often think “It’s finally over! I can safely turn the page to a new chapter in my life!” Unfortunately, many find that a master’s degree is needed in order to truly earn the job and the income that they desire.
Similar to many corporate jobs, being accepted into a masters program is difficult. A prospective student has to meet certain criteria in order to get into desired programs.
“A prospective student must have a very strong overall academic performance, experience, internships, and test scores,” said Anna Penway, director of graduate admissions at Northwestern University.
Many college students are afraid of not being able to get into the graduate college of their choice. Stakes happen to be high and college students fail to realize that it takes more than good grades to make the cut.
However, if a student has done average work as an undergrad, they still have a chance. The GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) is a test that many potential graduate students need to take in order to get into the school.
Even if the grades on one’s transcript fall short, the GMAT could potentially help get their foot in the door. “The GMAT test is a four-hour exam similar to a normal college placement test. But it is very advanced. You have to score at least a 550. Students with that score tend to do well in the masters program,” said Olivia Heath, enrollment advisor at Loyola University. If you are curious to see what the test is like, visit www.mda.com or www.gmac.com.
Another test that other colleges give to potential graduate students is the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). “If you take the GRE and get over 1100 combined score, you may have a chance [despite mediocre grades,]” said Dace Kezbers, academic advisor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Cumulative grade point averages are also very important. At Northwestern University, a grade point average of 3.0 is recommended for admission to the graduate program. At NEIU, the requirement is a 2.75 cumulative GPA. And at Loyola University, a 3.2 grade point average is required.
In the case of an average GPA, a written personal statement is key to graduate acceptance. Most graduate programs require letters of recommendation (at least two), and these can also help boost a record that requires explanation.
Portfolios and auditions are often important as well. If a student is interested in a master’s in, say, journalism, they will have to hand in writing samples. If a student is interested in a master’s in theatre, they will have to recite monologues.
Internships are a definite plus in a student’s quest for a masters programs. Internship experience will show the dean of that program how serious a student is about that field of work. Internships are highly recommended anyways, because it allows an individual to see what the career requires.
“Look into class prerequisites as early as junior year for your dream graduate school. They may push back the application until those classes are taken,” said Martha Narvarez, admissions officer of NEIU.
If there are classes that require a class from the undergraduate program, take it as soon as possible before graduation. After graduation, there is no way for a student to take a prerequisite for that masters program.
For newly serious students, there is still a chance. Staying at a B average could help a student out a lot. Admittance is great, but when a student finally gets a master’s, they have a greater chance of monetary and personal success.