Julie Collins is the Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions & Financial Aid at Northwestern University’s Medill school of Journalism, Media & Integrated Marketing Communications
Navigating the complexities of graduate school applications can be daunting, especially as an international student. As you begin researching different programs, you’ll notice schools often ask for various documents as part of their application process, and you may be wondering what admissions officers are hoping to learn about you through them. So let’s dig in!
How do different application documents factor into the review process?
The admissions application is the initial engagement between a prospective graduate student and their selected university. It’s how applicants introduce themselves to the admissions committee, so that we can make informed decisions, and select students that are a good fit.
The goal of any admissions office is to identify students who have a genuine interest in the offered course of study and have the potential to be successful in the program. The admissions application and required supplemental documents are integral to this process, as together they allow applicants to demonstrate their academic knowledge, highlight relevant experiences, and document their interest in the program.
In my admissions office, we identify strong communications skills in our applicants by looking at the following:
- We review College transcript(s) for courses that afforded the applicant with numerous opportunities to write and communicate their ideas.
- Resumes help with showing how the applicant applied their communication skills outside of the classroom, such as through extracurriculars, internships and employment.
- Professional statements allow applicants to share their stories and why they are interested in our graduate program, allowing us to get to know the applicant and how they think critically about ideas that are of interest to them.
- Our application process also includes an admissions interview, to give applicants an opportunity to share their story and convey why our program aligns with their career goals. The admissions interview is one of my favorite parts of the application process, as it allows us to get to know applicants in a deeper way.
Why do different programs have different requirements?
While all admissions offices are looking for certain things—such as academic excellence, relevant experience, and a clear sense of purpose—it’s very common for schools to request additional information based on what it takes to succeed in a particular program.
A program’s focus typically aligns with the the application’s requirements. For instance, you might see a mathematics program ask for higher scores in quantitative sections of standardized tests, or that those applying to study architecture provide a portfolio, to demonstrate their ability to design and conceptualize spatial environments. By tailoring the application requirements in this way, programs can better assess an applicant's readiness and potential contribution to the discipline.
The two graduate programs we recruit and admit students to at Medill —Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications—require strong verbal communication skills. In addition, applications must show evidence of their ability to write with clarity and oftentimes with the pressure of a looming deadline, when the ability to convey ideas quickly and concisely becomes crucial.
Why do schools ask for language test scores?
For our international students, scores from language proficiency tests like the DET are crucial for our review process. A language proficiency score helps us be sure that an applicant has the language skills they need to participate effectively once they enroll, both in the classroom and on campus.
We use the DET’s timed writing and the video response in relationship with the language test scores to make informed admissions decisions. The testing elements of the DET provide accurate assessment of a prospective student’s writing, speaking, and listening ability to complete graduate level work that relies heavily on strong communication skills.
How do admissions officers use different parts of language tests?
In addition to the scores, our office uses the timed writing and video portions of the DET to assess an applicant’s language proficiency, as well as their ability to think and write critically in a short duration of time.
The timed writing exam of the DET helps us to determine an applicant’s ability to share their thoughts and convey their ideas in a written format. Unlike the professional statement, which most applications take several months to craft, the timed-writing test requires them to think through their response and provide rationale for their stated position in a short amount of time.
The audio and video portion of the DET allows for an applicant to respond to a question prompt to demonstrate their language ability while thinking on their feet to provide a cogent response to a unique question. Similarly to the writing portion, the audio and visual portion of the test offers applicants another way to demonstrate their English ability and present their ideas beyond the admissions application.
Should students use AI when writing their application essays?
Admissions officers are aware that new technologies like AI and ChatGPT have the potential to impact the materials students submit. While we know that some students might use the technology to support the writing of their essays, at this time, the truth is that it’s difficult for schools to determine to what extent this technology is being used by prospective applicants.
This is another reason why schools often ask for multiple pieces of information—only through examining a diversity of materials can we get closer to a true sense of the person applying.
While it may be tempting for students to use ChatGPT to help them with their essays, I would advise against it. The point of the essay is to show the admissions office who you truly are as a student. In my experience, overuse of AI can result in poorly crafted essays that limit admissions offices’ ability to get to know an applicant, or to assess their ability to write and think clearly.
Use your application to tell your story!
When applying to a graduate program, it's important to consider how your entire application reflects your readiness and potential for success, both academically and professionally. The various components of your application, including relevant tests, work together to present a holistic picture of your qualifications and aspirations.