• Chapters
  • lesson introduction

    Today we're going to explore the key qualities that set successful applicants apart from unsuccessful applicants
  • action item

    Take note of the places where you feel strong and well positioned, and take note of the places where you feel you need some extra support
  • 1: clarity of purpose

    What are top grad schools dream grad schools looking for? The first quality that sets successful applicants apart is clarity of purpose
  • 2: strong academic track record

    Secondly, successful applicants demonstrate a strong academic track record
  • 3: compelling personal story

    Admissions committees are looking for candidates who can articulate their unique experiences, values, and motivations in a way that connects with their chosen field of study and career.
  • 4: leadership potential

    They actively seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles, whether it's through extracurricular activities, community involvement, or professional experiences.
  • 5: demonstrated commitment to community and impact

    The fifth quality is a demonstrated commitment to community and impact
  • 6: strong communication skills

    Successful applicants also possess strong communication skills. This includes the ability to write compelling essays, express their ideas clearly and succinctly, and engage effectively in interviews or group discussions.
  • 7: ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams

    Another important quality is the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams
  • 8: resilience and the ability to overcome challenges

    Successful applicants demonstrate resilience and the ability to overcome challenges
  • 9: a well researched and specific fit with the program

    The ninth quality is a well researched and specific fit with the program
  • 10: growth mindset

    Lastly, successful applicants exhibit a growth mindset. They are open to new ideas, seek out feedback and opportunities for self-improvement, and demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn and evolve.
  • summary of qualities schools are looking for

    In summary, the qualities that schools are looking for are the following
  • action item

    So now that you've heard the list again, ask yourself these questions
  • lesson conclusion

    And how many do I not yet have, but I am willing to take the Art of Applying Advice so I can get it? Well, the answer is no matter how many or how few of the qualities I listed you already have, all of the qualities of a successful applicant who gets into a top grad school, all of those qualities can be cultivated within you and clearly demonstrated in your application in a compelling way
  • 00:00:00
    Welcome to the Art of Applying Academy
  • 00:00:07
    Today we're going to explore the key qualities that set successful applicants apart from unsuccessful applicants
  • 00:00:14
    In this lesson, we'll discuss what schools are looking for in order to make you a member of the incoming class
  • 00:00:21
    Now, as I share this list of what top grad schools are looking for, do not look for all the ways you don't quote unquote measure up
  • 00:00:30
    Take note of the places where you feel strong and well positioned, and take note of the places where you feel you need some extra support
  • 00:00:38
    This is not about judging ourselves
  • 00:00:41
    It's about learning what works so that we can do more of what is already working for us and get support to address any developmental areas
  • 00:00:48
    Okay, let's dive in
  • 00:00:50
    What are top grad schools dream grad schools looking for? The first quality that sets successful applicants apart is clarity of purpose
  • 00:01:02
    Top grad schools are looking for candidates who have a clear understanding of their goals and how graduate education fits into their larger aspirations
  • 00:01:13
    Secondly, successful applicants demonstrate a strong academic track record
  • 00:01:21
    This includes not just impressive grades, but also a willing
  • 00:01:28
    Secondly, successful applicants demonstrate a strong academic track record
  • 00:01:36
    This includes not just impressive grades, but also a willingness to take on challenging coursework and excel in your chosen field
  • 00:01:45
    If you don't have a strong academic record, do not despair
  • 00:01:50
    There are actions you can take to show that you are prepared for the prestigious graduate school classroom
  • 00:01:56
    We are going to help you know which actions those are, when to take them, if you even need to take them, how to take them, and how to talk about the fact that you took them
  • 00:02:06
    The third quality is a compelling personal story
  • 00:02:10
    Admissions committees are looking for candidates who can articulate their unique experiences,
  • 00:02:15
    values, and motivations in a way that connects with your chosen field of study and career
  • 00:02:20
    Maybe you aren't yet sure that you have a compelling enough story, or you know you have an interesting and memorable personal story, but you aren't sure how to articulate your story in a concise, compelling way
  • 00:02:32
    Those are very common concerns among applicants, and you aren't alone
  • 00:02:36
    We're going to show you by the time you go through the entire application roadmap and complete all the action items that you do have a very compelling personal story, and you have a way to communicate that story in a convincing, memorable, effective, get you into school way
  • 00:02:55
    Next, successful applicants showcase their leadership potential
  • 00:03:00
    They actively seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles, whether it's through extracurricular activities, community involvement, or professional experiences
  • 00:03:10
    Whether you are the actual official leader or you lead a team from within, there are many ways to demonstrate your leadership potential in your application, from your essays to your resumes and your letters of recommendation
  • 00:03:22
    We are going to teach you how to highlight your current experiences in order to emphasize leadership
  • 00:03:28
    For those of you who have given yourself a good number of months between the time of you listening to this recording and the time your applications are actually due, you have an extra advantage if you've given yourself several months
  • 00:03:41
    Why? Because we are actually going to teach you how to seek out and have more leadership experiences and how to do that over several months so that it looks authentic and not just like you scrambled to do it for the application
  • 00:03:56
    The fifth quality is a demonstrated commitment to community and impact
  • 00:04:01
    Admissions committees want to see that applicants have made a positive difference in their communities, whether it's through volunteer work, research, or initiatives that address social issues
  • 00:04:11
    So we're going to help you develop and showcase your commitment to community and impact
  • 00:04:16
    We're going to provide you resources and guidance on identifying meaningful community engagement opportunities, how to craft those opportunities into impactful essays, and how to highlight your contributions in your application materials
  • 00:04:32
    Successful applicants also possess strong communication skills
  • 00:04:36
    This includes the ability to write compelling essays, express your ideas clearly and succinctly, and engage effectively in interviews or group discussions or class discussions
  • 00:04:48
    Here in the Academy, you'll learn exactly what makes a strong essay effective and how to go from a blank page to a crappy first draft to a polished essay you're proud of
  • 00:04:59
    And if you want extra one-on-one help, our experienced coaches and consultants are here to provide personalized one-on-one feedback and guidance to help you refine your writing and communication skills, ensuring that you present yourself confidently and effectively to admissions committees
  • 00:05:16
    Another important quality is the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams
  • 00:05:23
    Grad schools value applicants who can bring a range of perspectives to the table and collaborate effectively with people from all different backgrounds and cultures
  • 00:05:32
    In the Art of Applying Academy, we foster a supportive community, so you're going to have the opportunity to connect with fellow applicants from all over the world, all different cultural backgrounds, professional backgrounds, geographical backgrounds
  • 00:05:46
    You can learn from their questions, exchange tips and ideas, as well as help cheer one
  • 00:05:51
    another on and hold one another accountable
  • 00:05:55
    So by engaging actively in the Academy community, you are actually preparing yourself to thrive in diverse academic and professional environments
  • 00:06:06
    Successful applicants demonstrate resilience and the ability to overcome challenges
  • 00:06:12
    They show that they can persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks, and they learn from these experiences to become stronger and more determined
  • 00:06:22
    The Art of Applying Academy provides resources and strategies to help you build resilience and develop a growth mindset
  • 00:06:29
    Our program will guide you through techniques for overcoming challenges, managing stress,
  • 00:06:34
    and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the entire application process
  • 00:06:39
    We're not saying you'll do it perfectly, and I'm not even saying it's going to be super easy, but you will grow, you will learn, and if you do the work, you will get the results that our other clients have gotten
  • 00:06:52
    The ninth quality is a well researched and specific fit with the program
  • 00:06:58
    Admissions committees want to see that applicants like you have thoroughly researched the program and can articulate how your skills, interests, and goals align with what the program offers
  • 00:07:09
    In the Art of Applying Academy, we offer guidance on conducting program research, including strategies for engaging with current students, making the most of virtual and in-person information sessions, and making and leveraging alumni connections
  • 00:07:24
    We will help you articulate your fit with the program in a way that resonates with the admissions committee, showcasing your unique qualities and how they align with the program's
  • 00:07:33
    offerings and values
  • 00:07:36
    Lastly, successful applicants exhibit a growth mindset
  • 00:07:41
    They are open to new ideas, seek out feedback, and opportunities for self-improvement
  • 00:07:47
    Successful applicants demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn and evolve
  • 00:07:53
    Here in the Academy, we foster a culture of growth and learning
  • 00:07:58
    You're going to have access to a wealth of resources, whether that's webinars, workshops, guest expert sessions, things that both will expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, and encourage personal and professional growth
  • 00:08:13
    Our supportive community will provide valuable feedback and guidance as you navigate the complex application process and strive for continuous improvement
  • 00:08:24
    In summary, the qualities that schools are looking for are the following
  • 00:08:30
    Clarity of purpose, strong academic track record, compelling personal story, leadership potential, commitment to community and impact, strong communication skills, ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams, resilience and the ability to overcome challenges, well researched and specific fit with the program, and a growth mindset
  • 00:08:58
    So now that you've heard the list again, ask yourself these questions
  • 00:09:02
    How many of these qualities do I already have? How many do I have? But I need help articulating that I have them
  • 00:09:12
    And how many do I not yet have, but I am willing to take the Art of Applying Advice so I can get it? Well, the answer is no matter how many or how few of the qualities I listed you already have, all of the qualities of a successful applicant who gets into a top grad school, all of those qualities can be cultivated within you and clearly demonstrated in your application in a compelling way
  • 00:09:39
    So as a member of the Art of Applying Academy, you now have access to all the tools, resources and support you need to cultivate these qualities and maximize your chances of standing out as a top candidate
  • 00:09:54
    Our comprehensive curriculum and personalized guidance will empower you to navigate the application process with confidence and achieve your goals
  • 00:10:02
    All right, thank you for joining me in this lesson
  • 00:10:05
    Next, we're going to discuss how successful applicants approach the application process itself versus unsuccessful applicants
  • 00:10:15
    See you there

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