4.5  Applications

If you are going to apply for advanced training, as soon as possible start investigating the requirements for a successful application. Applications can require the results of standardized tests like the GRE or MCAT, personal statements, financial information, transcripts, letters of reference, a CV or résumé, and filling out several standard forms. Read through the application instructions very carefully and make a checklist of all the parts required to complete your application. If you're not clear what is required, is there contact information on the application form that you can call or e-mail to inquire about this? If you know of someone who has successfully been admitted into a similar program, talk with them about what they did, what they would do differently, and ask for any advice they can give to help you be successful.

If standardized test results are required, you must take the test well in advance of the deadline as it takes time for the exam to be scored and sent to the university. Test preparation workbooks and courses are available to help you prepare and possibly improve your score.

If you don't like your first score, you generally can take the test multiple times, and often just taking the test twice improves your score. If you do this, you want to make sure you take the test for the first time very early, to allow you several months afterwards to receive your score, and assess whether you want to take it second time.