Most schools require a general application form, but you may also need to submit other application forms as part of the process. It is important to fully understand the application requirements for each program. Deadlines and forms may differ for the following application forms and processes:
- Institutional admission
- Departmental admission
- Graduate Assistantships
- Funding: scholarships, FAFSA, other funding sources
Different academic fields require specific standardized tests, with the GRE and MCAT being the most common requirements for admission to healthcare professional schools. It is advisable to allocate several months for preparation, either through self-study or by enrolling in a preparatory course. For more information on entrance exams and preparation, go to the HPPLA website and select the appropriate guidebook.
When applying to graduate programs, you will also need to submit your official transcript. Understand the transcript requirements for each graduate program, then request your transcript from the IU Transcripts Office.
Building solid relationships with your faculty, supervisors, and other professionals is important as you typically need to request at least three letters of recommendation, or names of references, to complete your application for graduate school. Allow at least one month's lead time for your writers, as many other students are requesting letters from them as well. Provide your writers with your resume, personal statement, any necessary forms, deadlines, notable achievements, and instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation. Check in with your writers one week ahead of the deadline and ask if they have questions or need any other information from you. Also, remember to send them a thank you!
When applying to graduate school, you will see a list of documents required for admission. One document is typically called a "personal statement", but may also be referred to as:
- Letter of Intent
- Letter of Application
- Statement of Purpose
- Application Letter
There are two types of personal statements: those requiring applicants to answer a prompt(s), and those providing fewer directives. Before starting your personal statement, review the graduate program or Centralized Application Service (CAS) for specific directives.
Specific Prompt
EXAMPLE: "Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that help others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experience with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career." NOTE: This is the current PT prompt and it changes every few years.
- Follow the prompt and address all aspects.
- Select a thoughtful touchpoint or story involving physical therapy.
- Identify how the experience solidified your decision to choose physical therapy.
- Share how you align with the professional and their code of ethics.
- Write a cohesive statement including introductory and concluding paragraphs.
Non-Specific Prompt
EXAMPLE: "Write a brief statement expressing why you are interested in being a Physician Assistant."
- Follow character count, word, or length guidelines.
- Share what prompted your interest in this career path.
- Discuss recent experiences that further affirm your interests and career fit.
- Discuss how this program will help you achieve your future career goals.
- Write a cohesive statement including introduction, body, and conclusion.
General Guidelines
- Share your interest and motivation: Identify your interest/motivation/passion for the academic and career fields you are pursuing.
- Outline your career goals: Identify your career goals and how this advanced degree/program will allow you to achieve these goals.
- Identify specific skills: Outline and provide evidence of specific skills and assets that will lead to your “return on investment” or predicted success in the program. Key skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, intellectual curiosity, academic ability, emotional maturity, communication, research and analytical thinking, time management, organization, collaboration, ethical reasoning, professionalism, leadership, and initiative.
- State your general research interests: Reference research interests and experience as well as labs, faculty, or programs with which you aspire to work.
Format
This document is to be written just as you write your academic papers and include three sections:
- Introduction: Strong opening paragraph introducing your background and purpose for applying to the program. Include a “hook” or anecdotes that compel the reader to continue reading. This paragraph ends with a clear and concise thesis statement.
- Body: Connect your background, goals, and experience with the program. Address topics referenced earlier and answer any questions specified in the application materials. Organize sections/paragraphs by theme. Open each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that outlines the theme of that section/paragraph.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main points in the body of your document and restate and/or reference the thesis statement. Thank the reader for their time and restate why you are a good candidate for the program.
Writing Process
Begin working on your personal statement at least two to three months before the deadline. Have multiple readers review your draft and give you feedback. Use academic and professional writing. Utilize campus resources such as the SPH-B Career Services office, HPPLA, and IU Writing Tutorial Services to create a highly competitive document.
Most graduate programs require a current resume or CV tailored specifically to the program. For tips on how to customize your resume for graduate school, check out the SPH-B tailored resume example, or meet with an SPH-B career coach.
Many graduate programs utilize a centralized online application system, enabling applicants to submit one set of application materials to multiple graduate or professional programs simultaneously. Below is a list of centralized services relevant to SPH-B career fields:
