Geraldine F. Koch
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Pace University

Applying to a graduate school in the United States can be a daunting task for even the brightest and most accomplished student. Even after thorough research has been completed, the college or university of choice selected and the application submitted, international applicants to an advanced degree program are frequently left with unanswered questions and legitimate concerns about the evaluation process.

As an assistant director of graduate admission for Pace University, New York City, since 1990, I have met with hundreds of international students at this stage of the process. Some of the most commonly asked questions have been, "How much emphasis is placed on my undergraduate grades?"; "Are my standardized test scores strong enough?"; "How important are my written essay and work experience to my application?"; and "Who makes the final admission decision?"

International students, required in almost all cases to submit a test score or documentation indicative of their ability to study in English, are faced with additional criteria by which their application will be judged, and may therefore find the evaluation process that much more intimidating.

It should help to dispel some of these concerns to know that the application and evaluation process is a relatively straightforward one. Regardless of the program he or she is applying to, whether it is business or psychology, computer science or counseling, the evaluations based on two main criteria, an individual's academic and personal background. 

In order to determine if one's academic background is admissible, the applicant is asked to submit the following items: official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts and translations of the transcripts indicating one's course work, showing credits and grades in these courses; a standardized test score such as the GRE or the GMAT specifically requested by the school or program; and a TOEFL or TOESL score report. 

To determine if one's personal or professional background is admissible, an applicant is asked to submit two or more letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional references; a written essay or essays, which may pertain to a specific topic or reflect the applicant's objective in pursuing the degree program; and a resume or curriculum vitae summarizing the applicant's work experience to date. 

In addition, some programs (as in the case of a fine arts program) may request a portfolio or sample of one's work. Many schools, such as Pace University's master's in school psychology program, will request a personal interview that may be done in person or by way of telephone. 

The admission committee will begin by reviewing the parts of the application considered to be the main indicators as to how well one will do in a graduate degree program; undergraduate grades, standardized test score, and TOEFL or TOESL score. 

When reviewing the undergraduate or graduate grades, the committee will look closely at the overall grade point average, as well as grades in the major or concentration. The standardized test score, which is a gauge of one's overall knowledge, is examined in terms of the total score, and depending on the type of program one is applying to, special consideration may be given to a particular section of the test. 

While the grades and test scores are the most objective measure of the applicant's ability, the personal and professional criteria reviewed by the committee can do much to enhance an applicant's profile. 

The written essay, which for some schools may take the place of a personal interview, provides evidence of an applicant's writing ability as well as his or her motivation to pursue the program. 

The letters of recommendation describe an applicant's skills and abilities in the work place or the classroom. The resume informs the committee of an area outside of the classroom in which a student may demonstrate competence or knowledge that would allow him or her to contribute in a graduate classroom. The combination of these will provide a clear picture for the committee in terms of an applicant's admissibility and subsequent selection to the program.

There are a few things you can do to ensure the smooth processing and evaluation of your application. The overall appearance of your application indicates your professionalism and organizational abilities, so be sure to write neatly or type your application, essay and resume, checking for any spelling or grammatical errors. Be especially accurate in the spelling of your name and the arrangement of your first and last name. Answer all questions on the application completely and if necessary, attach any additional information on signed, separate sheets of paper. Make every effort to send official transcripts and translations obtained directly from your university. Lastly, request your standardized test scores to be sent to the university in advance, so they arrive in the admission office at about the same time as your application.