What I Have Learned Applying To Grad School As A First-Generation College Graduate
For the last few months, I have been applying to graduate schools for more opportunities in the User Experience field and to make connections. I have encountered quite a few obstacles while applying to graduate school and wanted to share some things I have learned on this journey.
The Fees
First and foremost, applying to schools can be costly so I hope you have saved a lot of money, if not then you should start now. Most graduate school programs require the GRE, a standardized test that costs $205. I suggest that you do not register for this test until you know for sure that you will take this test because this scammy company (the ETS) will only give you half of your money back. There are also application fees. I have had each of them range from $25-$75. These fees may be more or less costly for you. Another cost that you may come across, depending on the school, are transcript fees. My transcript fee cost was $5 to send to 1 school. This fee can also vary. There is also the cost of GRE Prep materials. I purchased “The Official Guide to the GRE General Test” from the ETS. Although I think that this company is a scam, this book was recommended by multiple people since it is written by ETS. This book was $24. You may have more or less fees, but these are generally the fees that you will have when you are applying.
Strive For a 3.0 GPA
If you are reading this and you have not graduated from your undergraduate program, I suggest that you strive for at least a 3.0 GPA before you graduate. Believe me, you will deal with a lot less stress when you are applying to graduate schools. If you have graduated from undergrad already and graduated with less than a 3.0 GPA, then I wish you the best in your search. But seriously, it is hard out here if you have less than a 3.0 GPA. Don’t fret though, there are ways to get into schools with less than a 3.0 GPA. You will need to do well on the GRE, have stellar letters of recommendation, and/or take a graduate-level course and ace it. Some industry experience is also good to have. Now, you do not have to do all of this, but these things will increase your chances and supplement that low GPA.
Recommendation Letters
Unfortunately, I have been struggling to get letters of recommendation from my college professors because I was not very active in college and sadly did not participate in many extracurricular activities. But, I have only been out of school for a year and a half. My professors should remember me, right? Wrong. I went to class, took my notes, and left. I guess I did the bare minimum, but I also did not have that much extra time after classes since I also worked in college. So, if you are still in undergrad, talk to your professors; even if you do not have much time before and after classes. You can also connect with your professors by being a teaching assistant for them, taking multiple classes with them, studying abroad, and doing research with the professor.
Before you ask a professor for a recommendation letter, make sure you: got an A in their class, they know you well enough to write a letter for you and know that they will write a strong letter for you. You may get a professor that you did not know very well that is kind and selfless and will agree to write you a generic letter. This letter may not sit well with the admissions committee. If this is your only hope, then do it. Also, prepare yourself for rejection. Remember, these professors do not owe you a recommendation letter. I do hope that every professor you ask will agree to write you an outstanding letter, but prepare yourself. Most of the professors I reached out to ignored my emails, rejected me, and one professor even agreed to write a letter for me and then ghosted me. I felt defeated and upset with my past self. Like why was I not more active in school? But there is no reason to harp on the past. If there is a will there’s a way!
Some schools require professional recommendations as well so this is great news if you don’t have a great relationship with multiple professors. You can ask your manager, your volunteer coordinator, and even a coworker that knows you well. Make sure that your professional and academic recommenders can write about why you would be a great fit for the program that you are applying to.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Do your research on the schools that you are interested in applying to. It is best to factor in: costs of tuition and fees, cost of living, the faculty, and the research that the program does (if that is important to you). I also encourage you to reach out to current and previous students to get their perspectives.
Applying to grad school is stressful, especially if you are figuring this all out on your own. But remember to breathe and do not give up! Everything will work out for you in the end.
