The Graduate School Application Process: Letters of Intent, Letters of Reference

The Graduate School Application Process:

Letters of Intent, Letters of Reference

Do’s and Don’ts: Avoiding the Kiss of Death (KOD)

KOD concept: Appleby, D. C. and Appleby, K. M. (2006). Kisses

of Death in the Graduate School Application Process. Teaching of Psychology 33(1), 19-24.

From a survey of graduate admissions committee chairs (N = 88), the authors identified 5 categories of mistakes made by applicants. These mistakes can potentially sink your application in the eyes of an admissions committee.

KOD cont.

“ The ideal student, seen through the eyes of graduate faculty, is

Gifted and creative,Very bright and extremely motivated to learn, Perfectly suited to the program, eager to actively

pursue the lines of inquiry valued by the faculty, PleasantResponsibleDevoid of serious personal problems. “

(Keith-Speigel & Wiederman, 2000, p.3 with format changes)

KOD cont.

Major KOD Categories:a)Damaging personal statementsb)Harmful letters of recommendationc)Lack of program informationd)Poor writing skillse)Misfired attempts to impress

Damaging Personal Statements

Personal mental healthExcessive altruismExcessive self-disclosureProfessionally inappropriate (e.g.,

letter printed on “cute” paper; inappropriate/insensitive language, etc.)

Harmful Letters of Recommendation

Undesirable applicant characteristics(anything suggesting the person is not

intelligent, motivated, pleasant, responsible)

Inappropriate letter writers (e.g., your next door neighbor, your pastor, a work colleague who is not a supervisor, a family friend--even if that person is a psychologist, physician, mayor, or judge)

Lack of information about Program

Program focus (clearly not being familiar with the nature of the program)

Fit into Program (wanting to be a part-time student when the program is full-time; wanting to specialize in an area that is not related to interests/expertise of any of the faculty, etc.)

Poor Writing Skills

Spelling and grammar

Poorly written application materials

Misfired Attempts to Impress

Being unduly critical of undergrad program or overly praising program applying to

Name dropping, especially names of people not professionally relevant.

General advice: Letters of intent

Avoid KOD factorsIf in doubt about what a program is

looking for, call and askHave a friend proof for writing issues, but

have your advisor read for tone and content.

Give yourself enough time to let the letter sit for a few days before doing final edits

Try to read it from the committee’s point of view

General Advice: Letters of Reference

Be thinking of “referees” early on When at the point of needing letters,

talk with potential letter writersBe organized, plan ahead and provide

as much information as possiblePeriodically check with referees and

remind them of deadlines. Let them know the outcome of your

applications