What Achievements Should You Include on Your Grad School Application? Tips and Examples

When it comes to applying to graduate school, your achievements can make all the difference in the admissions process. Admissions committees want to see that you have excelled academically and professionally, and that you have the potential to make a significant contribution to your field of study. In this article, we’ll explore what achievements you should include on your grad school application and how to showcase them effectively.

1. Academic Achievements: Academic achievements are often the most important to include on your grad school application. This includes your GPA, test scores (such as GRE or GMAT), academic awards, honors, and scholarships. Be sure to highlight any research or academic projects you have completed as well, especially if they relate to your intended field of study.
2. Professional Achievements: Professional achievements can also be impressive to grad school admissions committees. This includes any work experience, internships, volunteer work, or leadership roles you have had. Be sure to focus on achievements rather than job duties, and highlight any specific accomplishments or impact you made in these roles.
3. Extracurricular Achievements: Extracurricular achievements can also demonstrate your potential for success in grad school. This includes any involvement in clubs, organizations, or sports teams, as well as any community service or volunteer work. Be sure to focus on achievements rather than just participation, and highlight any leadership roles or specific accomplishments.
4. Personal Achievements: Personal achievements can also be impressive to include on your grad school application. This includes any overcoming of challenges or obstacles, such as a difficult personal experience, health issue, or cultural barrier. Be sure to highlight any specific actions you took to overcome these challenges and any impact they had on your personal growth or development.

When including achievements on your grad school application, it’s important to showcase them effectively. Be sure to provide specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of simply saying you had a high GPA, mention your exact GPA and any academic awards you received as a result. Use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and focus on the impact you made.

Examples:

• Achieved a 4.0 GPA in all semesters of undergraduate studies, resulting in being on the Dean’s List each semester.
• Conducted research on the effectiveness of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in the publication of an academic paper in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Led a team of 10 volunteers in organizing a fundraising event that raised over $10,000 for a local non-profit organization.
• Overcame a language barrier by completing a semester-long study abroad program in a non-native language, achieving fluency and gaining cultural competency.

In conclusion, including achievements on your grad school application can make a significant impact on your admissions chances. Be sure to highlight your academic, professional, extracurricular, and personal achievements, and showcase them effectively with specific examples and impact statements. By doing so, you can demonstrate your potential for success in grad school and in your future career.