Graduate school application materials
Gather your application materials, learn how to make them competitive.
Most graduate and professional school applications require five core documents: a personal statement, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, official transcripts, and a resume or CV. This page explains what each one is and how to make it as strong as possible. For guidance on managing deadlines and building a timeline, visit the Application Process page.
Personal statements & admissions essays
The admissions essay, also called a personal statement, letter of intent, or letter of purpose, is your opportunity to speak to an admissions committee in your own voice. It answers the question every program is asking: Why you, why us, why now?
While core themes are consistent, essay prompts vary from school to school, so read each one carefully before you write. Admissions committees evaluate both what you say and how well you say it, which means strong writing matters as much as strong content. Plan to revise throughout the process, and take advantage of campus support. Your career coach and the Judith Anderson Writing Center are both available to help.
General tips
- Typed and error-free. Proofread carefully before submitting. Errors undermine an otherwise strong statement.
- Follow instructions. Read each prompt carefully and respond to exactly what’s asked. Essay formats range from a broad statement to specific questions.
- Respect word limits. Most programs set a limit of 500-1,000 words. Exceeding it signals poor attention to detail.
- Tailor every essay. A generic statement is easy to spot. Reference faculty, research, or program features that align with your interests.
- Start early, revise often. Strong writing takes multiple drafts. Give yourself time to edit.
Content tips
- Hook the reader. Your opening sentence or paragraph sets the tone. Make it compelling.
- Tell your story. Share your interest in the field, what drew you to it, and where you want to go. Include both personal and academic threads.
- Be specific. Concrete details and examples are more compelling than generalizations. Demonstrate your academic preparation and articulate your goals clearly.
- Go beyond your application. Don’t repeat what’s on your transcript or resume. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped your thinking, your values, or your direction.
- Be yourself. Write authentically, not what you think the committee wants to hear.
- Address weaknesses briefly. If your grades or test scores need context, a short, honest explanation is appropriate.
- Stay positive and professional. Avoid controversial topics and clichés. Let your enthusiasm come through in your story, not empty phrases.
Before you submit
- Read it like a stranger would. Ask yourself, and others, if your essay is relevant, interesting, and memorable.
- Tailor before you send. Never submit the same essay to multiple schools without customizing it. Committees can tell.
- Seek feedback. Your career coach and the Writing Center are both available to read your essay and offer feedback before you submit.
Self-assessment questions
Before you start writing, organize your thoughts, goals, and experiences by answering the following questions:
- Which writers, articles, or books in your field of study have impacted you?
- What is the best paper, exam, or lab you wrote in your courses, and why?
- What is the most important concept you have learned in college?
- When and why did your interest in the field begin?
- What is your five-year goal?
- How will a graduate education help you reach your goals?
- What work, volunteering, research, or other experiences have influenced you?
- How have you prepared yourself to succeed in graduate school?
- What skills, strengths, or values make you likely to succeed in your chosen profession?
- Discuss any research you’ve been involved in, and what were the outcomes of the research?
Letters of recommendation
A well-written recommendation is a crucial piece of your graduate school application. You will typically be asked for two or three recommendations, but the number required varies from school to school. A program may provide a recommendation form or simply request a letter.
Who to ask
- Choose professors who know you well. A professor who can speak to your academic and research abilities is ideal, build those relationships early so they can say more than just how you performed in class.
- Include a field supervisor when relevant. Someone who has overseen your internship, job, or fieldwork can offer valuable professional perspective on your skills and potential.
- Avoid family members, clergy, and politicians. Their letters carry little weight with admissions committees and could hurt your application, stick to contacts who can speak to your academic and professional qualifications.
How and when to ask
Your recommenders are doing you a favor, treat their time with care and give them everything they need to write a strong letter.
- Build relationships early. Visit professors during office hours, join research projects, and stay in touch with supervisors before you need anything.
- Ask early and in person. Plan to secure your recommenders in early fall if you’re applying for the following year. Share with them your plans, goals, and why you are a good candidate.
- Come prepared. Bring your resume, personal statement, target school list, submission instructions, deadlines, and any required recommendation forms. Share this resource with faculty: Letters of Recommendation and Reference Resources.
- Read the room. If someone seems hesitant, thank them and move on. A lukewarm letter hurts more than it helps.
- Plan ahead if you’re taking time off. Secure letters while your contacts are accessible and you’re still fresh in their minds.
Standardized exams
Most graduate and professional schools require your scores on at least one standardized test for admission. Typically, getting a minimum score is required for consideration for a program, but getting that score does not guarantee admission. We encourage you to find out about the average test scores of students admitted to programs you are interested in.
Common exams by program type
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE), most commonly requested for master’s and doctoral programs.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Medical Admission Test (MCAT)
- Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), English proficiency test for international students.
Test prep resources
Official transcripts
Graduate programs require an official transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended, even if you took only one course at an institution. An “official” transcript bears the university’s seal and the signature of its registrar. You must order these and pay a small fee for each one. You can order University of Tennessee official transcripts by contacting the registrar. Contact the registrar’s office at other schools for official transcripts. Check with the registrar about the availability of grades for the most recent term, depending on your desired program’s admissions requirements.
Resume or CV
Graduate schools often request a resume or CV alongside your GPA and test scores to get a fuller picture of who you are as a candidate.
A resume is typically 1-2 pages and highlights your most relevant experience concisely, similar to a job application, but tailored to emphasize skills your target program values most: research experience, academic coursework, related work, and volunteer involvement. A CV (curriculum vitae) is a comprehensive academic record with no page limit, standard for research-intensive and PhD programs. For help building either document, visit the Center for Career Development & Academic Transitions or schedule a review with your career coach.
See UT’s resume templates, the Vol Guide, and review options
Putting it together: how to apply
Now that you know what each piece of your application requires, it’s time to build your plan. The How to Apply page walks you through the full process, researching programs, managing deadlines, and submitting a complete, competitive application.
Do this next
Make an appointment with your career coach for tailored advice on application materials for programs that are specific to your subject of interest and career goals.
Want a coach’s eyes on your application?
A career coach can review your personal statement and resume, help you plan who to ask for letters, and make sure your materials are ready before each deadline. Most students start with a single in-person or virtual appointment.
Career Coaching & Education
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration
201 Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-5435