Applying to Graduate School

So I, along with many others I know, are getting to that point in our college career where we're starting to think about graduate school. For those I know who have already applied to graduate school I know that this has been a hard round of admissions. With the economy as it is many people are deciding to go back to school. As a result many graduate programs are being flooded with applications (200 for only 8 spots). Not that your application shouldn't be the absolute best it can be, but now it is even more important that you stand out from the crowd.

A while back my Ancient Greek History professor set aside an entire class to lecture about applying to graduate school. He has been the only professor I've ever had who has done this (not that my other professors aren't helpful in this area). Here are the notes from that lecture.

Process of Applying to Graduate School.

The things you'll need:
-Transcripts
-GRE Scores
-Writing Sample
-Application Letter/Statement of Purpose
-Letters of Recommendation

Know the language in the area you want to study.
E.G. Greek History, know Greek. French history, know French.

The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam. Now a days its almost always required. So sign up early because they fill up fast, and leave time just in case you have to take it again.

Your writing sample.
-A piece of academic writing from a class.
-A senior thesis is the most ideal.

Application letter or statement of purpose:
-Don't send it without having a professor check it first, or a few professors.
-Minimize the bio part, maximize your interests and area of research.
-Why you want to go there?
-Show that you understand what graduate school is about, what you want to study, and what you want to do in graduate school.
-Also, where you can explain anything that needs to be explained (no long sob stories).
-Tell them how to read your transcripts.

Letters of recommendation.
-More than one class with the professor writing the recommendation is best.
-Upper division classes and small classes where the professor got to know you are also better.