When it comes to applying to graduate school, your advisees are “the product.” The application is their marketing document. And marketing oneself to graduate programs doesn’t mean that your advisees should lie or even embellish the facts. It simply means that applicants need to make a lucid and convincing presentation. Everything on your advisees applications should contribute to an overall picture that clearly demonstrates that they belong in the program and will make a solid contribution.
The most common graduate admissions requirements include undergraduate GPA (especially in ones major), GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. However, expectations and admission requirements vary from program to program. For example, if an applicant is applying to a counseling psychology program, the admissions office will most likely be looking for experience in a “people-helping” profession. On the other hand, if you are pursuing an academic career via graduate school, the admissions committee will be more interested in an applicant’s publications or research experience.
No matter where they apply, graduate school applicants are being evaluated holistically, taking into account various quantitative and qualitative elements to assemble a class of diverse, intelligent, hard-working and complimentary students. For your advisees to have an edge, they must remember how important their personal brand is, and market themselves effectively throughout the entire application process.
