IvyWise KnowledgeBase
Graduate Admissions

Looking at the undergraduate transcript for key indicators of academic achievement, graduate admissions committees assess an applicant’s potential to excel at rigorous coursework, manage multiple deadlines and heavy workloads, and contribute meaningfully to a learning community. While GPA alone does not capture the full range of an applicant’s academic potential, it is the go-to benchmark for review.

As your college experience is nearing its end, you may be wondering about the next steps for your career. Should you apply to graduate school immediately following your undergraduate studies, or would it be better to seek full-time employment?

Applying to law school has many similarities to applying to undergrad, with some key differences. So, what are those differences? And what goes into a law school application? Learning about the components of the law school application can help you manage expectations about the process and be better prepared.

If you are considering business school and having difficulty planning out the next five to 10 years of your life, keep reading as I walk through what a competitive profile looks like for a few entry points into a business education.

If you are considering applying to master’s programs, you may have debated the merits of attending a program in the U.K. vs. the U.S. Depending on where you completed your undergraduate studies and your career ambitions, both locations offer exciting opportunities and benefits. Below are some factors to consider when choosing between master’s programs in the U.K. and U.S.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and rapidly changing domestic and international political landscapes, have underscored the need for a new generation of leaders who are motivated and well-prepared to address complex societal challenges. Across sectors, it is important to elevate the importance of measuring program impact, identifying policy recommendations, and contributing to the public sphere.

Similar to undergraduate applications, graduate applications usually have a prompt to submit additional information or an optional statement. Applicants often wonder if and how they should use the ‘optional’ prompt and whether it is tacitly required. The short answer is — no.

While graduate admissions committees read A LOT of recommendation letters that often sound very much alike, some recommendation letters truly stand out and enhance an applicant’s profile. It’s important to ensure that your recommendation letters add value and depth to your graduate school application. 

Graduate school offers a rigorous curriculum in a fast-paced environment. ­One way admissions officers determine your ability to be academically successful is by reviewing your transcripts. Official transcripts from each institution you have previously attended showing all undergraduate and/or graduate work included will be a required component of the application materials.

Are you thinking about applying to business school? Just like with the undergraduate admissions process, the earlier you start the better! However, many prospective MBA applicants are unsure of how or when to start.