Contrary to popular opinion, graduate
school admissions is not just a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down"
decision making process. Many subjective factors come into play
throughout the admissions cycle.
First Factors
The process works differently at each school and program, but
certain things remain roughly the same. A group will make an
initial review of the applications, making a first cut by
separating possible acceptances from clear rejections. At this
stage, there are several reasons for rejection. The application
might not be complete, the grades, GRE scores, or GRE Psych are
way too low for the program's standards, the applicant seriously
lacks preparation for the program, or the recommendations are
clearly negative.
Going Through the Rest
The remaining applications are gone through in more detail. In
some programs, the applicants are divided among the committee
members and each group settles on its favorite candidates. When
the committee reconvenes, the favorites are presented to the
group and the committee makes its final choices. In other
programs, each committee member reviews each application before
decisions are made. Some programs circulate applications for
review as they become complete and then meet to make the final
decisions.
The Later Stages
During the later stages of the selection process, admission
becomes more and more detailed and subjective. In creative
programs, where your portfolio is the major consideration, the
subjectivity is obvious. But even in academic programs, it's not
always possible to admit every applicant with good numbers,
recommendations, and relevant experience.
At this final stage, your contacts with the department come
into play. The professors you've spoken with, a visit, or your
interview can tilt the balance in your favor. If you've impressed
a faculty member who really wants to work with you, you'll have
gained an advocate on the committee. Your personal statement and
stated interest can also weigh heavily here. It can help dispell
any weaknesses in your application, or point out how you are an
excellent fit with the program.
The committee will end up with a final decision with a list of
applicants who will be offered spots in the program. They will
also maintain a second tier of applicants who will be offered
admission if people in the first round of acceptances turn down
the offer.
The Decisions
Admit
Congratulations, you're in! But read the letter carefully. The
committee may recommend or in some cases, require, that you
complete some preparatory course work to ensure that your skills
meet their standards.
Reject
At the top schools, there are far more qualified applicants than
there are spaces in the class. Even though you were rejected, you
can reapply at a later date. If you are intent on reapplying, the
onus is on you to demonstrate that you're a better candidate now
than you were previously. This may involve improving your GRE
score, taking additional courses, gaining substantive new
experience, or writing better essays.
Hold Over Until Next Decision
Period
Sometimes the admissions committee isn't comfortable making a
decision by the scheduled reply date. Perhaps you're right on the
borderline and the committee wants to see how you stack up with
the next group of applicants. In this case, all you can do is
wait.
Waiting List
Schools use the waiting list, the educational equivalent of
purgatory, to manage class size. The good news is that you
wouldn't be on the list if you were not considered a strong
candidate. The bad news is that there is no way to know with
certainty whether you'll be accepted. Be aware, though, that
schools do tend to look kindly upon wait-listed candidates who
reapply in a subsequent year.
Request for an
Interview
Schools where an interview is not required may request one before
they make their final decision. Your application may have raised
some specific issues that you can address in an interview or
perhaps, the committee feels your essays did not give them a
sufficiently complete picture to render a decision. Look at this
as a positive opportunity to strengthen your case.
