It is graduate school application season and at Get In Education Consulting, we think it is important to share FREE resources that can help you submit an outstanding application. So let us dive in!
1.Grammarly
Grammarly is a web-based application that edits your grammar as you go. As you type, Grammarly checks your text for hundreds of common and advanced writing issues. Grammarly automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and style mistakes in your writing. All you need to do it to copy and paste any English text into Grammarly’s editor, or install Grammarly’s free browser extension for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
To use Grammarly, you need to create an account. The application has a paid version but even the free version is fantastic.
You should NEVER send out application essays or any other document without reviewing with Grammarly.
To install Grammarly, click here.
2. Zotero
If you are required to submit a writing sample or a research proposal as part of your graduate school application, you should consider downloading Zotero. Have you ever struggled with referencing your academic writing appropriately? Zotero takes the stress away!
Zotero a free and open-source reference management software to manage bibliographic data and related research materials (such as PDF files). Notable features include web browser integration, online syncing, generation of in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographies, as well as integration with the word processors Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer
It takes some time and practice to harness the power of Zotero, but once you invest time in understanding the software, your life will be much easier and your references will be stellar.
3. YouTube
Yes, you read right. Many schools give application tips and tricks on their YouTube channels. If you are confused about an application requirement, you should first check if the school has answered your question on YouTube. In addition, many students share their essays on YouTube, so you can get an idea of the kinds of essays that can Get you In! You can also get insight into what it feels like to study in a particular school through videos with titles like “A day in the life of a Stanford Student”.
Watch a series of videos from MIT Sloan School of Management here.
Also click here to watch this video from Stanford on how to be a great Stanford MBA applicant.
4. People
You need people to review your essays and critique them. Remember that after reading and editing your essays for so long, you might be tired and gloss over important details. It is important for you to send your essay to three categories of people if possible:
a. An expert in your field or someone who is knowledgeable enough about your proposed course;
b. Someone who writes excellently;
c. A professional education consultant who can read your essays and advise you on the best way to sell yourself.
Professional consultants Get In Education Consulting are available to help you (wink). You can submit an enquiry about our application support service HERE in less than two minutes.
However, if you do not wish to engage professional consulting services, you can still maximize the value in your network of people.
We wish you success in your application and watch this space for even more tips and tricks!