Advice to Graduate Applicants from Women’s/Gender Studies Graduate Directors and Department Chairs

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One of the most daunting aspects of graduate school is actually “getting in.” Preparing an
application package can be a lonely and overwhelming process. What makes a good personal statement? How will I ever get three letters of reference? What should I submit as a writing sample? How long should my cover letter be and what should it say? Oh, and then, of course, there’s those pesky GRE scores—do they really count? All of the confidence that got us through our undergraduate degrees quickly fades as we face the seemingly unending tasks of putting together the perfect application.

We hope to restore your confidence by taking out some of the mystery of the application process. Here we focus on the graduate application process through the eyes of directors of graduate studies or department chairs who oversee all aspects of graduate work within a program, including graduate program admissions.

What are some general characteristics of a strong application?

• A good application should answer all of the questions in clear, concise language.
  Read what is required and address it at appropriate places in the application.
  
• Strong applications reflect a good fit between an applicant’s scholarly interests and
  the interests or skills of our faculty: can we train the student in the way that she or
  he desires?
  
• Previous coursework or the personal statement should reflect an understanding of
  academic women’s studies.
  
• Strong applications include strong letters of reference that speak to a prospective
  student’s intellectual capabilities and suitability for graduate study.

What role does fit play in determining graduate program admission?

• To find the right fit, really do some homework; use the web and this Guide to
  understand the mission, faculty, and application process for different programs and
  departments.
  
• Develop lists of attractions/drawbacks for comparative purposes in evaluating
  different programs.
  
• Fit is critical. We cannot offer all aspects of women’s studies within our
  department, and we need to be sure we can train prospective students appropriately.
• The personal statement may be a way to illustrate how you could fit within a
  department or program: make reference to the mission statement, faculty expertise,
  and your own experiences.

What role does a student’s activist work play in evaluating the overall application, if
any?

• Evidence of involvement in activism is desirable. This is not a requirement or a top priority in assessing applications, but it is part of the whole picture.If you spent more time on organizing than on class work and it is reflected in your grades, then really say what you were doing and what you learned from those experiences.

What role do campus visits play in the graduate application process?

• Typically applicants do not visit campus prior to admission; most pre-admission
  review is through email and/or phone contact. Admitted students are invited to
  campus prior to making their final decisions about enrollment.
  
• We ask prospective students to study the FAQ portion of our website, and we
  answer many questions via email. Applicants are welcome to visit our campus at
  any time, but we do not encourage them to visit as part of the meet and greet
  process. Admitted students are invited to campus.
  What general words of advice would you offer to graduate applicants in women’s
  studies?
  
• Do not accept a letter of reference that is offered reluctantly.
  
• Be prepared to show why getting a graduate degree in women’s studies fits into
  your career goals. Rather than “why women’s studies,” frame your application to
  show that because of women’s studies you will accomplish your professional goals.
  

 

Responses were contributed by Lynn Bolles, Graduate Studies Director in the Department, of Women’s Studies at the University of Maryland College Park, Maria Bevacqua, Women’s Studies Department Chair at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Nancy J. Kenney, Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Women’s Studies at the University of Washington.