The Application Process

Graduate School and Business School—Uncentralized Application System

There is no standardized system for applying to graduate or business schools. Each school will have their own system (paper or web-based) and requirements for students wishing to applying to their programs. Follow their instructions carefully—even one missing application piece can deny your application from being reviewed.

Medical School Applications—Common Application System

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is responsible for the standardized medical school application process in the United States. Most medical schools are participating in AMCAS. Regardless of the number of AMCAS schools to which you apply, you submit just one application to AMCAS via the Web. AMCAS does not render any admission decisions and does not advise applicants where to apply. Each participating school is completely autonomous in reaching its admissions decisions. AMCAS provides only the application processing service.

Law School Applications—Common Application System

The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) is responsible for the standardized law school application process in the United States. The LSDAS provides a means of centralizing and standardizing undergraduate academic records to simplify the law school admission process. Nearly all law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)—and some non-ABA-approved schools—require that their applicants register for the LSDAS.

Basic parts of any graduate school application: (this is not a full list, refer to each program you apply to for their specific requirements)

• Program choice 
• Personal information- contact info, birthdate, etc. 
• Academic information- transcripts, degrees received, etc.
• Test scores and subject test scores (LSAT, GRE, MCAT, GMAT…)
• Letters of recommendation (almost all from professors)
• Demographic information (optional)
• Other programs you’ve applied to 
• Personal statement(s), essay(s)