Applying to my Master’s Program

After deciding to go back to school and choosing a program, it was time to actually apply to my master’s program. There were a few things I needed to do before getting started though.

Before Applying:

1. Check program requirements
2. Check necessary documents for application
3. Check the due date

1. Check Program Requirements

First, I needed to check the requirements for the program itself. Since I would be studying abroad, I had the additional step of dealing with a different grading scale in the U.K. so I had to check the equivalent qualifications on the University website to see if my grades matched up to the academic requirements.

2. Check necessary documents for application

Academics

I needed copies of transcripts and my degree which meant having to pay for new official copies from my University. Luckily, my University offered pdf transcripts that I could upload so I didn’t have to wait to receive them in the mail. Unluckily, I still had to pay for a hard copy, which would ship to my parents’ house, to access the pdf copy.
Makes perfect sense, how else would they squeeze more money out of me?

CV

I was not very familiar with CVs as we usually use resumes in America, so first I had to figure out what the differences between these were. Basically, this came down to CVs being longer and more detailed, in that they showed all your skills. But I was also advised for my application to try and keep it short. So, still like a resume, I guess? At least in terms of length. I reached out to program alumni for some clarification/advice on how to organize my CV and what they gave priority in theirs. Based on their advice, I tried to tailor my CV to the program and put the more relevant animal experience first with my other experience in a separate section.

Personal Statement

What are they looking for in applicants’ personal statements?
( Motivation and Experience)
What do I want/need to tell them that they can’t get from my CV/transcripts?
(Uhhh, how passionate I am and what a great student I’d be?)
How do I distinguish myself from other applicants in my storytelling?
(Make a Lion King reference? (I did really do this by the way))
Writing my personal statement was rough, but I gave myself plenty of time to work on it and had my family read over it to give me some feedback.

Reference Letters

I needed 2 references, preferably academic but one professional would also work if relevant. Luckily I had a few professors and supervisors friended on Facebook so they were easy to contact. I had also had multiple classes or worked for an extended period with them so they were familiar with my work. I gave them copies of my CV and personal statement and had no problems getting my letters.

3. Check the deadline!

I was planning on applying early and deferring for a year, but I still wanted to get my application in well before the cutoff. Or at least, plan it that way so that if I ran into any trouble I would be on time instead of late. The only problem was, there was no date listed for international applicants. After contacting the department to clarify, I was basically told that they would keep applications open for international students for a balanced cohort but submitting earlier was best.

First, I made a list of everything I needed and worked my way down it, checking things off as I went. I tried to get the easy things taken care of first, like starting the online application form and submitting a transcript request. The CV also wasn’t too hard as my previous resume was already animal-focused since I had used it for my internship. I just needed to update it and rearrange it a little. The personal statement was the hardest, and after many outlines and drafts, I was finally able to complete it after about a month and 10 or so drafts. Then I could forward it to my reference writers. Once I had all my materials finished and uploaded (including my reference letters) I did one last check over everything and hit submit.

Once everything was submitted I could relax a little before waiting and hoping to hear back that I was accepted. About a month later I got an email that a decision had been made on my application. I had been accepted to the program. I was super stoked to hear I had gotten in and after giving myself a couple of weeks to relax I had to turn my attention to the next major hurdle: searching for funding.