Some organizations may need you to submit a graduate school résumé along with your application if you’re applying to graduate programs. This document includes details about your undergraduate years, including your coursework, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Your chances of being accepted may rise if you understand how to promote your qualifications in this paper.
In this article, we’ll go through how to construct a graduate school resume, offer you a template and a sample to use as a guide, and talk about the significance of these resumes.
What is a graduate program?
A master’s or doctoral degree can be obtained through graduate school, an advanced educational program. You must possess a bachelor’s degree, a strong undergraduate GPA, and other required materials and credentials to be accepted into a graduate program. The criteria for the profession you’ve selected must also be met before you may decide whether or not to enroll in graduate school. This is because many higher-level jobs demand a master’s degree.
How to format a graduate school resume
The following is an example of a graduate school resume:
1. Review the application guidelines
There may be instructions for sending your resume provided by the school to which you are applying. For guidance on which details to include as well as how to structure the paper, go to the instructions. The remaining rounds of this process go over details that the majority of applicants list on their graduate school applications.
2. Include contact information
Your paper should begin with your full name, contact information (phone, email, and town or state of residence). This information appears at the page’s top. Your name can be highlighted by being in bold and placed on a different line. Think about writing your contact information on a single line and separating each item with a pipe character.
3. Create a professional summary
Write a professional brief outlining your experience in your chosen field beneath your contact information. You can briefly describe your undergraduate education, any relevant work experience you may have, and your motivation for enrolling in the graduate course of study at the school. Try to limit the length of your professional overview to one or two phrases.
4. List your degrees.
Be sure to mention the details in the “Education” section as many graduate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. You can list your college or university affiliations in reverse chronological order. Add the title of the degree you earned, the title of the accrediting body, and the year you graduated from each school. In the “Education” section, you can also add your grade point average (GPA), which you should do because many graduate schools ask for it. Add the title of the degree you earned, the names of the accrediting body, and the year you graduated from each school. Additionally, you can include your grade point average (GPA), as many graduate programs require it.
You could also include any accolades you received while you were a student or relevant curriculum.
5. Describe any relevant expertise.
Membership in academic or professional clubs, groups, or membership organizations might show potential employers that you are eager to network and pursue interests related to graduate study. You can also mention your voluntary activities, research projects, tutoring positions, internships, and apprenticeships. The last point is particularly important if you need to provide documentation of a certain amount of volunteer hours for the graduate program you’re applying to.
It can be appropriate to describe a position you held while an undergraduate student that had nothing to do with your sector to highlight your work ethic. Include the organization’s name, the dates you joined, and any positions you had in leadership or as a representative. List the following for each entry:
- The position’s name
- The dates you served in the position
- The host institution’s name
- Location of the hosting institution
6. List qualifications
Graduate admissions panels can quickly and simply summarize your qualifications in the “Skills” part of your application. Try to list five characteristics that truly reflect your style of learning and work ethic as well as those that are relevant to your sector. Use pipe characters to divide apart each trait.
7. Create and format your résumé.
Following are some pointers to keep in mind when formatting and creating your resume:
- Limit it to a single page.
- Make your wording clear.
- Check the document for mistakes.
- Make the document scannable by using headings.
- Make sure your design is consistent by using fonts from the same family and a color scheme that works together.
Template for a graduate school resume
Below is a sample CV you can use to write your graduate school application:
[Name]
[Telephone number], [email address], and [Town, state]
Professional Summary
[Summarize your undergraduate studies in a few words, along with any relevant experience you may have had and why you chose to apply to the graduate program.]
Education
[Name of the degree]
[Name of the school], [Date of graduation]
GPA: [Your Grade]
Related academic work: [Name of the course] | [Name of the course] |
Awards: [Name of award]; [Name of award]; [Name of award]
Suitable Experience
[Title of the role], [Start-End dates]
[Name of the hosting institution], [location of the hosting institution]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
[Title of the role], [Start-End dates]
[Name of the hosting institution], [location of the hosting institution]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
[Title of the role], [Start-End dates]
[Name of the hosting institution], [location of the hosting institution]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
- [Strong verb] plus [job responsibility] plus [effect]
Skills
“Relevant skill” “Relevant skill” “Relevant skill” “Relevant skill”
Example of a graduate school resume
Here is a sample resume for graduate school:
Lith S. Marshall
South Carolina | Eldon | 402-555-8795 | lithsmarshall@email.com
Summary
Undergraduate healthcare student looking to develop critical policy and epidemiological abilities to get ready for occupation in public health.
Education
Creighton University – 2022
Health care administration bachelor’s degree
Experience
Creighton University, Charlotte, South Carolina, Research Associate
May 2021 to the present
- Work as directed by a professor of public health
- Conduct literature reviews to make sure that sources are reliable and correctly cited
- Monitor research initiatives by the rules and ethical guidelines of the university
- Present findings in digestible form after summarizing them.
- Help with grant applications so that you can promote adequate funds
Creighton University, Charlotte, South Carolina, Teacher
2020 April – Present
- Teacher public health learners and assist them as they prepare for exams
- Encourage study groups and workshop attendance
- Evaluate student essays with them and offer any necessary edits.
Eldon Pediatric Hospital, Charlotte, South Carolina, Volunteer
August 2019 – Present
- Greeting patients and assisting guests
- Carry out administrative tasks to keep the office organized.
- Stock up on supplies and help patients get discharged
Skills
- Time management
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
What makes a graduate school resume crucial?
A graduate school resume is a crucial component of your application since it gives admissions committees more data to consider when assessing your application. Similar to job hunt resumes, graduate school resumes highlight your fit for the course of study you’re applying to by presenting your schooling, employment, and volunteer experience, as well as appropriate abilities and career goals. Your chances of getting hired can be improved by standing out from the competition with a succinct, professional resume.
Writing a graduate school resume is important for several reasons:
- Academic Achievements: A well-crafted graduate school resume allows you to showcase your academic accomplishments, such as your GPA, honors, scholarships, research projects, thesis, and relevant coursework. This information helps the admissions committee assess your potential for success in a graduate program.
- Relevant Experience: A graduate school resume provides an opportunity to highlight any relevant professional or research experience you have gained. This can include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or positions in research labs. Demonstrating your experience in the field can show your commitment and passion for the subject.
- Skills and Qualifications: Your graduate school resume enables you to outline the specific skills and qualifications you possess that are relevant to your desired graduate program. This may include technical skills, research methodologies, laboratory techniques, language proficiency, or software proficiency. Presenting these skills can help convince the admissions committee of your readiness for the program.
- Demonstrating Fit: A graduate school resume allows you to align your experiences and achievements with the specific program or department you are applying to. By tailoring your resume to highlight the areas of interest and expertise emphasized by the program, you can demonstrate your alignment with their objectives and increase your chances of acceptance.
- Comprehensive Overview: The graduate school resume provides a concise and structured summary of your qualifications and experiences. Admissions committees often review numerous applications, so having a well-organized resume helps them quickly understand your background, skills, and potential contributions to the program.
- Professionalism: Writing a graduate school resume demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you understand the importance of presenting yourself in a clear and organized manner, which reflects positively on your potential as a graduate student.
- Supplementing Other Application Materials: While many graduate programs require applicants to submit essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, a graduate school resume complements these materials by providing a different perspective on your qualifications and achievements. It offers a comprehensive snapshot of your academic and professional journey.
- Preparation for Future Career: Crafting a graduate school resume helps you develop essential skills for your future career, such as summarizing and organizing information, presenting your accomplishments effectively, and tailoring your application materials to specific audiences. These skills will be valuable as you continue your academic and professional journey.
In summary, writing a graduate school resume is crucial for highlighting your academic achievements, relevant experiences, skills, fit with the program, professionalism, and overall readiness for graduate studies. It provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and plays a significant role in the admissions process.
Application Process for Graduate School
You might think about continuing your education by pursuing a doctorate or master’s degree after completing your undergraduate studies and receiving a bachelor’s degree. To do this, you must be accepted into a graduate program. It’s critical to comprehend graduate school and the admissions procedure if you have any interest in attending.
Applying to graduate school: What to do
There are a few steps that you have to take if you want to pursue graduate studies. These are the actions to think about:
- Examine graduate programs.
- Take classes and practice exams
- Do the GRE
- Look into financial aid
- Choose the schools you plan to attend.
- Create your personal statement
- Request recommendation letters
- Ask for official transcripts.
- Apply now
- Verify that your applications were received.
1. Research graduate programs
Choosing institutions and programs that interest you is the first stage in the graduate school application procedure. Take into account the institution’s location on campus, culture, pricing, and overall structure. If you can imagine yourself studying here, put it on your list of potential locations. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to submit applications to a wide range of institutions, including both your safety schools and your dream schools.
Think about the colleges you’d like to attend but might not be able to afford because of your academic background. These would be the schools of your dreams. A few safety colleges that you stand a high probability of being admitted to should be researched as well. Your safety schools offer you a safety net if you are not admitted to your ideal school, hence the term. In other words, you can be confident that you’ll be enrolling in graduate school for that specific year.
2. Attend classes and practice exams
It’s crucial to study to pass the GRE before taking it. The more you practice, the more confident and well-prepared you’ll feel on exam day. Additionally, being aware of what to expect will reduce your anxiety. Your personal choices will determine the type of study you employ.
While you can enroll in a GRE class, you may also study independently or with the help of a tutor. Your study strategies may need to change in response to how well you perform on the GRE practice test. Additionally, you must register for the test well in advance. This implies that before the application deadline, your test results should reach all of the schools you’ve applied to.
3. Do the GRE.
The time to take the GRE test has come after you feel sufficiently prepared. Be aware of the typical GRE results for the graduate programs you are considering. You can use this to estimate your required score for admission. If you sit for the GRE in August, you will have the opportunity to repeat it before your score is given to the graduate schools you are applying to, should you want to raise it. The higher your score, the more likely it is that you will be accepted.
4. Look into financial aid
Start investigating your financial assistance options next. Calculate the amount of money you’ll need to pay for your tuition, housing, books, and other costs. You can get a better understanding of the amount of money you can put toward your education by making a budget.
Even though you won’t have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) until the following winter, it’s still crucial to have a general understanding of your likely financial condition. It’s important to remember that graduate students do not get grants.
5. Decide which educational institutions you’ll apply to.
Select the educational institutions you want to apply to from the list of schools you are interested in after determining your financial assistance options. You may even go to the institutions in person to see if you can see yourself attending there. If you can’t visit, make sure to do some internet research on each institution to get a sense of the professors, program, reputation, and other factors.
Additionally, it’s critical to be informed of any prerequisites and due dates during the application process. You’ll be more organized and more likely to remember all the crucial dates if you create a checklist or keep a calendar. Writing a powerful essay along with a personal statement will be easier for you if you can manage your time well.
6. Create your personal statement
For your preferred colleges, essays will likely be asked of you. Start working on your personal statement now. Your statement, which describes you to the admissions office, is an essential component of your application. You may differentiate yourself from other applicants with a compelling personal statement. Ensure that your statement accurately captures who you are as a person and your objectives.
Ask a friend or relative to proofread it when you’ve finished writing it to check for any possible spelling or grammar mistakes. Your statement will be improved and prepared for submission as a result.
7. Request recommendation letters
Choose the most qualified people to write your recommendation letters because they are a crucial component of the application process. This could be a professor or an employer who is familiar with your personality and work ethic. You’ll probably need a minimum of three recommendation letters, so choose people who can attest to your range of abilities. They should also be able to craft an effective yet supportive recommendation letter.
Ask for a recommendation letter from them as soon in advance as you can. They should have enough time to finish the letter two weeks before the application deadline. When you ask them, arrange a time for a phone call or in-person meeting. Before they start writing your recommendation letter, it’s also crucial that they are aware of your career aspirations. Additionally, give them any documentation they’ll require for the procedure.
8. Ask for official transcripts
Requesting your official transcripts in advance of the application deadline is advised. Transcript requests should be sent to the registrar’s office of your undergraduate institution. Every program you intend to apply to will require a transcript, which must travel straight from your undergraduate institution to each graduate program. You will have to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 for each transcript.
9. Apply now
Now is the time to begin completing all of your graduate school applications. Keep track of everything so you don’t send an essay to one school when it was intended for another. Make care to proofread all of your submissions, including the application, and confirm that you’ve completed all required fields. Possibly the most crucial step is to ensure you submitted your applications on time. Prioritizing your applications by the deadlines might assist you avoid submitting anything beyond the deadline.
10. Verify that your applications were received.
Ensure that you obtain confirmation from each institution that they have received your application after you have submitted it. You can get in touch with the admissions department directly if you get no response back. The waiting procedure officially starts after you’ve verified that they’ve gotten all they require from you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a graduate school resume requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By showcasing your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and skills, and demonstrating your fit with the program, you can present a compelling case for your admission. Remember to tailor your graduate school resume to the specific requirements and objectives of the program, highlighting your strengths and potential contributions.
A well-crafted graduate school resume not only increases your chances of acceptance but also serves as a valuable document for future career opportunities. So, invest the time and effort to create a polished and professional graduate school resume that effectively presents your qualifications and sets you apart from other applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions about graduate school resumes
- What should be included in a graduate school resume?
A graduate school resume should include your contact information, educational background, academic achievements (such as GPA, honors, and awards), relevant work experience, research experience, publications or presentations, technical skills, professional affiliations, and any additional certifications or relevant coursework.
- How long should a graduate school resume be?
Ideally, a graduate school resume should be one to two pages in length. It should provide a concise overview of your qualifications and experiences, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information.
- Should I include non-academic experiences in my graduate school resume?
Yes, you should include relevant non-academic experiences in your graduate school resume. This can include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate transferable skills or your commitment to the field of study.
- How should I format my graduate school resume?
Use a clean and professional format for your graduate school resume. Choose a legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use clear headings and subheadings to organize the different sections. Make sure to maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including bullet points for listing information and appropriate spacing.
- Should I customize my graduate school resume for each application?
Yes, it is highly recommended to customize your graduate school resume for each application. Tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills, experiences, and achievements that are most relevant to the program you are applying to. This customization demonstrates your interest in the program and helps you stand out as a strong candidate.
Remember, these answers are general guidelines, and it’s always a good idea to review the specific requirements and recommendations provided by the graduate programs you are applying to.