Here are some resources I created to help when you’re applying to grad schools. I’ve attached links to them as Google files that you can download and edit on your own.
Spreadsheet for Application Tracking
During application season, you’re going to get overwhelmed quickly by the different requirements and steps you have to complete at each school. Keeping track of deadlines, whether you have sent in transcripts and GRE scores, and which recommendation letters have been turned in will keep your organized so that you don’t miss out on being considered by a school for not turning all your materials in on time. Use the link below to download the Google spreadsheet and begin filling it out, or download the PDF if you want to print it out and fill it in by hand.
Google SheetLetters of Recommendation Checklist
One of the best ways to receive strong letters of recommendation is to make writing good letters as easy as possible for your recommenders. Give your professors plenty of time before the application deadline (more than two weeks at a minimum) and provide them materials that will help them write specific comments about who you are as a student. Your professors will also be able to write longer letters, which are generally stronger to admissions committees.
PDFSample Student CV
When you’re applying to grad school, especially if you’re going straight from undergrad, may be the first time you’ve had to create a CV. You may think you don’t have anything to put on it yet, but you do, and you will likely be required to submit one to some of your prospective schools. Below is a link to a template you can work from, and hopefully it will give you some ideas for what you can include on your own CV.
Google DocPoster Presentation Template
You might not need to make a poster until after you start grad school, but you’ll soon become very familiar with conference poster presentations, if you aren’t already. I like creating them in Microsoft Publisher, but since not everybody has Publisher or wants to use it, I created a PowerPoint template. Note that this template is in the traditional poster size of 48″ x 36″.
Google Slideshow
