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How to Write a Graduate School Resume | Template & Example

Published on February 7, 2020 by Shona McCombes . Revised on June 1, 2023.

When you apply for graduate school , you’ll usually be asked to submit a resume or CV along with your application. A graduate school resume should give a focused, concise overview of relevant experiences and achievements.

The exact sections you include depend on your experiences and on the focus of the program you’re applying to. Ensure your resume gives full details of:

• Your college education
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant voluntary and extracurricular experience
• Any awards, honors, publications, or other relevant achievements
• Any relevant skills, certifications, and memberships

The main difference from a regular resume is that you’ll put more emphasis on your education and academic interests to show that you’re a good candidate for graduate school.

Download the Word templates and adjust them to your own purposes.

Resume template 1 Resume Template 2

Table of contents

Step 1: plan the structure and layout, step 2: create a heading with your personal information, step 2: detail your education, step 3: outline your work experience, step 4: highlight other relevant skills and achievements, step 5: proofread and save as a pdf, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about graduate school resumes.

Before you start writing, you need to decide how you’ll organize the information. Which sections you include, and in which order, depends on your experience and the program you are applying to.

If you’re applying for a research-focused program in the sciences, social sciences or humanities, emphasize your academic skills and achievements. Awards, publications, grants, fellowships, and teaching experience should take center stage. If you don’t have many academic achievements yet, you can focus on your courses, grades, and research interests.

If you’re applying to a professionally-focused program, you’ll probably want to emphasize your work experience and practical skills. Internships, jobs, and voluntary work should all be included.

Keep the layout clean and simple. Make sure all headings are the same size and font, and use text boxes or dividing lines to separate the sections.

Example of a resume outline

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting.

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

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See an example

At the very top of your resume, you need to include:

• Your name (usually in a larger font size)
• Your address
• Your email address
• Your phone number

You can also include a sentence summarizing your background and stating your objective.

• Don’t write “resume” in the heading – just your name is fine.
• Do include links to relevant professional or academic profiles, such as LinkedIn, Academia.edu, or ResearchGate.

A graduate school resume should always start with your educational history. For each program you’ve completed (or are soon to complete), always list:

• The degree (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in English Literature)
• The college and location
• The month and year of graduation

If you’re applying for a research-focused program, you can also give the title of your thesis and go into slightly more detail about your studies – for example, by listing 2–3 advanced courses that demonstrate relevant academic skills.

• Don’t include your high school education.
• Do include other applicable information such as your minor(s), study abroad programs, and other relevant educational experiences.
• Awards and honors

If you’ve received any awards, honors, scholarships, or grants, make sure to include these too. If you have several such academic achievements, it’s worth including a separate section on your resume to make sure they stand out.

Next, your resume should give an overview of your professional and voluntary experience. If you have varied experience, you might want to split it up into separate sections:

In a resume for an academic program, you could include headings for teaching experience and research experience.

A professionally-focused resume could be divided into sections for employment, internships, and voluntary work, or headings for managerial and administrative roles.

Each section should be organized in reverse chronological order. For each role, list:

• Your job title
• The dates of employment
• The organization’s name and location
• A bullet-point list of your main responsibilities

Be concise and specific when describing your work.

• Don’t attempt to list everything you did in every job.
• Do pick out some key achievements that show what you learned and how you succeeded.

For example, instead of:

• Made lesson plans
• Taught students
• Graded papers
• Attended departmental meetings

You could write:

• Designed lessons in academic writing skills
• Taught classes of 20–30 undergraduate students
• Graded practical assignments and coordinated peer feedback sessions
• Contributed to the evaluation and redevelopment of the curriculum

The other sections of your resume depend on what you want to emphasize. You can include some of the section headings listed below, or combine them into larger sections.

Publications and presentations

Publishing in academic journals or presenting at conferences is a big selling point on a graduate school resume. List any publications (including co-author credits) or papers you have presented.

You can also include pending publications – that is, articles that have been accepted by a journal but not yet published. Make sure to note what stage the publication is at (e.g. under review, in press).

Certifications and memberships

If you have participated in professional development or other relevant training courses, list your certifications.

Are you a member of any professional bodies or organizations? You can list these too to demonstrate your involvement in an academic or professional community.

Languages and technical skills

If you speak more than one language, list your level of fluency (with certification if applicable).

There’s usually no need to include standard computer skills like Microsoft Word, but do highlight your proficiency in specialist softwares or tools relevant to the program (such as statistical programs and design software).

Extracurricular activities

Don’t include irrelevant hobbies or try to show off how busy you were in college, but do list any community or voluntary activities that demonstrate your skills in things like leadership and communication, or that are directly related to the subject you want to study.

Examples of the kinds of things that are worth including might be:

• Organizing events
• Editing a college paper, magazine, or journal
• Being president of a club
• Being involved in a community project

Make sure to carefully proofread your resume (and the rest of your application) before you submit. Also, check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services to see what we can do for you.

To ensure your formatting stays consistent, it’s generally best to save your resume as a PDF file (unless the university specifies another format).

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

• Professional experience
• Voluntary and extracurricular activities
• Publications
• Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

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McCombes, S. (2023, June 01). How to Write a Graduate School Resume | Template & Example. Scribbr. Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/resume/

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Grad School Resume 2024: Tips, FAQs, and Templates

When applying to grad school, you’ll probably be asked to submit your resume. As grad school admissions become increasingly competitive, it’s critical that you have a strong resume to help you stand out from other applicants and impress the selection committee.

The perfect grad school resume is short and concise but persuasive enough to convince your dream grad school that you’re the perfect candidate. An academic resume is quite different to an employment resume, so it’s important to know how to write a winning CV for grad school.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need a Grad School Resume?

When preparing your grad school application, you’re probably consumed with many tasks like chasing down your academic transcripts and preparing for the  entrance exam . Your graduate school resume might be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll almost certainly need to prepare one.

Grad school admission requirements vary depending on the school you’re applying to, but you’ll typically need to submit the following for your grad school application:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcript
• Entrance exam
• Reference letters
• Personal statement

You shouldn’t use whatever resume you have on hand from the last time you applied for a job. A grad school resume is quite different from an employment resume , so you’ll need to create one specifically for this purpose. A well-crafted and comprehensive resume helps the admissions team understand your strengths, qualifications, experience, and interests. Ultimately, this will help them determine whether or not they’ll accept you into the program.

Related: How To Prep Your Resume For Success (When You’ve No Work Experience)

Tips for Writing a Winning Graduate School Resume in 2024

Follow these tips to show any selection committee that you’re the perfect candidate for their program!

Write a Strong but Concise Introduction

Grad school selection committees go over hundreds, if not  thousands , of resumes to find candidates who meet their standards and who could be excellent ambassadors for the program. Because of sheer volume, they may spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume.

This makes the introduction critical—this part will grab their attention and persuade them to keep reading. So, take your time to write a brief but strong professional profile. In as few words as possible, mention your qualifications, experience, and relevant skills, why you want to join the program, and why you’re the perfect candidate.

Your letter of intent for admission to graduate school gives you a unique way to separate yourself from the rest of the applicants.

Include your Contact Details

Your contact details should go at the top of your resume, right below your name.

Be sure to include the following details:

• Your first name and surname
• Your physical address

Your email address

• At least one contact phone number
• Links to your social media profiles.

You don’t need to include extra information about yourself such as your race, age, or citizenship. In fact, by law, institutions are not allowed to discriminate based on these details; so, it’s best to leave them off your resume entirely.

On the other hand, social media links are important, especially LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile already, consider signing up for one. The selection committee may check your profile to verify your connections, work experience, internships, volunteer work, and educational background.

Pay Attention to Formatting

Good formatting is vital for any resume—a sloppy layout will make you look unprofessional and could damage your chances of getting accepted into a grad program. Keep it short, simple, and precise—make it no more than one page if possible. Don’t include any unnecessary details or information that isn’t relevant to the program.

The exact layout can vary, but your grad school resume should include:

• Your name and contact details
• Summary/introduction
• Education history and educational achievements

Awards and achievements

• Significant research projects
• Extra-curricular activities
• Volunteer work
• Skills and hobbies

Some grad schools want you to follow a standard format, so be sure to check with the admissions office if they have any grad school resume examples or templates. You can’t expect a call back from the selection committee if you can’t follow a simple format instruction!

For more on formatting, take a look at the sample CVs for graduate school admission later in this article.

Detail your Education History

Many grad schools require candidates to have a minimum level of education in order to be considered for their program. Even if a school doesn’t have strict grade prerequisites, at a minimum you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree. Your education history is one of the first things the selection committee will check when going over your resume.

Because this information is so important, you should outline your education in a prominent spot near the top of your resume. Mention the schools you’ve attended, your qualifications, GPA, and any other courses or certifications you took before or after your undergraduate studies. It’s also essential to include any teaching experience and major research projects.

Be sure to include these details in the education section:

•       Name of the school
•       Location
•       Graduation date
•       Degrees
•       Awards

Include your Professional Experience

An academic resume doesn’t need to be limited to your education experience. It’s usually a good idea to also include work experience outside of academia, along with teaching and research experience .

Detailing your diverse work experience may demonstrate additional skills and experience that is relevant to the program. It can also help to build a complete picture of your journey to grad school that will be more compelling to the selection committee. Furthermore, some programs, such as most MBAs, particularly look for professional work experience.

Related: How To Apply To Grad School

Highlight Your Awards and Achievements

Your achievements set you apart from other candidates so it’s vital to highlight them in your resume. Achievements demonstrate your skills and strengths in a very concrete way, giving the committee a good reason to choose you over other applicants. Achievements could include volunteer awards, leadership positions, prizes won as part of extracurricular activities, academic achievements such as honors, and internships. Be sure to also briefly mention what you learned from your achievements.

Detailing your academic achievements can certainly enhance your resume, but it’s not necessary to include every small award you’ve won over the years. Make this section detailed, but without any fluff. Only include awards that are relevant to the program you are applying for.

Stick with Reverse Chronological Order

The selection committee will be most interested in hearing about your latest experience and achievements. Therefore, it’s important to list everything in reverse chronological order: start with your most recent awards, projects, or positions and work backwards chronologically.

You should follow this approach for all the elements in your academic resume. This includes academic and professional work experience, research projects, publications, awards, and other achievements.

Include Key Skills and Proficiencies

At the end of your resume, you should include a section covering your skills and abilities . Detail both the hard and soft skills picked up from your undergraduate program and professional experience. You can also list your hobbies, but remember to avoid fluff – only include extracurricular activities that are relevant to your application.

This doesn’t mean that all the skills and hobbies you mention must be directly related to the graduate program; however, they should show the school that you are a strong candidate for one reason or another. For example, sporting achievements demonstrate dedication and motivation, even if they aren’t directly related to the program you’re applying for. Anything that adds value to your resume will help make your application stand out.

Wherever possible, back up your statements. Rather than just stating that you possess certain skills, provide examples of academic projects that allowed you to build a specific capability, or awards you won that recognize your proficiency in a certain area.

Don’t be Repetitive

Avoid repeating information. If you have only a few achievements to show and you’ve already mentioned them under the education section, you don’t need to create a separate section for achievements and awards. A lengthy resume filled with fluff isn’t going to help you get into your dream school. It’s always better to keep your resume short, concise, and to the point.

Proof Read to Pick up any Errors

Don’t underestimate the importance of proofreading your academic resume for graduate school. Even one or two spelling mistakes, typos, or messy formatting can be a big turn off the selection committees.

Read over your resume to check for errors. Then proofread it again. Just to be sure, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to take a look. Most importantly, make sure your contact details are accurate and up to date!

How to Write a Resume for Your Graduate School Application

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to writing a resume for grad school applicants.

Step 1: Write a Strong Introduction

Your academic resume should start with a brief but compelling introduction to catch the selection committee’s attention and encourage them to keep reading.

Your introduction should summarize your most relevant skills and academic history, as well as mentioning your main professional objective. A strong graduate school resume objective is authentic, direct, and compelling.

Step 2: List your Academic Experience

In the next section, detail your academic qualifications and experience. Include not only your undergraduate degree and any other studies you’ve completed, but also key coursework, major academic projects and research and teaching experience.

Related: When To Apply For Grad School

Step 3: Detail your Professional Experience

The next part of your academic should cover your professional experience. If you’re a recent graduate with limited experience, list your internships, fellowships, teaching positions, or any other relevant experience you have.

Step 4: Detail your Key Skills

Next, describe your most relevant skills that will impress the admissions committee. It’s essential to include as many relevant keywords as possible, as admissions committees are increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically filter applications.

Key skills and proficiencies you could add to your resume include:

• Academic research
• Business knowledge
• Social sciences
• Written communication skills
• Skills in specific disciplines, such as accounting, actuarial science, biology, calculus, cell-based analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, economics, engineering, finance, nursing theory, psychology, social work, and statistics

Step 5: List Important Academic Achievements

Finally, highlight your most impressive academic achievements. Include details such as your GPAs, academic memberships and associations, and any awards you’ve received.

Graduate School Resume Template

Below, we’ve included three graduate school resume examples that showcase different ways to format your resume for graduate school. These graduate school resumes include all the critical information, such as academic projects, relevant skills, and professional experience in a clear, concise way.

Grad School Resume Template 1: General Academic Resume

Your First Name, Last Name

Your phone number

LinkedIn profile, other social media profiles

Introduction : 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, why you want to join the program, and why you make the perfect candidate.

School name

Completion date – Degree name

• List of accomplishments

Work Experience

Position title Start date – End date

Organization name, address

• Responsibilities and achievements
• List of skills and proficiencies
• List of awards and achievements

Template 2: Professional-Focused Academic Resume (for MBA and similar programs)

Introduction: 2-3 sentences outlining your qualifications, experience, and main career goals.

Template 3: Recent Graduate Academic Resume

Academic Projects

Project subject, Institution, City, State

Start date – End date

• List of key courses

Volunteer Experience

Grad School Resume FAQs

Is an academic resume the same as a regular resume.

A grad school or academic resume is totally different from a resume that you might use to apply for a job. Most students have limited work experience, particularly in the professional sector. Furthermore, grad school selection committees generally look for applicants with a strong academic background. Therefore, an academic resume can focus on qualifications, achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

What Should a Grad School Resume Include?

Contact information, educational qualifications, internship programs, awards and achievements, and any extracurricular activities are the basic essentials you should include in your masters degree resume or graduate school resume. You should also have a strong introduction or summary near the top of your resume which tells the selection committee what they need to know at a glance. You can add additional information, such as professional experience and other projects if it’s relevant to the program.

How Long Should My Grad School Resume Be?

Generally speaking, your grad school resume should be no more than one page. However, if you have a lot of experience and a detailed history of qualifications, you can make your resume 1.5-2 pages. But, we don’t recommend going over two pages! The most important thing is to keep your professional resume for graduate school both relevant and concise.

What is the Best Graduate School Resume Format?

There are a few different graduate school resume formats, and the best one for you will depend on your chosen field of study, as well as your level of experience. Equally, it’s important to format your resume so that you showcase your strengths and achievements in the best way possible.

If you already have professional experience, it’s usually best to open with your most recent experience, then continue the list in reverse chronological order. If you have little to no work experience, its preferable to follow your opening summary with your most impressive academic achievements and qualifications.

How do you Align your Resume with a Job Description?

When applying for jobs, you should never use a one-size-fits all resume. Instead, it’s critical to adapt your CV to the job description each and every time. If the job description mentions certain skills, ensure that your resume shows that you have these capabilities. Additionally, be sure to clearly demonstrate the experience and qualifications detailed in the job description.

Likewise, prospective graduate students should tailor their academic resume to the specific program they’re applying to. Many grad schools are highly competitive, so it’s essential that every part of your application, including your resume, helps you to stand out and clearly shows why you’re an excellent fit for the program.

How Far Back Should a Resume go for Grad School?

Your graduate school application should be as comprehensive as possible, but you don’t need to go overboard. Therefore, for most graduate programs, it’s best to include your undergraduate qualifications and any other relevant certifications, but you don’t need to mention your high school GPA or SAT scores , for example.

Likewise, you should generally include professional work experience going back around 10 – 15 years, as long as it’s relevant to the program.

Wrapping Up

Getting into grad school can be tough, especially if you’re applying to one of the  Ivy Leagues . These schools receive thousands of applications, so you really need to make sure yours stands out. It’s important to take your time and make the effort to present a strong application, from your academic transcript and GPA to your winning grad school resume.

Are you putting together a grad school application? Check out this guide on how to ace your grad school interview .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Christine Li (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Philadelphia, PA 12345

A Psychology Graduate specializing in behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and developmental psychology. Adept at executing complex research initiatives and collaborating with diverse academic teams.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.8/4.0

• Vice President, Temple Student Psychology Association, 2019-2021
• Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List 2017-2021
• Magna Cum Laude

Professional Experience

Research Assistant, Dr. William Stern, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2020 – May 2021

• Conducted research on a variety of psychology topics and trends, including emotionally-focused therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
• Coordinated with a team of scholars to conduct a research project analyzing the psychological effects of poverty in food desert areas, including conducting interviews, developing surveys, and evaluating statistical trends

Academic Projects

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA September 2017 – May 2021

• Wrote a 25-page research paper for the Psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety
• Developed a 10-page research paper evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression symptoms
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Development Psychology
• Emotionally-Focused Therapy
• Behavioral Analysis
• Trauma Intervention
• Academic Research
• Relationship Building
• Team Collaboration
• Written Communication

Luis Rodriguez (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

A Speech Pathology Graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the Speech-Language program and providing ESL tutoring services.

Bachelor of Art (B.A.) Speech-Language-Hearing Science Columbia University, New York, NY September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.75/4.0

• Member, American Sign Language Club, 2018-2021
• Member, National Honors Society, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List, 2017-2021
• Summa Cum Laude

Speech-Language-Hearing Writing Tutor, Columbia University, New York, NY September 2020 – May 2021

• Coordinated with students weekly to identify weaknesses, resolved questions with speech, language, and hearing science course material, and developed strategies for academic success
• Resolved concerns regarding paper structure, prompts, revisions, and MLA and APA citation formatting

Classroom Assistant, Columbia University, New York, NY September 2019 – September 2020

• Supported a professor in the execution of two English preparatory courses for incoming first-year students
• Taught two thirty-minute sessions five days a week based on the needs of the students and focused on improving writing abilities and critical thinking skills

Volunteerism Experience

Volunteer Teaching Assistant, Brooklyn Literacy Center, New York, NY June 2020 – Present

• Supported one instructor in facilitating a three-hour class for ESL students, conducted evaluations to identify academic weaknesses, and assisted with implementing lesson plans and activities
• Speech-Language-Hearing Therapy
• American Sign Language
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Lesson Plan Implementation
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Sandra Carlisle (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, San Francisco, CA 12345

An Economics Graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and ROI analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision making for businesses.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Economics University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.6.5/4.0

• Member, UC Berkeley Economics Club, 2017-2021
• Dean’s List, 2018-2019

Internship, Anderson Financial Firm, San Francisco, CA April 2020 – April 2021

• Performed statistical analysis on economic and financial trends for a financial investment firm, which included evaluating potential ROI of startup businesses
• Supported a team of Financial Analysts and Economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
• Attended meetings with the Finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports

Economic & Financial Research Projects, UC Berkeley, Berkeley CA September 2017 – May 2021

• Wrote a 20-page research essay using quantitative and qualitative analysis to investigate the potential long-term financial outlook of hospitality businesses in the Covid-19 era
• Coordinated with a team of students to conduct a financial research project analyzing the scalability and sustainability of hypothetical business models
• Financial Analysis
• Risk Management
• Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Analysis
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Ted Johnson (123) 456-7890 [email protected] 123 Your Street, Boston, MA 12345

A recent Social Work Graduate specializing in psychotherapy, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), public health, and client relations. A strong background in working with non-profit agencies to execute community outreach initiatives.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Social Work Boston University, Massachusetts, MA September 2017 – May 2021 GPA: 3.6/4.0

• Member, Student Diversity Council, 2018-2021
• Dean’s List, 2017-2018, 2020-2021

Internship, Boston Community Resource Center, Boston, MA June 2020 – April 2021

• Collaborated with a team of social workers at a non-profit organization to provide resources, housing, and food to the homeless population
• Interfaced with clients to provide information on available resources, including mental health services, job fairs, employment opportunities, and rehab centers
• Fielded phone inquiries, gathered client information, and updated case files in coordination with the social services team

Volunteer, St. Margaret’s Homeless Shelter, Boston, MA December 2018 – Present

• Provided operational support for a homeless shelter with over 250+ clients per day, assisted with meal preparation, and distributed hygiene supplies
• Communicated with clients to discuss needs, provided emotional support, and delivered referrals on available resources to improve quality of life and daily functioning
• Substance Abuse
• Child Welfare
• Psychotherapy
• Public Health
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• Community Outreach
• Emotional Intelligence

To stand out from the competition for graduate programs, you’ll need to craft an accomplishment-driven document that showcases your most compelling academic achievements. Providing descriptions of specific research projects and internships is one way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Many universities also place a great deal of weight on associations you were involved in and your volunteer efforts. We’ll provide expert tips to help you translate your academic background and experience into a powerful resume.

1. Summarize your graduate school qualifications in a dynamic profile

When applying to graduate school, develop a professional summary at the top of your resume that encapsulates your key skills and academic expertise. Even if you lack hands-on experience in the field, this section will allow you to make a strong case for why you should be considered for graduate programs.

For example, showcasing emotional intelligence and client relations skills you may have acquired through volunteerism could resonate with the university if you intend to pursue a field of study in health care. Pay close attention to what qualities the program is looking for in its candidates and consider how your academic career aligns with the university’s values.

Professional Profile - Example #1

A speech pathology graduate specializing in speech-language therapy, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), American Sign Language (ASL), and team leadership. A proven track record of mentoring students within the speech-language program and providing English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services.

Professional Profile - Example #2

An economics graduate specializing in statistical analysis, accounting, financial analysis, risk management, and return on investment (ROI) analysis. Experience in conducting economic research to evaluate statistical trends and inform financial decision-making for businesses.

2. Create a powerful list of your graduate school experience

Crafting a professional experience section can be difficult for graduate students due to a lack of hands-on experience within your field. If you’ve completed an internship or research fellowship, feature this experience as the flagship of your resume. But if you haven’t had this type of opportunity, don’t panic. Leveraging your academic projects can also be highly impactful in demonstrating your qualifications for graduate programs.

Professional Experience Example

• Supported a team of financial analysts and economists in evaluating business models, analyzing risk, and forecasting financial outlook to inform investment decisions
• Attended meetings with the finance team and assisted with the preparation of financial presentations and reports

Academic Projects Example

Psychology Research Projects, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA May 2021 – June 2022

• Wrote a 25-page research paper for the psychology capstone course analyzing the cultural experience of Chinese American immigrants in urban and rural areas and the relationship between institutionalized racism and anxiety

3. Include graduate school-related education and certifications

When applying for graduate school programs, feature your education, coursework, and academic achievements prominently on your document. Depending on your field of study, you may also want to consider pursuing a certification to strengthen your application. For example, if you were pursuing a graduate degree in economics or finance, you could obtain a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification after completing the FINRA exam. This shows universities you’ve been proactive in expanding your knowledge and expertise while pursuing graduate programs.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Speech-Language Pathology
• Columbia University, New York, NY September 2019 – June 2023

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), 2023

4. List key graduate school skills and proficiencies

When building your resume for your graduate school application, create a robust skills section highlighting a mix of both hard and soft skills. Universities use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out unqualified candidates. Include as many relevant keywords as possible to maximize your chances of advancing to the next phase of the application process. Before you apply, carefully evaluate the graduate program you’re pursuing and ensure you include all the necessary coursework and skills in your document. Below are some potential keywords to use during the application process:

Featuring key academic projects and educational achievements is essential for building a strong graduate school application. Be sure to include all of your relevant degrees, academic associations, GPAs, and coursework. For example, as a speech pathologist student, you may want to include your knowledge of ASL. If you were an engineering graduate, highlight projects where you collaborated with student teams to create prototypes.

How To Pick the Best Graduate Resume Template

It’s best to select a well-organized, straightforward template when applying for graduate school applications. Although flashy colors and graphics may be visually appealing, these types of modern templates often distract the reader from your content. When in doubt, prioritize structure and organization over style.

Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate School Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for graduate school resumes -.

It’s easy to run short on action verbs when describing your internships, research fellowships, and academic projects. In many instances, there are only a limited number of verbs you can use to convey your academic experience accurately. Differentiating your word choice sends a message to the reader that you’ve put time and effort into your graduate school application. We’ve compiled a list of verbs to build your resume:

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

The top graduate school programs are highly competitive. Numerous factors come into play, including your undergraduate program, GRE scores, internship experience, and letters of recommendation. To maximize your chances, carefully tailor your resume to the program you’re applying for. However, determining what key terms to include can be challenging on a graduate school resume, as not all programs will provide you with a robust description to build off of. Integrate as many key terms and courses from your field as possible in this situation.

What is the best graduate school resume format? -

The ideal graduate school format varies depending on your field of study and professional experience. If you’ve completed an internship, a reverse chronological approach is the best option. Other candidates may opt to feature their education and academic projects directly below their opening summary. Ultimately, choose a format that allows you to feature your most compelling qualifications and academic achievements towards the top of your resume.

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Most graduate programs require some form of cover letter from applicants. To garner interest from universities, highlight how your background and personal values align with the programs you’re targeting. Avoid crafting generic cover letters. They won’t generate results. Be thoughtful in your messaging and display a genuine passion for your field of study. For more information, visit our recent graduate school cover letter page.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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Gre prep online guides and tips, how to write a cv for graduate school: 7 expert tips.

In addition to GRE scores, transcripts, and a personal statement, your graduate school application will likely require a curriculum vitae (CV). But what kind of information should you include on a CV for graduate school? And how can you make sure your grad school CV leaves a lasting impression on admissions committees?

Follow along as we explain why graduate schools look at CVs and how CVs differ from resumes. We’ll also teach you how to write a CV for graduate school and give you our top tips for crafting a cogent and high-quality CV.

Why Do Graduate Schools Want CVs?

Like personal statements, CVs are a common  grad school application staple (though not all programs require them). A grad school CV serves the same basic purpose as a regular CV: to secure you the job you want — in this case, the position of “grad student.” Essentially, the CV is a sales pitch to grad schools, and you’re selling  yourself !

But what exactly is a CV? What specific purpose does it serve for grad schools during the admissions process?

A CV is basically a longer academic version of a resume , offering   a summary of your academic history, research interests, relevant work experience, honors, accomplishments, etc. For grad schools, the CV is a quick indicator of how extensive your background is in the field and how much academic potential you have. Ultimately, grad schools use the CV to gauge how successful you’re likely to be as a grad student .

CV vs Resume: How Are They Different?

Most grad schools call for either a CV or a resume and will specify which document they prefer on their application requirements pages. If a program doesn’t indicate a preference for one or the other, it’s your choice.

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Personally, I’d opt for a CV, as a CV offers you far more space to elaborate on your academic and professional experiences than a resume does. (I’ll explain more about the amount of space on a CV in just a moment.)

But how different are these two documents, really? More than you might think.

For one,  CVs are more widely used in the field of academia , while resumes are used more for professional fields. In other words, CVs focus predominantly on your academic history —  not on your professional history.

CVs are also typically longer than resumes and   can be any length (typically two or more pages). On the other hand, resumes are only a maximum of one or two pages.

The following table presents an overview of the differences between CVs and resumes:

*Although resumes tend to have a stronger emphasis on employment and professional achievements, they may be used for grad school as well, depending on the program. For example, M.B.A. programs typically require resumes instead of CVs .

How to Write a CV for Graduate School: What Should You Include?

Now, it’s time we go over how to write a CV for graduate school. To start, a great grad school CV will  always include the following basic info:

• Your name and contact info:  Include your full name, home address, phone number, and email address. Place this info at the very top of your CV. I recommend increasing the font size of your name and bolding it.
• Page numbers:  The best places to put these are the top-right corner, the bottom-right corner, or the bottom center of each page. You can also write your last name beside each page number.

Next, the content: the bulk of your CV for graduate school will consist of various sections accompanied by  headings . As a general rule, always emphasize your  education  as well as any  professional experience, achievements, or activities directly related to your field of study .

Below are common categories you can use on your CV for graduate school followed by specific topics to avoid on your CV. For additional categories, refer to  page 2 of this Rice University PDF .

Grad School CV: What to Include

Here, we give you a variety of potential categories to include on your grad school CV. Categories are listed in alphabetical order.

Community Service

Use this section to highlight any (relevant) volunteer work or activities you’ve completed. You may title this section “Community Service,” “Volunteer Service,” “Volunteer Work,” etc.

What to include:

• Titles of your positions, if applicable
• Names of organizations or institutions for which you volunteered or are currently volunteering
• Dates (month and year)
• Locations (city and state)
• Short descriptions of your responsibilities, accomplishments, or skills obtained

An overview of your education is a critical component of the grad school CV. This section should always come at the beginning , after your name and contact info. You may title this section “Education,” “Educational Background,” “Academic History,” “Academic Background,” etc.

• Names and locations (city and state) of all higher institutions you attended or are currently attending
• All degrees you received or are currently working toward
• Your major and minor
• Your graduation date (month and year) or expected graduation date
• Titles of any theses or dissertations you wrote or are currently writing
• Names of any advisors or professors who assisted you with a thesis or dissertation
• Academic honors (if you have multiple honors, consider listing them in a separate section)
• Your GPA (optional)
• Study abroad or other coursework, if relevant

For this section, try to include only relevant work experience . If you would like to write about any irrelevant work experience, don’t spend a lot of time elaborating on it — just describe the position briefly.

You may title this section “Employment,” “Employment History,” “Professional History,” “Professional Background,” “Professional Experience,” “Work Experience,” etc.

• Titles of positions
• Names of companies for which you worked or are currently working
• Short descriptions of your responsibilities, major projects, accomplishments, or skills obtained
• Internships or part-time work experience, if relevant

Extracurricular Activities

Use this section to discuss any (relevant) activities in which you have participated or currently participate outside of school or work. You may be able to combine this section with “Community Service.”

• Titles of positions, if applicable
• Names of clubs/groups/organizations

Fellowships & Grants

If you’ve received any major academic, research, or teaching fellowships, grants, or scholarships, list those here. You may title this section “Fellowships & Grants,” “Fellowships,” “Grants,” “Scholarships,” etc.

• Names of grants
• Names of grant providers
• Amount of each grant
• Dates (month and year) of grants (i.e., the time period for which you used or plan to use the grant)
• Purposes of grants (optional)

Honors & Awards

Use this section to list and summarize any major (and relevant) honors or awards you’ve received. These can include academic honors, such as high GPA distinctions, and work- or research-related achievements.

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You may title this section “Honors & Awards,” “Honors,” “Awards,” “Academic Awards,” “Achievements,” etc.

• Titles of awards
• Dates (month and year) you received your awards
• Names of award providers (optional)
• Where you received each award (optional)

Memberships

If you’re a member of any professional or academic organizations, list the names of those groups and your roles in them here. Generally, stick to organizations of which you’re a current member .

You may title this section “Memberships,” “Affiliations,” “Professional Affiliations,” etc.

• Names of groups or associations to which you currently belong
• Locations of groups, if applicable

Presentations

Use this section to summarize any major academic or professional presentations you’ve given, including exhibitions, speeches, and conferences.

You may title this section simply “Presentations,” or use more specific titles, such as “Papers Presented,” “Conference Presentations,” etc.

• Titles of presentations or papers, if applicable
• Locations of presentations (city and state, as well as institution)
• Dates (month and year) of presentations

Publications

Those who have authored or co-authored any books, chapters, articles, or reports related to their fields of study can list their works in this section. Be sure to write all of your publications as citations, using the citation style preferred by your field . You may bold your name in each citation for emphasis.

• Titles of publications or pending publications
• Names of all authors (including yourself)
• Publication or expected publication dates (month and year)

Research or Teaching Experience

This section highlights any research or teaching experience you have in your field. Those entering the sciences will typically focus on “Research Experience,” while those entering the arts or humanities will focus on “Teaching Experience.”

Relevant experiences can include full- or part-time employment, internships, university research, extracurricular projects, tutoring, etc. You may combine this section with your general employment section.

What to include:

• Names of companies, organizations, or institutions for which you taught or conducted research
• Names of any advisors or professors you worked alongside
• Titles of all major projects or courses taught

Research or Teaching Interests

This section is a convenient way of letting the admissions committee know what your current research or teaching interests are in your field of study. Place this section at the beginning of your grad school CV, directly after your name and contact info but before your education info.

You may title this section “Research Interests,” “Teaching Interests,” “Profile,” etc.

• A brief description (one to three sentences) of your research or teaching interests
• Specific sub-fields, projects, or topics you’d like to research or teach as a grad student

Skills & Certifications

Use this section to list any specialized skills or certifications you have (ideally, ones that are relevant to your field). You may separate this into two sections, if desired.

• Any relevant skills, such as foreign-language skills or computer skills
• Any professional certifications
• Dates of certifications, if applicable

Grad School CV: What Not to Include

Do not include any of the following on your CV for graduate school:

• Private or personal info, such as your date of birth, marital status, social security number, etc.
• A photograph of yourself
• Anything related to high school (there are some exceptions to this, but it’s best to avoid mentioning anything that occurred prior to your undergrad career)
• Too many irrelevant jobs or experiences
• Anything unimpressive or anything that’ll reflect poorly on you, such as a below-average GPA

7 Tips for Creating a Stellar CV for Graduate School

We now know what kind of content goes into a CV for graduate school. But content alone isn’t enough — your CV must also look professional and   follow a logical structure . In this section, I give you our top seven tips for creating a stand-out CV for graduate school.

#1: Stick With Simple

A grad school CV is not the time to get creative! So  err on the side of simple : opt for basic one-inch margins, use left alignment, and avoid all colors except black.

You should also  start all of your descriptions with action verbs (and bullet points, if desired) . In other words, avoid using full sentences and first-person pronouns (the only exception to this is the “Research Interests” or “Teaching Interests” section). In the end, this will produce a strong and effective CV.

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#2: Adopt a Logical Flow

All grad school CVs should follow a clear and logical structure to best showcase your positive attributes.

Ultimately, how you order the sections on your CV is up to you. However, you should always  start with your educational background  and then lead into relevant research, teaching, or work experiences. Most people wrap up their CVs with slightly less important info, such as memberships and skills.

Additionally, always use  reverse chronological order (most recent to earliest) when listing multiple entries in a single section. This order let admissions committees immediately get a feel for your current activities and recent accomplishments.

#3: Stay Relevant

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: always stay as relevant as possible  in your grad school CV! In more basic terms, don’t pad your CV with a ton of fluff . After all, a major point of the CV is to prove you’re familiar with the field and are prepared to study it at an advanced level.

But staying relevant isn’t always easy. Some applicants have far fewer relevant experiences than others. For example, those applying to grad school directly from undergrad might not have any publications or research experience to put on their CVs.

If you’re in a similar situation,  it’s OK to include a few less relevant entries  — as long as you’re keeping such entries brief or are somehow tying them back to your field. Remember, the majority of your CV should focus on what you  have  accomplished in your field.

#4: Avoid Redundancy

Another tip is to avoid repetition . Content-wise, this means don’t list the same entry multiple times under separate headings. For example, it’s fine to put your cum laude distinction in your “Academic History” section, but there’s no need to write it again in your “Honors & Awards” section.

If you’re not sure where to assign something, go for either the earlier heading or the heading with the fewer number of entries to balance things out a bit.

You should also refrain from using the same action verbs . Doing so can make your CV sound rushed and uncouth. Instead, opt for strong, versatile words, such as those listed here on page 5 .

#5: Use an Easy-to-Read Font

Treat your CV as you would any other formal document and  use a simple  font .

There is debate as to which fonts look best on CVs, but ultimately the choice is yours. Many people recommend sans-serif fonts , as they’re familiar and easy to read on mobile devices. This includes Calibri (the Microsoft Word default), Arial, and Tahoma. Another popular choice is Times New Roman (a serif font).

Avoid fancy or cursive fonts as well as any highly unprofessional ones such as Comic Sans. In regard to size,  stick with either 11pt or 12pt and go a little larger for your name and headings.

#6: Adhere to Program Requirements

As with any other part of your grad school application, be sure you’re following all of your program’s requirements  for the CV portion.

Reading your application instructions carefully will reduce your risk of submitting an improperly formatted or subpar CV. If you fail to follow all of your program’s instructions, the admissions committee might have trouble processing your application, potentially disqualifying you! So for the sake of your application, follow all of your program’s rules.

For example, the Master of Arts in Japanese Studies program at the University of Michigan  calls for the following:

“Academic experience (all postsecondary institutions attended, including any study abroad programs), work experience (including any summer and part-time jobs and internships), teaching and research interests and experience, professional affiliations, publications if any, and community involvement (e.g., any club activities and/or volunteer activities).”

With this program, you’re actually  required  to include your entire employment history, even if it means listing irrelevant part-time jobs. In this case,  your program’s instructions take precedence . (However, note that you should always spend less space describing irrelevant positions.)

Also, take note of any page limits or formatting requirements for the CV . Most grad programs want applicants to submit their CVs as PDFs in order to eliminate the risk of formatting errors.

#7: Take Time to Proofread

Finally, before you submit your grad school CV, treat it as you would a final essay and proofread, proofread, proofread ! Read it over several times to tweak awkward-sounding words and phrases and to identify any inconsistencies, typos, or formatting problems.

Don’t rely entirely on yourself, either.  Ask a friend, family member, or professor to look it over and offer suggestions. Make your CV as perfect as it can be and you’re bound to impress admissions committees!

What’s Next?

Want additional CV help?  Check out our stockpile of CV samples to learn what a high-quality CV for graduate school looks like. We’ve also got loads of customizable CV and resume templates !

Need to prepare a resume, too?  Then read  our expert guide on how to write a resume for grad school .

Looking for info on grad schools? Learn  what grad school is and then familiarize yourself with all of the basic  grad school requirements  as well as the typical  grad school deadlines .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

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How To Write A Graduate School Resume (With Examples)

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Although resumes are often associated with pursuits in a career, you’ll also need one when applying to graduate school. A graduate school resume will serve a similar function as a professional one, which is to catch the reader’s attention as a promising candidate.

Learning how to write an effective and concise graduate school resume is a crucial part of the higher education application process.

Key Takeaways:

Graduate school resumes are used to evaluate candidates and is similar to both an undergraduate application and a professional resume.

The education section, relevant coursework, and relevant experience are crucial parts of the graduate school resume.

Accomplishments and achievements from experiences should precede responsibilities.

Use concise language and tailor your resume to the specific program for application.

A graduate school resume should be one page long.

What Is a Graduate School Resume?

How to write a graduate school resume in 6 steps, tips for a successful graduate school resume, template for a graduate school resume.

Example of a Graduate School Resume

Graduate School Resume vs. CV

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A graduate school resume is a brief and organized description of an applicant’s background, skills, education, and any other aspects that would make them qualified for admission. It’s submitted along with an application to provide all the information that an admissions committee will need in contained space.

Graduate school resumes are used to evaluate many potential candidates easier by establishing a bullet-point list of their characteristics.

Including a graduate school resume in your application package illustrates who you are, what your experience is, and why you should be submitted to the program neatly on a single page .

Writing a graduate school resume can be confusing for many people; should it be more similar to a school application or a professional resume? The perhaps unsatisfying answer is that it is a bit of both.

Complete the following steps to create a graduate school resume containing information needed for admissions while being in a resume format:

Think about formatting. Although most resumes have typical structure guidelines, there’s still room for creativity in formatting a graduate school resume. There are some formatting rules you should adhere to, such as keeping your graduate resume about a page long and making your contact details boldly noticeable.

Pay attention to the education section . Since the point of submitting a graduate school resume is to be admitted to an educational program, there should be a clear focus on your prior academics.

Unlike a professional resume, which focuses primarily on career experience, a resume for graduate school should speak about the candidate’s educational background first and foremost.

Include information such as your:

School Name

Grade Point Average (GPA) (Only if 3.5+)

Field of Study

Dates of Attendance

Extracurriculars, Clubs, or Groups (if relevant)

Awards and Acknowledgment

Test Scores (If Applicable)

Include relevant coursework. Relevant coursework might come under your education section or your experience section, depending on which part needs more love. In any case, you’ll want to include the specifics of the classes you’ve taken so that admissions boards know that you’ve got the prerequisite training required to excel in your program.

List relevant work experience. Your prior experience in jobs shouldn’t be the center of attention in your graduate school resume.

However, positions related to the program you’re applying for should be included in your resume. Internships and volunteer experience that can be applied to the program’s field of study can also be helpful in a graduate school resume.

Include notable accomplishments. A graduate school resume is an appropriate place to keep a running tally of your achievements because you want to impress an admissions team. While you can make a dedicated “accomplishments” section, we recommend tactfully weaving achivements throughout your resume’s sections.

Your resume summary statement is a good place to include one, eye-catching accomplishment. And your undergraduate education probably involved some big project or thesis if you’re keen enough on the subject to continue onto graduate school, so that’s at least one major accomplishment for your education section.

Achievements from internships or even minor jobs should always precede boring job responsibilities.

“Answered emails” and “made spreadsheets” don’t exactly pop off the page, but “Responded to 20+ customer queries each day” or “Developed Cloud-based spreadsheet for interdepartment project planning and budgeting” sound a lot better — even if they describe the same jobs and tasks.

Skills and certifications. Including a skills section in a graduate school is recommended if you have the chops to back it up. You should stick to mentioning hard skills in a graduate resume that apply to the field of study you’re hoping to pursue.

This area of your graduate school resume can also be used to mention any certifications you’ve received outside of formal education.

Examples of possible skills and certifications to include on a graduate school resume include:

Fluency in a programming language

Experience in particular computer systems or applications

Speaking a second language

A technical skills training program

An online or in-person certificate in a specific field, like digital marketing or agile management

Tailor your resume to the program you’re applying for. When top applicants apply for new jobs, they go back to their resume and make edits to optimize it for the position they’re hoping to land . Successful graduate school applicants do the same. Every graduate program emphasizes different skills and experiences.

It’s okay to speak highly of your accomplishments. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of speaking freely on all their outstanding accomplishments because they worry it makes them out to be conceited .

While you should maintain a humble attitude when discussing your achievements (especially in interviews), it’s recommended to get into the nitty-gritty of what you’ve done well in the past in a resume.

Use crisp, concise language. Start your bullet points with strong action verbs. Never include the words “I, me, my, or mine” in your resume. Use as few words as possible and embrace white space.

Include both hard and soft skills. There are probably some hard skills that the program you’re applying for requires, depending on the field of study. Besides listing the hard skills that you have, include soft skills that apply to your personality and work ethic.

Soft skills describe who a candidate is beyond their accomplishments or technical skills . An admissions team will use soft skills to assess if you’re the kind of student they want in their program.

Be honest about your experience and skills. Although it’s essential to catch an admissions counselor ’s attention with your resume, the information you include needs to be true. Bending the truth eventually becomes evident to experienced admissions professionals.

Proofread. Once you’ve finished writing a graduate school resume, the final thing to do is proofread it. Careless spelling and grammatical errors will turn off an admissions counselor reading your resume because it will portray you as sloppy or lazy.

You understand what information should be included on a graduate school resume. Now you use a template to structure the information properly.

Below is a template to guide you through creating your own graduate school resume.

First and Last Name City, State | Phone Number | Email Address | Social Media or Website Resume Summary Statement (Do not label your resume summary statement — just write it) A few sentences outlining what your graduate school resume will go on to say and what your goals for the future are. Education School Name , Degree Title, and Major Graduation Date Grade Point Average (GPA) (If 3.5+) Areas of Study Prior Research Awards, accomplishments, and acknowledgments Extracurricular activities and clubs (repeat if you have multiple schoools) Professional Experience Job Title Company Name, City, State Dates Employed One major achievement with numbers Job responsibility with mention of your impact on results More achievements (repeat for multiple jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences) Relevant Skills list 4-8 skills Give more hard skills than soft skills Additional Section (this section can be dedicated to certifications, volunteer experience, language fluency, independent projects, publications, or another optional resume section)

Aaron Blakely Denver, CO | (753)-585-5866 | [email protected]| LinkedIn.com/AaronBlakely A devoted and creative recent graduate from the University Of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and former research experience. Seeking higher education with the University of Washington’s computer science graduate program. Education The University Of Denver , B.S. in Computer Science 2020 3.9 GPA Studied computer science with a minor in creative coding Conducted research into biotechnology and virtual reality (VR) Achieved the Dean’s List all four years of college Vice President of the computer coding club Professional Experience Computer Coding Student Intern Larson’s Technology, Denver, CO 2017-2018 Created a process workflow that reduced average project turnaround time by 12% Helped mid-level developers write and debug code for client websites of over 1 million monthly visitors Reviewed engineers code and tested software patches before roll-out Sales Associate and Tech Help Desk Attendant Best Bet Computer Repair, Denver, CO 2012-2017 summers Served an average of 40 customers each day, aiding in selection of electronic goods Won employee of the month in June 2015 Received an an average customer review rating of 4.89/5 at tech help desk Scholarships 2016-2020 Outstanding Student Scholarship Awarded for academic accomplishment and community involvement The amount of $40,000 over four years of undergraduate education Relevant Skills Java HTML MS Office Suites Windows Mac OS X Communication Problem-solving Dependability Creativity Resourcefulness Certifications 2018 HTML Fluency Course, HTML programming language A 12-week course outlining the basics of HTML language Accompanied by assignments, six tests, and a final exam HTML basic fluency achieved

While this article focuses on graduate school resumes , it is important to note that some graduate schools might request a curriculum vitae, or CV, instead.

Graduate school resumes and CVs share a lot of similarities. They both act as documents to highlight an applicant’s qualifications, experiences, and contact information as part of an application process.

However, there are noticeable differences with CVs. These include:

Length. CVs tend to be two or more pages long. They are designed to provide an in-depth profile of your qualifications and achievements.

Purpose. CVs tend to focus on academic and research experience, as well as accomplishments such as fellowships, academic positions, and scholarships.

Content. CVs are more detailed. They cover a complete academic history of the applicant.

Audience. Academic and research heavy programs tend to request CVs because they want to see your abilities in these fields. This can include social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities programs.

As you can see, a CV has significant differences, which means you need to make sure whether you should send a resume or a CV. Luckily, most applications will specify which one they want to see.

However, if you ever have any questions, reach out to the graduate school program for clarification.

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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• Graduate School Resume

/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="how to write a resume graduate school"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Resumes and cvs.

Depending on the type of job, you will need to create a curriculum vitae (CV) or a resume. Both documents put your qualification in writing, but they are used for different audiences and use a different format.

When to use a Resume

In the United States, most employers use resumes for non-academic positions, which are one or two page summaries of your experience, education, and skills.  Employers rarely spend more than a few minutes reviewing a resume, and successful resumes are concise with enough white space on the page to make it easy to scan. 

For more information on developing your resume, please visit Cornell Career Services’ Career Development Toolkit . Students often find it helpful to review resumes from graduate students who got their first job outside of academe.

When to use a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV is a longer synopsis of your educational and academic background as well as teaching and research experience, publications, awards, presentations, honors, and additional details. CVs are used when applying for academic, scientific, or research positions. International employers often use CVs as well.

A CV is a comprehensive statement emphasizing:

• professional qualifications
• accomplishments
• special qualifications

A CV can vary from two pages to several pages. Professionals seeking academic positions and non-academic positions in science, higher education, research, and health care typically use a CV. It is also used to seek a fellowship or grant and is expected for some positions overseas. Consult with faculty members in your field to determine what is expected and appropriate for your field.

Guidelines for Preparing a CV

• The order of topics in a CV format is flexible.
• Arrange sections to highlight strengths for the position you are seeking.
• Elaborate on accomplishments and skills within categories.
• List items within each category chronologically, the most recent appearing first.
• Include additional headings when appropriate to reflect certifications/licensures, workshops/training, languages, book reviews, etc.
• Present information in an easily accessible and attractive style.
• Faculty advisors are the most knowledgeable resource for determining what constitutes effective content in your discipline.
• For formatting assistance and to see more examples of  CVs, visit the Cornell Career Services Library in 103 Barnes Hall. The following books also may help:  How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae  and  The Curriculum Vitae Handbook .
• Non-academic samples from the University of California, San Francisco
• Academic samples from the University of California, San Francisco
• Samples from Columbia University
• Samples from University of Pennsylvania
• Chronicle of Higher Education’s CV Doctor

Electronic Version of CV

When sending electronic versions, attach a file or cut and paste the CV into the text of the email message. State your objectives and career interests in the first few lines since they may be the only items seen on a screen. Other tips:

• Use language and acronyms recognized in your field.
• Avoid using bold, italics, underlining, lines, or graphics. Use all caps for emphasis.
• Put your name at the top followed by address and each phone number on a separate line.

Many employers use websites for applicants to apply for positions. Although each form may be different, some elements may be similar. Save parts of your CV in a format that can be cut and pasted for each individual web-based form, such as saving a bulleted list of work experience.

Transforming Your CV into a Resume

You may need both a CV and a resume for your job search. Sending the appropriate document (CV or resume) tells employers that you can distinguish the differences between the academic and non-academic environments and that you can adapt your skills to either environment. Most employers in industry prefer a resume. When rearranging your CV to make it a resume:

• Do not exceed two pages.
• Re-evaluate your experience. Think creatively about how your academic experience can be translated into the necessary skills for a non-academic environment. Consider skills of project management, leadership, teamwork, effective communication, and meeting deadlines. 
• Choose action verbs to describe your experience.
• Put your strengths first. List your professional experience or your degree first, depending on which is most important for a specific position.  
• Include a well-written job objective; state the type of position and work setting you are seeking, skills or abilities you possess, and long-term goals. Be sure that your resume supports your job objective.
• Emphasize skills and accomplishments.
• List relevant presentations, publications, and papers, but not all. 
• Have someone proofread it.

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How to Craft a Competitive Resume for Your Graduate School Application

While applying to graduate school may sound like a demanding process, the steps and application requirements are fairly similar to prepping for your undergraduate degree, including collecting letters of recommendation , writing a personal statement and securing any necessary transcripts.

However, there are key differences between the applications, especially depending on what kind of master’s degree, graduate certificate or doctoral program you’re considering.

One asset most prospective students are asked for is a graduate school resume. Sure, it sounds familiar — essentially anyone who has applied to a job has had to write a resume — but what exactly should it include? And how do you make sure it conveys you’re a great candidate for the program?

We spoke with Lori Shreve Blake , senior director of career engagement at the USC Career Center , to determine how a graduate school resume differs from an employment resume, as well as crucial tips for how to write a stellar one.

What Is a Graduate School Resume?

First things, first: A graduate school resume is a document that gives the school’s admissions committee the information it needs to determine what you bring to the table as a candidate. It’s in this resume where you can really expand on your skills and qualifications that may not have come up in other parts of your application.

While it is quite similar in many ways to a work resume, the grad school resume places a great emphasis on education and academic achievements, as well as work experiences that relate to the program you’d like to join.

“Similar to a job resume, where we say tailor your resume according to the job, it would be tailor your resume according to the grad program and what their requirements are for admissions,” Shreve Blake told USC Online.

What Should Your Graduate School Resume Include?

Much like a work resume, a graduate school resume should start off with a clear header that includes the basic information about yourself, such as your name and your contact information, and contains your address, phone number and email address.

From there, you should highlight your past education experience and any academic highlights.

“Graduate school candidates should highlight academic achievements including membership in an honors society, dean’s list,  academic research and projects, this shows the person’s commitment to the graduate program that they’re pursuing,” Shreve Blake explained.

Candidates may also include study abroad program, a list of relevant classes you’ve taken, your thesis title, certifications you’ve obtained and any other relevant educational experience.

Next, you should dive into your work experience. Highlight the jobs you’ve held — especially ones that demonstrate why you’d be a fit for the graduate program — as well as any pertinent volunteer positions and internships.

“I think showing the work experience and how it relates to the graduate degree is really a key point, especially if you’re going to grad school … for a job,” Shreve Blake said. “Depending on what type of grad program you’re going for, they’re going to want to see certain types of experiences, so make sure you have [ones] that are unique and specific to that particular grad program. For example, if I want to get a master’s in social work, I’m going to show that I worked in the community and … similar experiences, even though I’m not a social worker yet.”

Shreve Blake added that your job history might be a requirement for some graduate programs, such as an MBA: “They may require three to five years of business work experience before you’re even qualified to be considered for an MBA at a premier institution,” she said.

Tips for How to Write a Graduate School Resume

Ask yourself whom you’re writing for. If you’re feeling stuck in the initial stages of crafting the perfect resume, consider your target, Shreve Blake advised.

“We need to think, when we’re writing, who are we writing for? What are they going to want to see? Put yourself in their place. If I’m hiring for a job, why? What am I looking for? If I’m admitting someone for a PhD in neuroscience, what kind of experiences am I looking for? How are you showing that you are an academic even before we make you one and actually admit you to the program? You have to show that you’re doing the job or at least trying to go down that path before you even get admitted,” she expanded.

Be detailed and specific about your accomplishments. While listing off your various past achievements, you want to make sure you’re being as clear as possible about what you’ve accomplished in the past. This helps you tell a better story about your experience and really gives the admissions committee insight into your successes.

“My advice to grad school applicants is to quantify. Tell a story in those bullets. Don’t just tell me, ‘I researched sleep to determine synapses.’ That’s not enough. You researched the brain to determine synapses, resulting in a publication in the American Medical Journal. That’s what we want to see — quantifying numbers, if you’ve worked with any big names … Or say, if it’s for an MBA, it’s going to be more, what did you do in business when you were working? What did you do that really made an impact at your workplace?” Shreve Blake said.

Keep it concise. The point of the graduate school resume is to truly expand on your accomplishments so the school knows why they should be rushing to admit you. Of course, that doesn’t mean sending in pages and pages about every course you’ve taken or internship you’ve held. Per Shreve Blake, the golden rule is a one-page resume if you have zero to nine years of experience, and a two-page resume if you have 10 years of experience.

Is the skill or experience relevant to the program at hand? If not, you can leave it out. Information from your high school days probably isn’t relevant, either, if you’re an older candidate returning to your studies.

Be smart about your social media. These days, it seems everyone has a robust online presence — and you can be sure it’ll come up when someone Googles your name. The reality is, your online presence will be examined when you apply for a graduate school program, so make sure any public profiles are professional.

Social media can also be a major asset — Shreve Blake recommends updating your LinkedIn profile and using it as a professional website for yourself. Link the URL in your resume, so they have easy access to a digital version of your achievements.

Maintain a professional aura. Above all, make sure you keep it professional with your graduate school resume. There is no need to include photos of yourself, for example, or too much personal information. While you want the admissions committee to get an idea of your values, you’re leaning on your accomplishments here, not personality or personal experiences.

“When you’re trying to get into a graduate school, it’s still a business transaction, right? You’re selling yourself. So, you’re just not going to have a lot of personal information there,” Shreve Blake emphasized.

Should You Use a Template to Write Your Graduate School Resume?

While it may be tempting to take advantage of a graduate school resume template or lift from examples, Shreve Blake said to steer clear of using a pre-set template.

“What I absolutely hate — and I think people can see this a mile away — is using a resume template. Don’t use a resume template,” Shreve Blake insisted. “The formatting is often off, and it’s not really what people like to see.  I would definitely say don’t use a resume template, use a blank Word document, and kind of work through your resume that way.”

Crafting an original resume will help you stand out from the crowd. After all, each graduate school resume is unique: It needs to fit both the program you’re applying to and your own past.

“There’s not a one-size-fits-all for a job resume, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all for a graduate school resume,” Shreve Blake concluded.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore USC Online’s graduate school timeline .

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6 Tips for Perfecting Your Resume for Graduate School Application

Most graduate programs require applicants to send in a variety of documents, including a resume. While you likely have already written several resumes in your adult life, don’t expect to simply dust off your latest version and send it in.

In order to make the best impression on the reviewers who will be reviewing your application, it’s best to start from scratch and customize your resume for the program you’re applying to. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to crafting a solid resume for graduate school.

The difference between a resume and CV for grad school

You might be surprised to learn that “resume” and “curriculum vitae” (or “CV”) are not interchangeable terms in the United States, although in Europe they are often used as synonyms. A resume focuses on your professional and extracurricular experience, whereas a CV focuses on your academic achievements. (Both documents should include contact information, education, work experience, relevant professional skills and language proficiencies.)

A good resume is concise, easily scannable and specific to the job for which you’re applying. The vast majority of graduate school applicants will probably have no trouble getting their resume to fit on one page. A CV, however, goes into far more depth and detail, which means it should be “as long as needed,” since it includes things like research projects, fellowships or grants, teaching experiences, publications, conferences, presentations and references.

How to write a resume for graduate school

Before you sit down to write, take some time to gather all the information you need. It’s imperative that all the dates, names, titles and other data included are accurate. And remember: the best graduate school resume examples are ones that start from scratch and are tailored to the specific program and school to which you’re applying.

If it’s been a few years since you’ve been in school, take some time to refresh your memory on what you achieved during your time as an undergrad. Review your transcripts, papers, publications, essays and projects and take notes on things you want to include. Once you’ve done that, continue on to the first step below.

1. Start with a simple template

Although it may be tempting to try out a creative format in hopes of standing out in the crowd, resist the urge to make your resume overly designed. For the purpose of this document, the content is much more important than fancy graphics or an elaborate layout. Reviewers want to see a resume that’s proofed, easy to read, well-organized and full of relevant information.

You can find a grad school resume template to get yourself started. Microsoft Word offers dozens of options to download for free. Don’t stress if you don’t find one that’s perfect, you can always customize it to accommodate other sections or information as needed. Whichever template you choose, it should include:

• 11- or 12-point font size 
• Bold headlines 
• Bulleted lists 
• A serif font (e.g., Times New Roman, Georgia or Garamond)

2. Craft a clear and compelling objective

Your graduate school resume objective is a short statement at the very beginning of the document that describes what you hope to gain from attending grad school and why you’re qualified to enroll. In just two sentences (or less), you must describe yourself, your strengths and/or relevant work experience, and what you want to accomplish in the program.

An example of a solid resume objective might be:

“An innovative educator with eight years of classroom experience seeking to join the Educational Leadership program in order to develop the skills needed to increase their impact by pursuing a position in school administration.”

3. Write in detail about your previous education

Include all the schools you have attended in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Be sure to list the full name of the institution, city and state, exact title of the major and the degree you earned, and your graduation date. Any impressive test scores, Dean’s list awards or other relevant achievements can also be listed in this section.

4. Highlight work and life experience

Graduate school applicants come from all walks of life. You might have a wealth of professional experience or practically none. Either way, your grad school resume should illustrate how the responsibilities and tasks you’ve taken on in the past make you a good fit for the program.

Be sure to include your current and previous jobs. While you may be tempted to leave off past employment that’s unrelated or may not seem “good enough,” this could backfire and lead to questions about transparency or gaps in a resume.

In addition to employment, you can include things like:

• Internships 
• Extracurriculars 
• Tutoring or mentoring 
• Study abroad experience 
• Professional or academic affiliations/clubs
• Volunteer work (only include longer-term commitments — not one-time events)

In each entry, include two or three bullet points that cover your duties and accomplishments. Be sure to use action verbs and mention specific achievements where possible. For example,   “Responsible for overseeing purchasing team and managing department budget” is much less illustrative than “Supervised six direct report employees on the purchasing team and managed a $200,000 annual budget”.

Pro-tip: Carefully read through the program page and identify important words and phrases. Incorporate these terms throughout your resume, where applicable.

5. Include a list of relevant skills

This section of your graduate school resume is a great opportunity to illustrate your strengths. Don’t forget to mention hard and soft skills, as both are important for  success in graduate school . Make sure they are all relevant to the work you want to accomplish in the program.

Some examples of hard (technical) skills include:

• Mastery of computer programs and software 
• Language proficiency 
• Coding ability  
• Analytics 
• Project management skills 
• Grant writing (or other specific writing tasks)

A few examples of soft (transferable) skills include: 

• Teamwork 
• Conflict resolution 
• Leadership 
• Communication 
• Problem solving 
• Reliability

6. Make sure it’s clean and error-free

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on your resume for grad school is submitting something that contains typos, sloppy formatting or other such errors. This can imply to admissions committees that you are lazy or don’t pay attention to detail. Luckily there are many ways you can avoid this scenario.

Once you’re happy with the content of your resume, run the document through spell check and review it carefully one last time. Then, slowly read the entire document out loud. You’d be surprised at how many mistakes or improvements you’ll discover using this method.

You should also consider asking someone you trust to proofread it for typos that you may have missed. When it comes to an important document like this, having several pairs of eyes on it is a prudent idea.

Pro tip: If you don’t have someone available to proofread your resume, copy and paste text from your document into a program like what is available on Grammarly.com  for a comprehensive and free review of spelling and grammar.

Make a great first impression

Now that you have this actionable advice for creating an impressive resume for graduate school, you can begin working on this important part of the application process. As you continue collecting all of the other necessary materials, you’re likely curious about the financial side of things.

To better understand your options, check out our article “ How to Pay for Grad School: 6 Things to Consider .” 

Curious about what else you need to create a top-notch graduate school application? Review the requirements for Creighton University by visiting our  How to Apply page .

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• 7 Simple Tips for Writing a Compelling Grad School Resume

So, you’re preparing to apply to graduate school. There’s lots to do, like ordering transcripts, taking any necessary exams, writing a statement of purpose and asking for letters of recommendation.

But there’s one more item you shouldn’t overlook: writing your graduate school resume.

Wait … what?

Yes, you generally need to submit a resume with your grad school application. A grad school resume is similar to a standard professional resume, but it has a specific focus: how your previous education and experience have prepared you to undertake advanced study. And like a professional resume, it should tell a compelling story about you.

How do you go about writing a standout grad school resume? We asked two admissions experts from the University of Washington for their top tips. Here’s what they shared.

1. Put Your Education First

Resume Template

How should you organize your grad school resume? Check out this template for one layout example.

Because the specific objective of this document is to get admitted to graduate school, you should list your education on the first page. This section should prominently include details like:

• Undergraduate degree and major (including the school you graduated from)
• Your undergraduate GPA
• Other degrees or certificates you’ve earned

You can also include academic awards and roles with campus organizations here. Or, if you have enough of these, they might warrant their own section (see tips 3 and 4).

It’s also valuable to include info about courses you’ve taken that are related to the degree program you’re applying for. (Here’s an example of a place where you might tailor your resume to fit the exact program you’re applying to.)

“The resume is a great place to showcase courses that meet prerequisites for the program,” says Crystal Galván, a graduate adviser in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Bothell. “Even though you’ll also submit your academic transcripts, you can use the education section of your resume to highlight particularly relevant courses.”

2. Show all your work

The admissions committee wants to see the evolution of your career and get a full sense of who you are, so go ahead and include your entire professional work history — even if it stretches the document to two or three pages.

“More is better on the grad school resume,” says Randell Hernandez, director of admissions for the Executive Master of Business Administration at the UW Foster School of Business. “In the Executive MBA program, for example, we’re looking to understand the totality of an applicant’s experience — to get a sense of your career growth and the impact you’ve had in different roles.”

For someone applying to an MBA program, for example, that means including specific details about leadership or management responsibilities in each role. It also means quantifying the impact you had (e.g., “Led department to 20% increase in sales year-over-year”). If you’re applying to law school, you’ll want to emphasize any experience that relates to the legal field. And so on.

3. Don’t Forget Research Projects and/or Fieldwork

Any research experience — including capstone or research projects you are or were involved in — is important to include [on your resume]. — Crystal Galván, graduate adviser, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Bothell

“Any research experience — including capstone or research projects you are or were involved in — is important to include,” according to Galván. “This demonstrates your engagement with academia, and that you’re up-to-date with research in the field. If you’ve hosted community workshops or presented at any academic conferences, be sure to include those as well.”

Did you win any academic awards? Be sure to include those, either in the Education section (noted above), in this section or in a separate section (if you have more than one).

Your research experience can be listed in its own section on your resume. This allows it to stand out and makes it easier for admissions readers to find.

4. Unpaid work counts too

Remember that a prospective graduate program will value all your experience, not just what you were paid for. Internships and volunteer roles (both on and off campus) help illustrate what you're passionate about and how you took the initiative to make a difference in your profession or community.

“We appreciate leadership experience in all areas, including professional associations, civic groups, etc.,” Hernandez says. “Recruiting and motivating a group of volunteers requires next-level abilities that can directly apply to an MBA student’s ‘day job.’ And these commitments also offer a window into a candidate’s humanity.”

This content can be placed in its own section (possible header: “Leadership and Extracurricular Activities”). It should be located below your professional experience.

5. Write clearly and proofread carefully

Nothing spoils a first impression like typos and grammatical errors in a resume. If this isn’t your strong suit, have a friend who’s good with words read it over for you. Many times, fresh eyes can catch things that you miss.

Also, it’s possible that you use a lot of cool abbreviations and insider terms in your field. Those should be left out of (or spelled out on) your grad-school resume.

“I see a lot of acronyms in applications, especially from people coming from the tech field or the military,” Hernandez says. “Remember that you’re giving this to an admissions reader who may know little or nothing about your particular job function or industry. It’s important to use terminology that people outside your field would understand.”

6. Link to your LinkedIn

The world often judges us by our online presence, and grad school reviewers are no different.

“It’s natural to want to Google someone, so it’s a good idea to include a LinkedIn profile link on your resume,” Galván says. “LinkedIn is a great way for applicants to illustrate their expertise, professional experience, skills and education — beyond the resume.”

7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When in doubt, reach out! The advisers and other staff at the graduate schools you’re interested in are there to answer your questions about the application process.

“People do themselves a disservice sometimes by not seeking guidance from the graduate program about what their resume should include,” Hernandez says. “Most of our MBA programs at the Foster School offer application workshops, which include detailed guidance about resumes. We also supply that content on our website .”

Want to discover more helpful content about grad school? Check out our go-to guide for applying to graduate school for links to additional articles.

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David Hirning

David Hirning is an accomplished writer and editor with extensive experience in both tech and higher education. He began his career in journalism, then spent over a decade as an editor at Microsoft, where he worked on Encarta Encyclopedia and related reference products.

David worked for six years as a full-time writer and content manager at UW Professional & Continuing Education. He also operated his own editorial consulting business, with stints at leading companies like Amazon and Expedia, and taught English for two years in Costa Rica.

David has served as an instructor for the UW Certificate in Editing program and as a teaching assistant for the UW Certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University and a Certificate in Literary Fiction from the UW.

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How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

You finally found it! The perfect job for you. Now, all you have to do to get the process started is to submit your resume. The problem is that hundreds of your peers are probably thinking exactly the same thing. How do you stand out?

You finally found it! The perfect job for you. Now, all you have to do to get the process started is to submit your resume. The problem is that hundreds or even thousands of your peers are probably thinking exactly the same thing about exactly the same job. So how do you create a one-page document that will make you and your accomplishments stand out from the crowd?

Your resume is a key part of the job application process: it is the first document that an employer reviews to determine whether they will interview and eventually employ you. Remember that employers often have very limited time to perform this duty. Crafting a strong resume really matters!

Resumes communicate who you are and what you have accomplished. They may be the only document an employer sees to evaluate your record before making a decision to move forward with your application, or they may be used in conjunction with resources like LinkedIn or professional networking profiles and/or a cover letter. A resume that “stands out” in a positive way is one that has been written thoughtfully, clearly and concisely, effectively communicating your abilities and strengths in a very brief space.

Six basic tips will help you build an outstanding professional resume. Note that resumes may vary by professional field (e.g. engineering vs. non-engineering), by location or by other factors such as professional degree. These tips are designed around some of the most common sections and most useful points for resumes across different types.

Tip 1: How to Write an Education Section that Stands Out

The education section demonstrates that you have the academic qualifications for the position. The key questions you should ask yourself while writing this section is, “Have I clearly communicated the strongest and most relevant aspects of my educational experience?” The next question is, “Is this section organized in a way that is easily readable by the employer?”

The education section is important for all applicants but may be weighted differently depending on how long it has been since you graduated from a degree program. For instance, an employer may have a different level of interest in the educational history of a college senior, compared to someone who has been professionally working for several years after college. Understanding this fact may influence where you choose to place this section on your resume.

In general, you should include all of the higher education that you may have had, including undergraduate, graduate, or professional schooling.  You may also consider including online courses, certificates, and completed programs through companies like Coursera. Most people list their experiences in an order called reverse chronological, meaning that they list the most recent experience first, and work backwards down the page.

For each listed school, provide the full name of the school or online program, the years of your attendance, your major or majors, if applicable, as well as a minor if applicable. Include the type of degree received (e.g. a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science) and the year of graduation. If you are graduating soon, include the month and year of graduation so employers know when you will be available to work. If you have studied abroad, include the institution, program of study, and any relevant coursework.

You may want to include which semesters you qualified for special academic recognition, if any.  Other special awards, scholarships, or competitive grants can also be listed in this section. If you have non-academic awards, such as for sports or community service, you may choose to create a separate section of your resume for honors and awards.

Tip 2: How to Make the Experience Section Stand Out

Along with education, your experience is one of the most important ways to show that you are qualified for a position. Use this section to clearly convey your strongest professional experiences, whether paid or unpaid. Be sure to give detailed aspects of your roles and responsibilities for each listed position. Emphasize any relationships or similarities between your past experiences and the job you want. You should also include the start and end dates of your involvement with each organization, and any key accomplishments from the role. Don’t forget to include where the company is located, including city and state/province, or even country if different from your home country.

Ask yourself: while involved with the company, did I win any awards, get any special recognition, make new discoveries, start a new program? If so, what happened and what were the results? Quantify your experiences when you can! As the expression goes, “Show don’t tell.” In other words, you can more effectively convey a point by giving concrete examples, rather than through vague descriptions. Consider the following examples.

Instead of:

Improved worker productivity significantly, leading to recognition from upper management.

(A resume reader may ask: What does ‘improved’ mean? What does recognition mean? How much have you improved it by?)

Improved quarter returns by 25%, exceeding projections and leading to the Top Manager Award, given to only one manager in the company per year.

When it comes to language, be honest about your job functions while thinking of professional ways to present your experiences.

Sometimes people fall into a trap of thinking that their job or internship experience won’t sound impressive enough to list. The job may have felt like “sitting at a desk, answering the phone.” True, but you may have been performing other responsibilities or developing useful job-related skills without realizing that you were!

When you were at a desk, were you at the FRONT desk? Were you the only person or the main person in this position? Were you overseeing anything while you were sitting there? Were you the sole person responsible for any tasks? Did you have to learn how to deal calmly and confidently with any customer issues? Did people occasionally ask you to take on additional responsibilities, even for a short time?

It is fair to say that a person sitting at a front desk, may have been MANAGING the front desk, or even managing the desk when the person’s boss was away. Time during which an individual is placed in charge of a business or an office, even if for a limited time, can convey responsibility to a prospective employer.

Look at your accomplishment bullet and ask yourself:

• What did I do in the job?
• Using what?
• To what extent or impact?

Sometimes you may need to pare down your list in order to avoid making your resume too lengthy. Try to select the accomplishments based partly on how impressive they are and partly on how well they relate to the position you want. To describe your experience, always use more than one sentence or bullet. That said, word economy in your bulleted descriptions is also important. Try to keep each bulleted description or sentence to one or two lines at most. You can often rephrase a description, eliminating words while keeping the meaning. The more information you can present clearly and concisely within the short resume format, the more the employer will understand what you can do for them.

Remember that by providing relevant details in each statement of your experience, you will give the employer enough information to evaluate you and also provide them with ideas of what they might want to discuss with you in an interview.

Tip 3: How to Create a Leadership and Activities Section that Stands Out

For many people, especially students and recent graduates, a Leadership & Activities section can be a fantastic differentiator for your resume. If you have not been in the workforce for long, or if you have only worked summers and part-time, then you may not have much relevant content to add to your Experience section. A strong Leadership & Activities section can help you fill that gap while also telling an employer something about you as a person.

When creating the section, you should first consider what student organizations and activities you would want to include. Then, you should consider what you would want to write about each one. In general, this section is much like the Experience section, except that it is about what you have done in a personal, rather than professional, setting.

Of course, because student organizations and activities are personal, you should be careful about which ones you choose to list; they should be appropriate to a professional setting. For example, you should probably not choose to share that you were chosen “Top Drinker” of your college’s “Beer Keg of the Day” club. On the other hand, if you volunteered at a food bank, wrote for a school publication, or had a membership in an honor society, those accomplishments would be worth sharing.

Most importantly, you should include student organizations and activities where you have made significant contributions or held leadership positions. Just as you did in the Experience section, you should think about what you did in the organization, any responsibilities you had, any skills you used, and any knowledge you gained. If you made improvements to the student organization or activity, definitely include concrete examples. Make sure to consider if any of your experiences with student organizations and activities could be related to the position you are applying for. Could any of the skills you have learned be useful in the job?

Because student organizations and activities can offer students leadership opportunities and experiences that are often limited to experienced professionals in companies, this section is your chance to show not only that you are qualified for the position but that you have even greater potential. Make the most of this opportunity to show the employer what you can do!

Tip 4: How to Highlight Your Skills

Another important component of what defines an attractive candidate in the modern economy is their skill set. Because employers want people who can quickly start being productive, they care about what skills a job prospect has, particularly in certain technical fields. In most cases, skills are incorporated into the Experience section, if you acquired skills as part of your internship or job, and in the Education section, if you obtained the skills through coursework, research, or projects. Sometimes people with additional skills, such as technical skills, foreign language, or certifications obtained outside of university, will place them into a separate section at the end of the resume. Whichever format you choose, you still need to emphasize the skills you have, so that an employer can easily see how you can help them.

You should ask yourself a few important questions. What skills do I have? What skills are my target employers looking for? Are my skills hard skills (i.e. technical, like computer programming) or soft skills, such as the ability to listen?

Make a list! Separate the skills into hard skills and soft skills. What skills are most in demand (on both lists) for the position you are interested in (One good way to decide this is to look at job listings for many similar positions and note how often a particular skill is listed.)? How can you highlight your proficiency in these skills?

Lead with your strongest skills and/or the ones that seem the most marketable. Let’s say you know the programming language Python. How well do you know it? How many years have you used it? Do you have any specialized knowledge and ability that may set you apart from a competing applicant? Do you have demonstrations of your work anywhere for a prospective employer to see?

Here’s an example of a skills entry that might be included into the Experience section:

Programming: 8 years of experience with Python and similar scripting languages, wrote MyFirstPythonProject software available on GitHub

Useful tip: Artists may have portfolios for their artistic work. Examples of appropriate work, such as for coding, may not be a bad idea to have available in addition to a resume!

Even if your field is not technical, you may still have important hard skills. Do you have experience with popular office software, such as Excel, PowerPoint, or Access? Do you know any foreign languages, even at a basic level? Think about not only what might be required in the day-to-day performance of the job, but what other skills could potentially be useful to the employer.

You will want to include all the relevant skills to demonstrate your qualifications, without including too much less-relevant information which could distract from your message. Think carefully about which skills you want to include, and which could be left out. Remember to choose your words economically to maximize content in a minimum of space. With a little effort, your skills details can transform your resume from a simple list of accomplishments to a document that gets an employer thinking about all the great ways you could contribute!

Tip 5: Formatting and Making the Resume Look Professional

Believe it or not, the appearance and organization of a resume can greatly affect the response. The first hurdle for any resume is to get the employer to read it. An attractively presented, concise resume is easy for a recruiter to pick up. On the other hand, if a resume is 5 pages, written in 6-point font, a prospective employer may not think that it is worth the time to find a magnifying glass and read it. In most cases, a resume should not exceed one page (sometimes two pages, mostly for more experienced candidates, or in scientific and technical fields where publication lists can be lengthy), which has a few key sections that are separated from one another or clearly delineated.

Here are some suggestions to make the format stand out positively:

• Use 10-12-point font or larger. (10 point may even sometimes be too small, and the choice can depend on the chosen font.) Your audience should easily be able to read the size of the writing. Often prospective employers may not have perfect vision, so readability may create problems if the text is too small.
• Use a clean, professional-looking font. Don’t use fonts that are overly artistic and hinder the ability for the reader to understand them. Some find fonts like Times New Roman most clearly readable; others find competing fonts better. The font is just an aspect of the writing; don’t let it overpower the words themselves.
• Use respectable margins. Don’t try to deviate too much from 0.5 margins at either side. Also, don’t make the margins too large, beyond 0.75 or 1 unit on either side. Around 1 unit on the top and bottom should be acceptable.
• Use adequate spacing.
• Abbreviate months of employment.
• Include proper contact information. Most people include full name, address, email address and at least one phone number at the top of the document.

Tip 6: Revision and Review 

One of the most important steps to writing a good resume is having others you trust look it over. A small spelling or grammar error on a resume could cause problems by making it seem like you lack attention to detail.

You can start with standard spelling and grammar checking programs. However, while these programs are very helpful, they are not enough by themselves. For example, the programs may not flag errors with homophones (e.g. hair and hare). They also have difficulty with uncommon, technical, or foreign words that may not be in their dictionaries. In addition, they are not looking for formatting inconsistencies or at the overall appearance of the resume. While computer programs can help with many issues, there is still no substitute for the human eye.

Start by printing a copy of your resume and looking for errors and inconsistencies yourself. Then, present copies to others along with a description of the job or educational opportunity that you are applying for. When presenting your resume to others, consider at least two kinds of people: a peer, and an experienced professional or teacher. Each may identify different issues with the resume.

Ask the reviewers to provide two types of notes: technical revisions and feedback on the writing, organization and effectiveness of the resume.

Once you get feedback, discuss it with them for a few minutes. Remember, don’t take constructive criticism personally! They are trying to help you, and their points of view may be similar to that of the employer. Your goal is to create a resume that most people will appreciate.

Once you obtain proper feedback, you can work on improving your resume. Try to incorporate your reviewers’ suggestions. Their ideas may even make you think of other ways to improve your resume! Most importantly, always remember that once you have made your revisions, review your resume again before you send it out!

The stronger your resume, the better your chance of getting an interview and landing a meaningful job. Just by following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to resume success, creating a clear, detailed, and concise document designed to impress employers. So, get writing and get yourself noticed!

A good resume can help you land an interview, but even minor errors can take you out of the running.  Schedule an appointment with a counselor  to ensure it will be effective.

Quick Resume Tips:

• Use the position description to decide what to include.
• Pick a standard and consistent format.
• Describe your experiences with specificity and strong action verbs.
• Record accomplishments and contributions, not just responsibilities.
• Revise carefully!
• Don’t include personal information about your age, religion, health or marital status.
• Photos are generally not preferred for U.S. resumes.
• Typically, you will not be expected to share past salary information on a resume.
• Employers assume that “references will be available upon request,” so you don’t need to include them on your resume unless asked.
• Employers may use keyword scanning on resumes, so know what words are relevant to the industry and position and ensure they appear in your resume.

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Resume Best Practices

Resume versus cv.

A resume intends to be a brief and targeted highlight of professional accomplishments. It emphasizes transferable skills and related experiences. It is used primarily for positions in industry and non-profit sectors. Check out Beyond the Professoriate for more information on how to write a resume. A hybrid document with elements from both a CV and resume is common for government positions.

CV stands for “curriculum vitae,” and is a document often used to capture someone’s accomplishments in one’s career.  A CV is commonly used when you are applying for a faculty or postdoctoral position, or research- or teaching-focused positions within universities. You may also be required to submit a CV as part of a fellowship/grant application. Check out Beyond the Professoriate for more information on how to write a CV.

Use numbers to highlight your accomplishments

Use numbers, percentages or dollars to highlight your accomplishments—you can find this information in things like your performance reviews, previous job descriptions, awards and letters of recommendation.

When explaining your accomplishments:

• Include examples of how you saved money, earned money or managed money.
• Include examples of how you saved or managed time.
• "Improved efficiency of document processing by 25 percent over the previous year".
• "Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines".
• "Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,000".
• "Wrote a prospect letter that has brought in more than $25,000 in donations to date".

These statements show in concrete terms what you accomplished.

Use similar terms and address every required qualification

Your experience needs to address every required qualification in the job announcement. Hiring agencies will look for specific terms in your resume to make sure you have the experience they're seeking.

For example, if the qualifications section says you need experience with “MS Project” you need to use the words ” MS Project” in your resume.

Customize your resume

You should tailor your resume to the job announcement rather than sending out the same resume for every job. Customizing your resume helps you match your competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to the requirements for each job. Emphasize your strengths and include everything you've done that relates to the job you're seeking. Leave out experiences that aren't relevant.

Organize your resume to make it easy to understand

You need to organize your resume to help agencies evaluate your experience. If you don't provide the information required for the hiring agency to determine your qualifications, you might not be considered for the job.

• Use reverse chronological order to list your experience—start with your most recent experience first and work your way back.
• Provide greater detail for experience that is relevant to the job for which you are applying.
• Show all experiences and accomplishments under the job in which you earned it. This helps agencies determine the amount of experience you have with that particular skill.
• Use either bullet or paragraph format to describe your experiences and accomplishments.
• Use plain language—avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood.

Hiring agencies often receive dozens or even hundreds of resumes for certain positions. Hiring managers quickly skim through submissions and eliminate candidates who clearly are not qualified. The standard length for a resume is typically one to two pages. However federal resumes are often 4-5 pages long. Look at your resume and ask:

• Can a hiring manager see my main credentials within 10 to 15 seconds?
• Does critical information jump off the page?
• Do I effectively sell myself on the top quarter of the first page?

Review your resume before you apply

Check your resume for spelling and grammatical errors and have someone else, with a good eye for detail, review your resume.

Additional Resources 

Check out " How to Write Resumes " and " How to Modify Your Resume in 2 Hours " on Beyond the Professoriate. Use this link to find out more information about Beyond the Professoriate and how to sign in. 

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Beyond the Professoriate - How to write a resume that hiring managers will actually read

PhDs and Postdocs often approach resume writing as a self-reflective exercise — they “convert” their CV into a resume and focus on their academic accomplishments. But if you’re trying to catch a hiring manager’s attention, this is a failed strategy.

 Instead, PhDs and postdocs should treat their resume as a persuasive document , designed to convince a hiring manager to contact you for an interview. An effective resume focuses less on your list of accomplishments and more on describing how you can solve a hiring manager’s problems.

 This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• What do I need to include in my resume?
• What are common mistakes PhDs make on the resume?
• How can I apply more effective strategies to ensure my resume catches the attention of the hiring manager?

Register through Beyond Program

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Blog at Clarkson University

How to write your graduate school statement of purpose.

Preparing a Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose for a grad school application can seem like a daunting task. It’s your opportunity to speak to the admissions committee and let them know who you are and how their program fits into your career goals. If you allow plenty of time to brainstorm and prepare, you will be able to write a successful Statement of Purpose . Listed below are a few points to assist you in drafting an effective essay.

Before sitting down to write, organize your thoughts.  Answering the following questions may help:

• What is your background?
• What is your current research or professional area?
• What is the goal of pursuing your graduate degree?

After answering the above questions, it’s time to dig a little deeper.  Below are ten points you may want to consider while drafting your statement.  Keep in mind, not every point will apply to everyone.

1. Describe your relevant qualities and accomplishments, and connect them to the program you are applying to.

What are your strongest qualities that will help you to be successful in this program? What are your future aspirations, and how will this program help you accomplish them?  Share your enthusiasm for the journey ahead.

2. Highlight how you will achieve your goals. Demonstrate that you know why this program is a good fit.

There are two questions you must answer: Why you? Why this school? Research your prospective graduate institution.  Read through the school website and learn about the faculty, staff, and alumni.

3. Follow the guidelines provided by the school.  If the admission requirements do not specify a word or page count, it is suggested to keep your essay to approximately 500 – 700 words. Essays should be clear, concise and memorable.

You are responding to a prompt. Follow it and keep your statement succinct. You may be the oldest of 10 children or a proud pet parent — those are interesting details, but they may not be relevant.

4. Avoid large blocks of text. Aim for paragraphs that are no more than five to seven sentences.

• A paragraph is your best friend. Break-up the text. Indent. Vary the length of your sentences. Good technique keeps your reader interested.
• Edit and proofread carefully.  Watch for run-on sentences, spelling errors, poor grammar, and punctuation.

5. Create a compelling opening that grabs the admissions committee attention. Conclude by reiterating why you are a good fit for our program.

Tell a story. Why are you choosing to go into this career field? Was there a specific moment, event or person that sparked your interest in this topic?

6. Cohesion is key. A well-told story will have a greater impact if it is connected to your goals. Do not reiterate everything on your application, transcript(s) and resume.

The admissions committee has already read your application, transcript, test scores, and resume. Your goal here is to tell the committee what these documents do not.  Who are you?  Why this program?  Why this career field?

7. Aim for a balance between confidence, humility, and respect. Avoid making excuses, shifting blame or bragging; however, explain why there may be some deficiencies in your grades or exam scores.  Remember, many schools take a holistic approach to admissions and grades are not always the deciding factor in whether to admit a student or not.

• Example DO : “In reviewing my transcripts, you may notice that my grades slipped for a period of time during my sophomore and junior years.  Unfortunately, our family suffered the loss of both my grandmother and grandfather, thus during this period of time I was distracted from my schoolwork. 
• Example DON’T :  “I didn’t do well in some classes because I have ADHD and the professor couldn’t hold my attention.”

8. Avoid the use of: get, got, give, gave, and “I” statements.  Varying your sentence structure is key to an interesting and readable prose.  Also, do not abbreviate or use contractions.

• Example DO : “Although a career in business might have led to financial stability, I began to recognize the importance of having an enjoyable career path.”
• Example DON’T :  “When I got into XXX University, I discovered that I was drawn to certain classes.”

9. Reference the correct school. Yes, applicants sometimes use the wrong name — a clear indication that they have submitted the same essay to multiple institutions.

If you are applying to multiple schools, your Statement of Purpose should be different for each of them. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE . This leads to mistakes and could lead to a negative outcome.

10. Grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling count. Your essay is a professional document. It should be error-free.

As stated above, but it can not be understated:  Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!   Make sure to utilize the resources available to you. This can include your writing center, family members and friends. It can also be helpful to read your statement out loud to yourself. This is a good way to identify any awkward phrasing and make sure your statement reads well.

Your personal statement is an important component of your application and the one part of your application you have complete control over. By following the tips outlined above you’ll create a well-written, focused, and effective statement of purpose for your graduate application. 

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to the admissions office of the school you are applying to for clarification.

Best of luck,

-The Clarkson Graduate Admissions Team

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Graduate School

Application steps and required materials, congratulations on taking this big step to apply, before starting your application  , research graduate program(s) of interest.

Prior to beginning your application, we encourage you to review the summary of graduate application deadlines and requirements and letter of recommendation requirements for degree programs within the Graduate School as well as the guidance below on how to apply to our graduate degree programs. Each of our degree programs has a Program Entry Requirements webpage link in the first column of the summary page that provides a list of the materials you are required to submit in your online application. 

It is important that your complete application is submitted by the given program deadline. Only completed applications, with supporting materials, will be forwarded by Howard's Office of Admissions (a separate Office from the Graduate School) to your prospective degree program, whose faculty committee will render a decision on your application.  Department review committees conduct a holistic review of an applicant's academic and professional experiences, academic records, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and other factors reflecting a student's academic potential and motivation for successful graduate study.

Starting Your Application  

Bachelor's degree (minimum requirement).

At a minimum, applicants for admission to the Graduate School must have (or will earn before starting at Howard) a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States (U.S.) or the equivalent from an international college or university. Applicants enrolled in their final semester or quarter of their postsecondary education program may apply. For applicants admitted to the Graduate School, official transcripts must demonstrate conferment of a bachelor's degree prior to the start of the term to which a student was admitted. If an applicant's degree is from an educational institution outside the U.S., the institution must be recognized by the ministry of education or commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree was earned. Some programs may require a master's degree, in addition to a bachelor's degree, for admission.  

Create an Account to Begin Your Application 

Applicants for admission to the Graduate School must complete and submit an online application using the appropriate CAS online application system. The Graduate School utilizes GradCAS, CSDCAS, PSYCAS, and EngineeringCAS as the centralized online application systems for its relevant graduate degree programs. Please refer to the summary of graduate application deadlines and requirements to access the correct application based on your program of interest ( you will see a link to apply for each program ). 

To start an application, you'll first need to create an account, setting up a username and password. You'll be asked to complete your profile and the required fields. When searching for programs to add to your application, filter by "Institution" [Howard University] . Select the programs to which you intend to apply. To add a program to your application, click on the plus "+" sign. Once you've selected the programs you want to apply to, click the "My Application" section. You will find the programs you selected in "Program Materials" subsection. 

Completing Your Application  

Once you open the online application, you will see multiple sections that need to be completed, including the "Colleges Attended" section , making sure to add all previously attended institutions of higher education, whether or not a degree was earned, courses were taken as a non-degree student, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Complete all fields for each section of the application. To complete and submit your application, the following minimum application materials are required: 

Upload Statement of Academic Interest & Research Goals 

Upload to your online application a statement of academic interest and research goals (two to four pages, double-spaced) which describes your motivations and goals related to pursuing your proposed degree program. Check your program's entry requirements webpage listed here for any specific requirements regarding the statement. 

To strengthen your essay, relate the research you imagine yourself doing to the research of faculty in your prospective program. Also, highlight briefly your academic and professional goals (how will obtaining a degree from this program help you meet these goals?) Are there distinct research facilities, graduate faculty, or courses that would help facilitate your professional goals?

This essay has three main functions: (1) to highlight your awareness of the field and the work you want to do in it (including commentary on content and methods);  (2) to reveal your qualifications and preparation for doing this work; and (3) to convey that your writing is thoughtful, well-organized, and reveals the confidence and awareness needed to pursue research in the field.

This statement is distinct from the autobiographical statement and should focus on your past research, present research, and future research and their relation to your professional goals. This information helps the admissions committee evaluate your motivation and aptitude for graduate study.

Upload Autobiographical Sketch/Personal Statement

Upload a second essay to your online application: This essay should be an autobiographical sketch or personal statement (two to three pages, double-spaced) that helps the admissions committee understand how your background (e.g., first-generation graduate student, student leader) and unique experiences will contribute to your intended program and to Howard's scholarly community.

This essay is also an opportunity to explain what motivates you and what experiences will help you persist in completing this program. As appropriate, you may wish to highlight achievements and life events relevant to your studies or to address challenges you experienced that helped shape your educational and professional goals and motivated your desire to pursue this field of study. 

The purpose of this essay is to give the admissions committee an understanding of your individual journey toward graduate study. It's also an opportunity for the committee to get to know you beyond your recommendations, transcript, and CV/resume. You may choose to discuss, in brief, any causes for concern in your application (a low GPA, a change in your field of study, etc.).

Upload Current Résumé or Curriculum Vitae  

Upload to your online application a copy of your current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) listing your current and past employer(s) and professional experiences, and where applicable, any extracurricular or volunteer activities, published work, and academic honors or awards. There is no page limit, though we recommend a one-to-two-page resume.  

Request Online Three Letters of Recommendation 

On the "Program Materials" section of your online application, you will be prompted to provide the contact information for three recommenders (online and certificate programs in the Graduate School require two recommendations). Once your application is saved, your recommenders will then receive an electronic request via e-mail with instructions for submitting their recommendation through the application portal. 

Review the letter of recommendation requirements to identify which evaluator types are accepted by each program. Recommendations can arrive before or after application submission, so you do not need to wait for all recommendations to be received before submitting your application. These letters should be sought from faculty, academic advisors, or individuals sufficiently familiar with your work to speak to your academic or professional strengths and potential for graduate-level study.

Submit Official U.S. Transcripts (Postsecondary)  

You must electronically submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education, whether or not a degree was earned, courses were taken as a non-degree student, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. For each CAS application, official transcripts can be sent electronically to the relevant CAS application transcript processing center. If you do not list or send official transcripts for all institutions attended to the relevant CAS system, the processing of your application will be delayed. 

Transcripts must be sent from all US and English-speaking Canadian institutions you listed in the Colleges Attended section of your application. For instructions on how to submit official transcripts , please review in its entirety the link below to the appropriate application for your prospective program of study:

How to send official transcripts in GradCAS

How to send official transcripts in CSDCAS

How to send official transcripts in PSYCAS

How to send official transcripts in EngineeringCAS

Uploading Unofficial Transcripts : In addition to submitting your official transcripts, you can initially upload scanned copies of your transcripts to your online application. Any uploaded transcript will be considered "unofficial," and if you are admitted and would like to enroll, you will be required to submit all final official transcripts prior to the start of the term to which you are admitted.

Submit Foreign Transcript Evaluations (Postsecondary)  

If you attended a university outside of the U.S., your official course-by-course evaluation report should be sent directly from a credential evaluation service with electronic delivery such as  World Education Services (WES)  or a current NACES member to Howard University. To ensure that U.S. accreditation standards, degree, course, and credit equivalencies are met, transcripts from higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by any of the recognized foreign educational credential evaluators listed below:

World Education Services (WES)

International Education Evaluation (IEE) (indicates a 3-day turnaround)

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)

NACES member

You can also order WES or ECE electronic evaluations directly through your online application. The CAS application will only accept the evaluation report from the credentialing agency. Click "Order" after listing your foreign school in the Colleges Attended section. Once the credential evaluation service completes your evaluation, they will send it to the CAS processing center.  For instructions on how to submit foreign transcript evaluations , please review in its entirety the link below to the appropriate application for your prospective program of study:

How to send official foreign transcript evaluations to GradCAS

How to send official foreign transcript evaluations to CSDCAS

How to send official foreign transcript evaluations to PSYCAS

How to send official foreign transcript evaluations to EngineeringCAS

Uploading Unofficial Transcript Evaluations :  In addition to having your official course-by-course evaluation report sent to Howard through one of the credential evaluation services with electronic delivery, you can initially upload a scanned copy of your foreign transcript evaluation(s) to your online application to expedite review. If the documents you are uploading are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official translated copy. All documents must bear the same name that appears on the admissions application. Any uploaded transcript evaluation will be considered "unofficial," and if you are admitted and would like to enroll, you will be required to submit all final official foreign transcript evaluations prior to the start of the term to which you are admitted.

Additional Application Components

View additional admission components that may be required by some programs (GRE, Critical Writing Sample, Interview, and Proof of English Language Proficiency).

We encourage applicants to submit materials as early as possible before the applicable deadline. You are responsible for ensuring all supporting documents, including letters of recommendation and academic transcripts, are submitted on time.

Submitting Your Application  

Pay the application fee.

When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application processing fee when submitting their online application. Applicants are responsible for paying this fee online whether or not they are offered admission or choose to enroll. Applications will not be processed until an applicant pays the application fee. 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Howard University admits qualified students of any age, sex, religion, race, sexual orientation, color, disability, and/or national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate based on age, sex, religion, race, sexual orientation, color, disability, and/or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs. 

How Graduate School Can Launch Your New Career

Many professionals reach a point in their careers where they feel unfulfilled. In fact, a recent survey reveals that 41 percent of workers globally are considering leaving their current jobs within a year, driven by the desire for more meaningful work and better career opportunities.

So how do you ensure a smooth transition to starting a new career?

For many professionals, graduate school is more than just a continuation of academic pursuit. It can also be a valuable tool toward an exciting new career opportunity. If this interests you, here are the top ways graduate school can help you start a new career.

7 ways graduate school can launch your new career

1. developing specialized skills.

Graduate programs are designed to provide detailed coursework that offers in-depth knowledge and specialized skills that are relevant to your industry of choice.

“A master’s degree is much more focused than a bachelor’s degree,” says Joe Rabbit, assistant director of student enrollment at Northeastern University. “You’re taking courses that are designed to help prepare you to enter the workforce in a very specific area.”

This approach is crucial if you’re aiming to start a new career because it can help you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your chosen industry.

For example, if you want to start a new career in biotechnology, you’ll need an education that offers advanced science-related classes and lab work that’s directly applicable to the latest industry practices and technologies. Similarly, if you’re considering moving into computer science, you’ll need a curriculum that focuses on rapidly-growing areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

To fill the inevitable gaps from previous education, going to grad school can help you develop the specialized skills you need to make a career change .

2. Expanding your professional network

A strong professional network is essential to starting a new career. It provides access to valuable industry insights, job opportunities, and mentorship that can significantly enhance your career transition and growth.

Some common ways professionals expand their network include:

• Attending industry conferences and events.
• Joining professional associations and online communities.
• Volunteering for professional organizations.

Another viable option though is going to graduate school.

Graduate programs offer structured opportunities to build connections with peers, professors, and industry professionals, which can be incredibly valuable during a career transition.

“The alumni network is almost like the graduate equivalent of reaching out to people who have graduated to find out what has made them successful in their careers,” Rabbit says.

Graduate schools organize numerous networking events, such as career fairs and networking mixers. These events provide platforms for students to meet and connect with industry professionals, learn about different career paths, and make connections that can lead to job opportunities.

Building these relationships can be instrumental in securing future job placements and even business collaborations.

3. Gaining credibility and recognition

Earning a degree from a reputable institution significantly enhances your recognition in any job market. However, this additional credibility can be particularly valuable when starting a new career.

“Employers aren’t satisfied with work experience alone anymore,” Rabbit says. “They want to see that credential, especially for higher-level or specialized positions.”

Starting a new career can be challenging if your current field doesn’t overlap with your new one. In such cases, a graduate degree can serve as a powerful bridge, providing you with the necessary credentials and knowledge that directly align with your new career path.

A graduate degree from a prestigious institution can signal to potential employers that you have received rigorous training and possess a deep understanding of the subject matter relevant to your new industry. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market and assure employers of your commitment and capability to succeed in a new role.

4. Access to professional services

Graduate schools typically offer robust professional services designed to help students navigate any job market.

These services can include:

• Career counseling.
• Resume workshops.

When starting a new career, these services become even more critical.

For example, career centers at universities frequently host workshops covering a range of job search strategies for graduate students, including how to effectively tailor your resumé and cover letter for different industries and mastering the art of the interview. These workshops provide practical tips on how to present your skills and experiences in the most compelling way, ensuring you stand out in a competitive job market.

By attending these sessions, you gain up-to-date knowledge and learn how to apply it to your job search. They also provide opportunities to engage with industry experts and alumni who can offer valuable advice and mentorship.

This direct interaction not only helps you understand what employers are looking for, but it also builds your confidence in making a successful career transition. Through these comprehensive professional services, graduate schools play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment, preparing you to step confidently into your new career.

5. Opportunities for experiential learning

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of many graduate programs, providing hands-on experiences in a variety of fields.

Experiential learning is an educational approach where students learn by engaging in direct experiences and reflecting on them. This hands-on method emphasizes active participation, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and develop practical skills. Experiential learning is particularly important for those starting a new career, as it bridges the gap between academics and practical application to ensure you’re capable of effectively performing in your new role.

Northeastern prioritizes experiential learning through its co-op program.

Northeastern’s co-op program partners with more than 3,500 companies worldwide, which provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience that not only enhances students’ resumés but can also lead to job offers post-graduation.

This hands-on learning can provide a competitive edge for you when starting a new career, proving to employers that you have the practical skills necessary to succeed.

6. Flexible learning options

One of the greatest advantages of graduate school for working professionals is the availability of flexible learning options. Many programs now offer online and hybrid formats, allowing students to balance work and school more easily.

These flexible learning options enable you to gradually increase your course load as you become more comfortable with the demands of graduate study, take classes in an asynchronous format, and adjust your schedule as needed.

In fact, Rabbit encourages many working professionals to start graduate school taking one or two courses and, if it’s manageable, enroll in additional classes later on. This approach allows you to tailor your educational journey to fit your unique circumstances and pace.

Many graduate schools also offer part-time study options and evening classes. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who need to maintain a steady income while furthering their education. By not having to leave your job, you can also apply what you learn in real-time, enhancing both your current work performance and your future career prospects.

This adaptability makes graduate school a practical and viable path for many professionals seeking a new and fulfilling career journey.

7. Enhancing transferable skills

In a competitive job market, versatile skills are crucial for career success, and a key advantage of graduate education is its focus on developing both hard and soft skills.

Leadership and management training are common components of many graduate programs, equipping students with the ability to make their teams more efficient. Courses in communication and critical thinking are also emphasized, as these skills are essential for problem solving and decision making in any career.

Graduate students gain practical experience in applying these skills in group projects, which. mimic real-world work environments and provide opportunities to practice and refine leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also capable of executing tasks effectively in a professional setting, ensuring that graduates of any program are well-rounded candidates who are ready to take on diverse roles across different sectors.

Start a new career

Starting a new career can be challenging, but enrolling in a graduate degree is a strategic step that can help you succeed in a new field. Graduate programs offer a comprehensive education that goes beyond academic knowledge, equipping you with the tools and confidence to thrive in your new career.

For professionals hoping to make a significant career change, Northeastern University offers an exceptional solution. With its focus on experiential learning, flexible study options, and robust professional services, Northeastern is committed to helping students achieve their career goals. The university’s renowned co-op program, extensive industry partnerships, and strong alumni network provide unparalleled opportunities for practical experience and professional growth.

Take the next step toward a fulfilling new career by exploring the graduate programs at Northeastern University . With the right education and support, you can confidently embark on your new professional journey.

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About kate gibson, related articles.

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Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

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Speaker 1: Hey, what's up? Welcome back, welcome back. All right, so we are talking about applying to graduate school. Number one, I don't want to itemize this, but maybe I should. Maybe I should, I don't know. But the first thing, the first, first thing, when you start thinking about the fact that, oh man, I think I want to go to graduate school. Hmm, I want to do more. I want to travel abroad. I want to go to England, America, you know, somewhere in Europe, Spain, whatever, Germany. What do I do? Where do I start? What do you want to study? That's the first thing I always tell anyone interested in graduate school. What do you want to study? That's where you start from. And I know this is not conventional, but a lot of times people are stuck on one subject, like, oh, I want to study public health. I want to study engineering, which is great, you know? Now, I don't advise people to only stick to one area. I always say diversify. So for example, let's say for public health, let's say you're watching this and you want to do a master's in public health, okay? Am I caught? Okay, I was too close to the camera. Okay, let's say you're watching this and you want to do a master's in public health. So here's what I want to advise you. This is your interest, public health. So instead of being stuck on, oh, I want to do public health biostatistics, you can do, you know, you can apply, you can think of, you can diversify your thinking and say, okay, public health, you know, health promotion, public health epidemiology, so that you have some diversification, I can't even say it, some diversification of your interests, okay? So you're not stuck on one area because that's going to lead into the next step. So when you've written down some areas, you know, write down areas you're interested in, areas you think you want to study, you know, what you want to do in graduate school, then make a list of all the schools you're interested in. I like to say make, you know, six, nine schools you're interested in. You want to have your dream schools, right? The Harvard and the Stanford, those are dream schools, right? I think I've told you guys before, but I applied to Harvard two times and I got rejected. I got rejected, Lord. The first time I applied, I got rejected and I was like, yeah, I'll apply again. Like, I know, you know, I'll do, I'll apply again, whatever. Then the second time I was like, I'm done, I'm done, I give up. But anyway, when you're conceiving, when you're applying, when you're putting together your application or when you're getting your mindset in the application process, right? Make a list of schools. You want your dream schools and you want your reality schools and you want your safety schools, okay? So dream schools are like the schools that you think, hmm, would I get in? I probably won't get in. I may, but I probably won't. So like, are your Ivy League schools, right? Then your ideal schools are schools that are on your level, right? Schools that you think, okay, I see, I see the requirements, I meet the requirements. Then the third group of schools, the third, like two schools, would be schools where you say, you know, like safety schools, like schools that for sure, for sure, you think you'll get in, okay? So that, so those are your three-tier schools. I call it the three-tier method. First tier, out of your league. Second tier, your league. Third tier, beneath your league, okay? So you have six total schools. And I know that sounds crazy. That sounds like, what? And six schools? But yeah, you want to give yourself range, okay? You wanna give yourself some leeway so that no matter what happens, you learn at least one school, okay? Ideally, out of your league school, tier one school, right? But if not, that's okay, right? Still okay. The second step is crucial. This is probably the most important step. For each school, get a notebook or get on your computer. For each school, write down the requirements. Write down the admission requirements. A lot of people don't do this. And in the email, I get all these emails. Doctor, what can I do? Can I send this? I'm like, it's online, okay? Okay. For each school, write down the admission requirements. Each step by step. Every school, every school, every good school has the admission requirements online. Every good school. You would see it's there. It's there. Before you email, check online, okay? You find the admission requirements. Take your pen and paper. One, two, you write down everything the school requires. This is vital. I cannot even emphasize this enough. It's very important. Write down step by step what each school requires. So you're gonna have six headlines. So remember, you have your six schools, right? Tier one, tier two, tier three. Then you write the admission requirements for each school, okay? And why it's good you write the admission requirements for each school is that it differs. Every school has their thing. Every school wants this versus that, right? Most things overlap, right? So like transcript, personnel statement, all of that, all CV, most of it overlaps. But some schools want some things. Some schools want different things. Other schools want different things. So you wanna make sure that you write down what each school wants, okay? Then, then, what I want you guys to do, when you write down what each school wants, now, take a seventh piece of paper, look through each of the six schools, and then write down the commonalities that each school wants. So the idea is that you know what your core, the core things you need are. Once you've written down requirements, you've got your seventh piece of paper, you know the core things you need. The next step is to start processing your transcripts and your references immediately. In fact, that, I know a lot of people wait till the end to start processing transcripts and reference letters, but no, you have to start early because those things take time. How many, gosh, how many times, and I'm culprit to this, right? I've had students email me several times, like 10, 15 times. Only one student has emailed me 15 times, but I've had students email me several times reminding me, please, Dr. Amuda, please write my reference letter, don't forget, don't forget. And of course, things are happening, right? I have kids, I have a life, I have a husband, I have a job, like, so your reference letter is at the bottom of my list, right? So that takes time. So I always tell people, if you need a reference letter, start asking me like three months in advance. That is gonna make sure I do it because if you ask me for a reference letter and say, oh, it's due next week, it's not gonna get written, I'm sorry, you know? So you wanna start collecting your reference letters early, you wanna start working on your transcripts. And if you're in a country like Nigeria or some other underdeveloped countries, getting your transcripts can be a pain in the behind. So you need to start early, you need to start early, okay? So after you've written all that stuff, all the requirements, then you start collecting all those documents, transcripts and reference letters, okay? And then, you know, you work on your personal statements. This is, honestly, I think your personal statement is the most important subjective document you submit. And a lot of people don't, a lot of people don't know that. The admissions committee is a very subjective place, okay? And I want you guys to always remember that. And that's why really nailing your statement of purpose is crucial, okay? Because, I mean, most people have A's and B's, you know? Most people have a good CV, you know? So yeah, that's an objective way to measure, but your personal statement, your statement of purpose is what is gonna set you apart from every other person because that's the subjective nature, that's the only subjective thing your application has, okay? And I'm telling you, there are times I've read a statement of purpose and I've cried, not like, hmm, but like I've had tears well up in my eyes because I thought, wow, I would love to meet this person, okay, so your statement of purpose is vital. So you start to craft your statement of purpose, start to work on it. Check out my statement of purpose video. I mean, that's really the best video, I think, on the internet. I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding. But it's a good video, it's a good video that will help you, that can guide you, okay? And even getting your reference letters, getting your reference letters, I have a video on how to get your reference letter, so check that video out as well. Getting your transcripts, I feel like, I thought about making a video on transcripts, but then I thought, you know, every country's different. I have people, some of you watching from Asia, Africa, even in the US, so I can't really say, I can't really tell you exactly how. All I can say concerning transcripts is, you wanna start early, start early, okay? All right, so your statement of purpose, like I was saying, is the only subjective part of your application, and so that's the one thing that's likely gonna make you stand out. So it has to be amazing, it has to be perfect, check out the video. Write your GRE, not all schools require GRE, but the schools, if you have schools that require, if you have schools in your list, your three-tier list of schools, if you have a school that requires a GRE, now is the time to write. If you, like, registering for the GRE, preparing for the GRE is really expensive, okay? And personally, personally, I actually worked hard to get rid of the GRE in my department. I remember, I was like, why are we requiring a GRE? Some of you don't know, but I took the GRE two times. Ha ha, twice, because the first time I didn't do well, the second time I did better, okay? And I kept thinking, when I was prepping for the GRE, like, why am I, what does this even do? Like, what does this do for me, or how does this help the admissions committee, pick, like, recommend me? Like, how is this useful, you know? And I vowed, I said if I was in a position of authority, I would do something about it. This is when I was, I remember reading for the GRE in Abuja, in Nigeria, the capital of Nigeria, thinking this. Fast forward, how many years? Six, seven years, six, seven years. I'm faculty, I'm the admissions director, I'm the graduate school director, which, you know, I oversee admissions. And I'm thinking, we gotta get rid of the GRE, we have to. What is the, what is the essence? Nothing. So, here we are, we got rid of it, we took it to a vote, and the GRE was out the door. My point with that story is that most schools, not most, let's say some schools have gotten rid of the GRE. And because of the expenditure, because of the time you used to prepare, all that crap, maybe, maybe, as you pick schools, pick a school that doesn't require a GRE. Research, right? Dig, dig, dig, dig. You guys, I'm tired, but you guys, oh. Having two kids, waking up at night is a lot. Dig deep, that's what I was trying to say. Dig deep into, there's so many, there are thousands of universities around the world. Half of those universities, what is happening today? I feel like I'm, I can't even construct my words properly. Properly. Half of those universities do not require the GRE. So, why not? So, use those universities, apply to those universities. If you are so hell-bent on a certain program, a certain university, and they require a GRE, by all means, I'm not trying to discourage you. If you have the funds, and if you have the time to prepare, by all means, but honestly, program schools that require the GRE versus schools that don't, there is absolutely no difference in the quality of the program, okay? So, if you see a school requiring the GRE, don't feel like, oh, they're better because they require it. No, not necessarily, at all. And I know that for a fact, okay? So, just saying, just keep that in mind. But, so prepare for the GRE. If you're gonna take it, that's vital. Take it in advance. I remember I had to, so I wrote TOEFL. I never told you guys this, but I wrote TOEFL twice. So, thank God, I started prepping in advance. So, the first time I wrote TOEFL, I got a 92 out of 120, and I needed a 98. So, I had to write it again in Abuja. I do very poorly with standardized tests. Like, if I have a time limit and I'm in an exam, I don't really do well, right? So, with TOEFL, I took it again, then I got a 102, and so. So, but I had enough time to take it twice before the deadline. So, some graduate schools will require that you have a writing sample. So, a writing sample is very tricky because many of you applying to graduate school, you've never really written anything, okay? So, here's what I'll advise. My advice to you is, and this is what I did as well. When I was applying for my MPH, for my master's, I needed to submit a writing sample. So, what I did was, I wrote something. I found out a topic. I wrote about NGOs in Nigeria, the pros and cons of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria. So, find a topic that you wanna write about, preferably something related to your course of study, and write about it. Make it about three to five pages. That's enough. Have somebody edit the heck out of it so it flows well, so it reads well. Because, believe it or not, the admissions committee reads writing samples, okay? So, it's not the most important document for admissions. It's definitely not the document that's gonna determine your admission, right? But, if they ask you for it, submit something good, okay? So, my advice to you is that you write, if you do not have a writing sample, you write something. Edit it and submit it, okay? Because most times, people think, oh, my writing sample has to be publication, it has to be this, it has to be this fancy thing. No, no, no, no, no, it doesn't. We just wanna see how you write and how you think, okay? And so, if your writing sample is more of an objective paper that you write, like a literature review kind of paper, your statement of purpose is more personal. That's why it's also called personal statement. And in terms of funding, I'm sure, of course, of course, I cannot make a video about applying to graduate school without talking about funding. That is crucial. And I always tell you guys, check out my video on how to fund your graduate schools right there. I'm not gonna talk about funding in this video, but check out the video. It's all videos related to this video I'm making are gonna be linked in the description box. How to write your statement of purpose, how to get references, how to fund your graduate school. It's all gonna be listed under, and that will help you. So I don't keep repeating myself in the videos. But of course, of course, of course, you have, when you're picking your schools, in step two, when you're picking your schools, you must, you have to look at funding opportunities for schools. So you can even, when you're making your three-tier school, tier one, tier two, tier three, instead of it being like your dream school, you know, like your Harvard's and whatever, it could be schools that for sure will get you funded, tier one, schools that probably, you don't know if you'll get funded, tier two, schools that definitely not gonna fund you, tier three. So really, the tiers I'm talking about really depends on how you, how do you wanna tier them, how do you wanna rank them, okay? And then you can go from there, okay? But I always tell people, especially those of you who wanna do a PhD, if you are watching this video and you wanna do a PhD, I'm telling you, do not pay for your PhD. If you wanna do your PhD full-time, there, you need to get funded. You need to get funded to do your PhD, especially if you're gonna come to the US, to Canada, there's so much research money, right, for doing your PhD, for research. So never, never, please pay to do your PhD, don't do that. For master's, it's a little bit tricky. So, you know, for me, my first semester, I paid for my master's, for my second semester, I got a scholarship, right? So for your master's, you may or may not, but for your PhD, you absolutely should not pay, okay? All right, so my next video, I am gonna talk about actually going online. You won't even see, I don't think you'll see my face in the next video, but I'm gonna show you guys how to look for professors who have funding and then how to email them. And okay, all right, all right, all right. And so I will see you guys in my next video. Thank you for sticking around. Please subscribe. We are almost at 20,000. What, what? Subscribe, let's hit that 20,000 mark before the year is over. All right, love you guys. Hope you learned something from this video. I will be posting my next video very soon. I can't give you guys dates because you guys, mom life, wife life, work life, it's a lot. It's a lot, it's a lot. But I'm trying, I'm trying my best to stay committed to this channel. And I will, I'm not going anywhere. So, and I'll be helping you guys ask questions under this video, give this video a thumbs up so more people see it. That's why, do you guys ever wonder when people, when YouTubers say, oh, like this video, it's because the more likes this video gets, the more people get to watch the video, the more, you know, the more it's recommended to people. And so, yeah, so, okay. Well, have a great rest of your day and rest of your week whenever you're watching this. And I will see you in my next video. Ciao.