Graduate school is a big step. Being unprepared can affect your chances of getting into the school of your choice. Keep these hindrances in mind as you begin your application process.

1. Applying without a plan

Applying to graduate school takes more than just a single hour session sitting at the computer. In fact, US News recommends that prospective graduate students take at least one year to research and prepare before actually submitting applications. Some preparations should come before that, such as an ability to read in a foreign language and a solid undergraduate GPA.

That year of preparation includes making a list of schools, planning campus visits, talking to current students and alumni (try reaching out on social media), testing and so on.

Remember that each graduate program has an admissions committee that will review applications using their own established criteria. You would be wise to communicate with the intended program of admission to try to determine for yourself what the admissions committee is looking for in an ideal applicant.

Make sure to spend the early days of your preparation drawing out a schedule for yourself.

2. Taking the GRE, GMAT, LSAT OR MCAT only once

Uh oh, your driver's license expired yesterday and you can't get in to take the test. Maybe your alarm didn't go off so now you're late and flustered. When you open up your score a month before your application is due and the score isn't what you'd hoped for, what are your options now?

Planning to test early on in your process can give you time to prepare for a possible retake (or two). If you didn't take a prep course the first time around, enroll in one for the second time. Before you retake it, make sure to weigh the pros and cons. Consider following this article from Magoosh to see your possibilities.

3. Not giving yourself enough time to complete the actual application

On the other hand, spending too much time on bettering your score can also be detrimental. There comes a time when you have to decide between taking the GRE prep class a third time or meeting with professors and employers for recommendation letters, gathering transcripts and writing samples, and so on.

The Graduate Studies Department of Brigham Young University suggests that applicants visit with current students in their program of interest and with graduate coordinators so they understand what the department is looking for and how they can best showcase that in their application materials.

For example, for a research-based program, aligning yourself with a faculty member who is doing research that interests you is always beneficial as they can advocate for your admission. In addition, applicants should submit their materials as soon as possible to allow for full consideration.

4. Having a mediocre statement of purpose

The age-old saying "show, don't tell" also applies in your statement of purpose for graduate school. Not only that, rather than have your statement be a narrative of how much you love your field, focus on projects where you've excelled and proven your ability to commit and work toward a successful outcome.

Graduate school requires dedication beyond what you had in your undergraduate degree. Your statement of purpose should show the admissions committee you have what it takes—self-motivation, determination, potential, etc.—to be a student of their graduate program.

Other things to consider:

Here's a quick list of the do's and don'ts of the admissions process.

• Generally, don't have your parents submit your application for you
• Don't be rude or demeaning in your communication with the admissions staff regarding your application
• Don't procrastinate submitting your application
• Don't just assume that your recommenders will write a favorable letter
• Don't give up if you are not recommended for admission
• Be proactive in the process and know what your responsibilities are
• Communicate with the graduate program that you intend to apply to and make yourself known to key people by asking questions
• Be positive

Graduate school is an excellent way to open more doors in your professional life and to grow as an individual. If you're beginning to think about graduate school, take a look at the programs offered by BYU Graduate Studies.

Related topics