Graduate Diversity Outreach -
Application Etiquette
As you move through your undergraduate years into graduate school you will have increasing
contact with graduate students and faculty in your discipline. Knowing how to
interact with them can be helpful as you begin to negotiate a larger sphere with future
colleagues and mentors. Building strong relationships begins with your initial
interactions with busy faculty members and graduate students. As you begin to apply to graduate
school please keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Try visiting with faculty during office hours first, unless he/she is available
by appointment only. Otherwise, an e-mail will allow a faculty member to
respond when he/she has time.
- Do not wait until the latter part of the fall term to speak with your professors
about your graduate school goals. Get to know them early, then ask them if they
would be willing to write a strong letter of support for you.
- Give each recommender at least a month's notice before the recommendation deadline.
- Follow up with the recommender after you've learned your admission decisions. Faculty are always
interested in learning whether, and to which programs, you were admitted.
- Please, have the courtesy to respond to telephone calls or e-mail messages. Once you are
accepted into a particular program, there is usually a considerable effort coordinated to recruit you.
Ignoring faculty is just plain rude and may send a message that you do not intend. Keep in mind that
these individuals will be your colleagues one day.
- Have the courage to tell faculty or other program representatives directly that you will not be
attending their program. Of course, it is not always easy to admit that you have decided to accept
another school's offer. Keep in mind that it happens all the time, so be honest and others will truly understand.
- Be sure to thank all faculty, graduate students, and staff that have assisted you. You would be
surprised to learn how instrumental they have been, and how they may feel slighted because a simple
"thank you" was not offered.
