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The Graduate School

G-1 Communications Building
Box 353770
Seattle, Washington 98195-3770

Phone: 206.543.5900
Fax: 206.685.3234

Get the Inside Scoop on Applying to Graduate School

Thinking about applying to graduate school? Wondering how to get started – and how in the world to write a person statement that reflects your goals and experience? The UW Graduate School is offering a two-credit course in autumn quarter on Preparing for Graduate Education.

The course is taught by Matt McGarrity of the Department of Communication. In it, students will learn how to craft an effective application package for graduate school, including how to:

  • Write a personal statement that best represents you
  • Create a winning resume/CV
  • Ask for great letters of recommendation
  • Work on research
  • Work with faculty
  • Understand graduate school coursework

"The Graduate School designed this course to give undergraduate students the inside track on how to get into graduate school – whether that's here at the UW or another college or university," Antony said. "We want to demystify the admissions process and give our students the best possible chance at being accepted to the programs of their choice – and the tools they need to succeed once they are there."

“I think my biggest concern was GPA and test scores. I thought that was the greater portion of the graduate application, but I learned it's actually the other 80 percent that counts, such as personal statement, letters of recommendation, experience and CVs. The class gave me a lot more confidence in the graduate application process, applying for graduate school and setting high goals and standards for myself.”
- Karina Marie Rivera, former grad school prep student

Applications to UW graduate programs were up 12.7 percent in 2010 over the previous year, and new student graduate enrollment spiked 10 percent this autumn at the UW, despite a 1.1 percent decline in new student graduate enrollment nationwide. Job opportunities for people with graduate degrees from the UW are solid within the state of Washington, Antony noted. Washington businesses imported 125 workers with graduate degrees for every 100 graduate degrees granted in the state in 2007, he said.

The 10-week course is designed for sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing graduate education. Also teaching the class is Katy DeRosier, the Graduate School's assistant director for new programs and external funding who specializes in higher education admissions programs. Jacob Houston, a master's and doctoral candidate in the UW College of Education's Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, will teach the course, as well.

The course, GRDSCH 200: Preparing for Graduate Education, is offered on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Denny Hall, room 216. The course number is SLN 14708. Space is limited. Questions? Contact DeRosier at katyd2@uw.edu.