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Post Application

Once you have submitted your proof-read, absolutely complete application, the time that follows can be stressful.  You may not hear from programs for a few months.  There are a number of ways to use this time productively:

• Verify that your materials, especially all letters of recommendation, have been received.  A brief, professional contact with the admissions office is appropriate for this purpose.  When making this contact, you may also want to inquire about their timeline for making decisions. 

• Visit schools if you have not done so already, and consider re-visiting those that you have.  Recognizing that this can be expensive and time consuming, it is also a terrific opportunity to make personal contact with faculty, administrators and current students.  The experience can also solidify your interest in a particular program or raise important questions for you to investigate.  Most admissions offices are happy to arrange tours and allow you to sit in on a class, if one is in session.

• Complete financial aid forms.  These can be time consuming and require collection of tax and other financial papers.  Being informed of your likely financial situation will assist you when the time comes to make decisions on which programs to attend.

• If the programs to which you are applying require or allow interviews, prepare as best you can.  Re-read the research you conducted while investigating schools.  Be ready to articulate why you are passionate about your area of study and how that particular program is a good fit for you.  Stay current on faculty research in your area and any exciting innovations or programs in which the school is involved.  If you feel it would help in your preparations, contact the Hiatt Career Center for a mock interview, particularly if you find it awkward to speak enthusiastically about your accomplishments.

If you are placed on a "wait list" for your program, contact the admissions office to see what kinds of supplemental information they will accept.  Many schools will allow you to send additional letters of recommendation, subsequent grades or information about awards or honors received after you submitted your materials.