Top 5 tips for applying to graduate school
Advice from the College of Business admissions team
Applying to graduate school is a big step — and for many prospective students, it’s one you’re taking while balancing work, family and long-term career goals. At Oregon State University, we know there’s no single “perfect” applicant. What matters most is how clearly and thoughtfully you communicate who you are, where you’re headed and how graduate school fits into your plans right now.
Our graduate admissions team reviews applications holistically. That means your resume, essays and recommendations are valued during the review process — it’s not just about your GPA or test scores. We want to understand your goals, experiences and readiness for graduate-level study.
To help you prepare, we’ve gathered five practical tips directly from Oregon State University’s graduate recruitment and admissions team, with insight from college leadership, on what makes an application stand out.
1. Be clear about your “why”
At Oregon State, our admissions team looks closely at how well applicants can explain why they’re pursuing graduate study and why this is the right time to do so.
In your short essays, focus on connecting the dots between:
- Where you’ve been professionally or academically
- Where you want to go next
- How an Oregon State graduate program supports your goals
What often weakens applications isn’t a lack of experience; it’s overly broad statements that don’t tell us much about you or your fit within our graduate business programs. Examples of broad statements include:
- “I want to advance my career.”
- “I’ve always been interested in business.”
- “This degree will help me reach my goals.”
- “This program stood out because of its strong reputation.”
Instead, our admissions reviewers are looking for clarity, intention and alignment. Thoughtful specifics, such as how OSU’s applied, real-world approach, collaborative culture or flexible learning options support your next step, help your application feel focused and authentic.
be clear about your why
Tip: If it’s difficult to clearly explain your motivation on paper, that’s often a sign you need more clarity yourself. Taking time to reflect before applying can strengthen your entire application. Our graduate recruiting team is happy to connect to chat about your goals and answer any questions you have. You can make an appointment any time here.
2. Show impact, not just responsibility
When reviewing graduate applications, Oregon State’s admissions team looks beyond job titles to see how applicants show leadership, take initiative and create impact.
On your resume and throughout your application, focus on outcomes and results:
- What changed because you were involved?
- Where did you take initiative or lead others?
- How did your work improve a process, team or organization?
Leadership shows up in many forms: managing people, leading projects, mentoring colleagues or contributing meaningfully to your community. Highlighting impact helps reviewers better understand how you’ll contribute to collaborative, discussion-driven graduate coursework at OSU.
3. Choose recommenders who truly know your work
Letters of recommendation provide important context that grades and resumes can’t. Strong recommendations come from academic or professional references who:
- Know you well and can speak to your character and work ethic
- Can provide specific examples of your leadership, communication or problem-solving skills
- Have observed your growth over time
A detailed, thoughtful letter from someone who understands your goals is far more helpful than a generic endorsement from someone with a high-level title.
who truly knows your work?
Tip: Share your resume and your reasons for applying to OSU with your recommenders, so they can tailor their letters to your application.
4. Be honest about your path
Very few applicants follow a perfectly linear path to graduate school — and that’s expected. At Oregon State, we value growth just as much as achievement.
If your academic or professional journey includes:
- Career pivots
- Employment gaps
- Lower grades in a particular term
- Personal or professional challenges
“Strong applicants exhibit clear career objectives, effective communication skills, and a commitment to rigorous graduate business study.”
John Becker-Blease, Associate Dean, Academic Programs & Services
5. Pay attention to the details
Address them thoughtfully and honestly. Our admissions team values reflection, accountability and self-awareness. Giving us this context helps us better understand your experiences as well as demonstrates maturity and readiness for graduate study.
Strong applications reflect professionalism and preparation. Before submitting your application, make sure you’ve:
- Answered all questions fully
- Reviewed your writing for clarity and consistency*
- Submitted all required materials
- Met stated deadlines
These details matter. They signal how you’re likely to approach the demands of graduate coursework and collaboration at Oregon State.
*Before submitting your application, we recommend having a trusted friend or family member review your materials for consistency, spelling, etc.
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Bonus tip: Get guidance before you apply
Oregon State’s graduate recruitment team offers virtual workshops and one-on-one appointments to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence. These sessions give you direct insight into what our reviewers look for, how to avoid common pitfalls and how to strengthen key components of your application — including your resume and written responses.
Bonus tip: Get guidance before you apply
Oregon State’s graduate recruitment team offers virtual workshops and one-on-one appointments to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence. These sessions give you direct insight into what our reviewers look for, how to avoid common pitfalls and how to strengthen key components of your application — including your resume and written responses.
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