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Personal Statement Timeline

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Our personal statement timeline will help you organise the writing process, and make sure you have a final, polished draft ready to add to your application form in plenty of time so you don't miss the deadline.

• Start thinking about the subject(s) you would like to study at university.  
• Take a look at our guide on choosing a degree .  
• Check out the Course Search at the UCAS website.  
• Read the entry requirements carefully for any course you like the look of.  
• Make sure you can realistically expect to achieve the grades they are asking for, and that you have any other skills and qualities the university are looking for.

June/July/August

• Think about choosing the universities you are going to apply to.  
• Attend some university open days to see which ones you like most.  
• Take a look at our choosing a university guide for further advice.  
• Start thinking about what you are going to include in your personal statement.  
• When attending university open days, ask admissions tutors what they like to see in UCAS personal statements.  
• Make notes on what the admissions tutors from different universities want to see.  
• Check out our personal statement writing guide and free personal statement examples to help you get started with your first draft and more information on what to include.

Late August

• By now you should have a complete first draft of your personal statement.  
• Show it to your friends and family, and also your teachers and careers advisor when you go back to school/college in early September.

Early to Mid September

• Make changes to the first draft of your personal statement based on the feedback you’ve received.  
• Show your next draft to other people, and incorporate their comments.  
• Do this as many times as necessary until you feel 100% happy with you personal statement.

Mid October 

• If you are applying for a degree in Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, or any course at either Oxford or Cambridge university, you need to have your personal statement completed and send it off on your UCAS form by 15th October .  
• Before you cut and paste your personal statement on to your UCAS application, check that it is no more than 47 lines long and no more than 4000 characters in total. Our Personal Statement Length Checker comes in handy for this.  
• Of course, if you are not applying for any of the degrees mentioned above, you have until 15th January to get your personal statement sorted for your UCAS application. If you do not submit your application by this date, the universities you have applied to do not have to consider your application.

Further information

For more tips and advice, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• The 15th Janaury UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• UCAS Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Writing Tips
• Personal Statements: Advice From A Teacher
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline

Best of luck with your personal statement!

• UCAS application

Personal statement

Academic reference, special circumstances.

• Declaring your disability

If you want to study at Oxford, you need to apply a year before the start date of your course by completing an online  UCAS application form .

Applications open in May so you can start work on the form from then. You won't be able to submit your application until early September. 

There is a strict submission deadline of 6pm (UK time) on 15 October. Your application must be complete - including the academic reference - and submitted before the deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted.

The deadline for applications is 6pm (UK time) on 15 October and this must be strictly adhered to.

Completing a UCAS application for Oxford follows the same process as for other universities, we just have an earlier  submission deadline of 15 October .

Please note that you should not send us as part of your application any certificates, transcripts or other documents for qualifications that you have already taken. The only exception to this is if you already have a degree from a university – see the 'Other forms' section on this page.

We will contact you for evidence of your qualifications if you are offered a place at Oxford.

Before you start:

• Choose  which course  you would like to study. You can only apply to one course at Oxford, and you can't apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year. Read more  information on all our courses . 
• Check the  admission requirements  for your course. Specific grades and subjects required are also shown on each  course page .
• Decide whether to express a preference for a particular  college  or make an open application. If you make an open application, you will be assigned to a college which has had relatively fewer applications for your course in the year you apply.

What will the UCAS application ask for?

• Personal details including an email address. Make sure you check this address frequently.
• Details about your education, and any qualifications you have already achieved. 
• A personal statement where you tell us why you are interested in your chosen course. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement .
• Your reference. Remember that your teacher or adviser will need some time to complete your reference, and this must be completed before the deadline. Read our guidance on academic references .
• A fee payment to UCAS is required to complete the process.

Read guidance from UCAS on  filling in your application .

• Admissions tests

For most courses at Oxford you are required to take a test as part of your application. Registration for tests is not automatic and is not part of the UCAS process.

New arrangements for 2024 admissions tests and beyond are still to be confirmed but will be communicated as soon as possible and no later than the start of the new admissions cycle in early Spring. 

Other forms 

If you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, please send a copy of the transcript from your first degree to the college that is considering your application, to arrive by 10 November.

No other references, transcripts, or certificates are required or accepted except for students applying for  Graduate-entry Medicine (A101)  or  Choral or Organ Awards .

One section of the application is called your personal statement. This is where you can write whatever you’d like to say about yourself and your motivation to study your course.

People sometimes think that there is a trick to writing a personal statement for Oxford, or that we are looking for some special secret formula, but this is not the case.

It’s important to remember that you can only write one personal statement and so the same wording will be seen by all the universities you apply to.

Your personal statement should therefore focus on the course you want to study, not the universities themselves. Please read this  helpful advice from UCAS . Please also view UCAS’ guidance on the use of assistive technology (including artificial intelligence) when writing your personal statement. 

Provided that your academic referee can give us some background on the impact of COVID-19 on your education in their reference, you do not need to specifically refer to this in your personal statement. If the pandemic has shaped how you think about your subject or offered you relevant opportunities to show your interest in your subject area, you can of course include this as part of your motivation for applying for the course. Otherwise, follow the advice given below.

How important is the personal statement?

Universities build a picture of you as a student from all the different information you provide, to help decide whether or not to offer you a place.

The picture is made up of several different pieces:

• your personal statement,
• your academic record,
• your predicted A-level grades (or equivalent),
• and your teacher's reference.

For most courses at Oxford you will also need to take an admissions test or submit written work ( check the details for your course ).

If your application is shortlisted, your interview will also be taken into account. This means that your personal statement is important but it’s not everything: it’s just one part of the overall picture.

What are Oxford tutors looking for?

Tutors at Oxford are only interested in your academic ability and potential. They want to see that you are truly committed to the subject or subjects you want to study at university but it’s not enough just to say that you have a passion for something. 

You need to show tutors how you have engaged with your subject, above and beyond whatever you have studied at school or college. This can include any relevant extra-curricular activities.

Try to avoid writing your personal statement as though you are ticking things off a list. There is no checklist of required achievements, and tutors will not just scan what you have written to look for key words or phrases.

Tutors will read your personal statement to try to understand what has motivated you to apply for their course. It’s a good idea to evaluate your experiences, to show what you have learned from them and how they have helped develop your understanding of your subject.  

Where should I start?

Think about talking to your friends about what you want to study at university: what would you tell them?

What have you read or watched or seen that has inspired you? (This might have been at school, at home, in a museum, on TV, in a book, on YouTube or a podcast or anywhere else. You can also take a look at our  suggested reading and resources .) Why was it interesting? What do you want to find out next? What did you do?

If you find this difficult, it might be time to think about whether or not you’ve really chosen the right course. If you can’t think of anything that has inspired you, this lack of enthusiasm will probably come across in your personal statement, or it will become clear at interview, and you’re unlikely to gain a place at Oxford. If you find it easy to answer these questions, you will have a long list of ideas to help you write your personal statement.

When you start to write, remember not just to list your achievements but show how they have affected you, how you have benefited, and what you’d like to learn next. Be honest about yourself and what has inspired you, whether that’s been text books, museums and literature, or websites, podcasts and blogs.

Be sure to tell the truth, as tutors might check later, so don’t exaggerate and certainly don’t make any false claims. Don’t hold back either – this is no time for modesty.

When you've written a first draft, have a look back at the  selection criteria  for your course and think about the evidence you've given for each of the criteria. Have you covered everything?

Should I include extra-curricular activities?

We typically suggest that you focus around 80% of your personal statement on your academic interests, abilities and achievements. This can include discussion of any relevant extra-curricular activities. The remaining 20% can then cover any unrelated extra-curricular activities.

There’s a myth that Oxford is looking for the most well-rounded applicants, and that you will only be offered a place if you have a long list of varied extra-curricular activities. In fact, extra-curricular activities are only helpful in so far as they demonstrate the  selection criteria  for your course. 

If you are applying to other universities as well as to Oxford (you can make five choices on your UCAS form) then you may need to find out whether the other universities have different selection criteria. If they do, then you might want to provide some information about your extra-curricular interests – but keep it to a minimum.

The space in your personal statement is limited, so think carefully about what you want to include.

Do I need experience of work and travel?

We understand that not everyone has the opportunity to do work experience or to go travelling so these activities are not a requirement for any of our courses. Tutors won’t be impressed by your connections, or the stamps in your passport, but they will be impressed by how you’ve engaged with your subject.

For example, some of our applicants for Medicine may have had work experience placements in prestigious hospitals but not be able to evaluate their time there. If you have no more experience than some simple voluntary work, or even just discussing medical matters with your friends and family, you can still write an effective personal statement by reflecting critically on what you have learned and discussed. 

To give another example, for the History of Art course, tutors will not want to hear about all the galleries and exhibitions that you have visited around the world if you cannot discuss the art that you saw. You can come across more effectively in your personal statement by evaluating art you have seen, even if you’ve only seen it online or in books without ever leaving the school library.

Don’t be put off by any friends who you think have more impressive things to say in their personal statements. Remember that tutors do not have a checklist of achievements that they are looking for: they want to see how you have engaged with your subject. 

I’m applying to different courses at different universities – how should I write my personal statement?

If you are thinking of applying for completely different courses at different universities (eg Physics and Accounting, or Biology and Music) we’d encourage you to reconsider.

It’s important to choose a subject area that you really want to study, and focus on that one area when making your applications. Also, you can only write one personal statement which will be seen by all the universities to which you apply, so it needs to be relevant for all your courses.

If you are thinking of applying for related courses at different universities then we suggest that you avoid using course titles in your personal statement. We recommend that you write about your interest in the general course themes, and how you have engaged with relevant subject areas, so that your personal statement is equally relevant for each of your course choices. 

Does my personal statement need to stand out?

Students sometimes feel that they need to say something dramatic to stand out from the crowd and be really memorable in their personal statement but this is not true. Applying to Oxford is not like a talent show where you may only have a few seconds to make an impression.

Tutors consider each application carefully on its individual merits, looking for evidence of your commitment and ability. If you use your personal statement to demonstrate your academic abilities and your engagement with your subject(s), then your application will be memorable for all the right reasons.

How many versions should I write?

Ask a teacher to read through what you’ve written, listen to their feedback and then make any updates that they suggest. You may need two or three tries to get it right and it can take longer than you think, especially with the limited number of characters.

It can be tricky to get in everything you want to mention, but don't spend too much time trying to make your personal statement completely perfect - it's only one of the things that the tutors will consider.

Some dos and don’ts

• Do apply for a course you really want to study.
• Do be yourself: tell the truth about your interests.
• Do sell yourself: this is not the time for modesty.
• Do re-read your personal statement before an interview – the tutors may ask you to talk about things you've mentioned
• Do read the  UCAS guidance on personal statements .
• Don't be tempted to make anything up, as you might be asked about it at interview.
• Don't copy anyone else’s personal statement. UCAS uses plagiarism detection software.
• Don't list qualifications like your GCSE grades or anything else that's covered elsewhere on the application.
• Don't just list your other achievements: you need to evaluate them.
• Don't feel the need to be dramatic in order to be memorable.

A reference from a teacher or someone else who is qualified to comment on your academic ability is an essential part of your UCAS application. Your application will be incomplete without a reference and we will not be able to consider it.

Advice for candidates

• The process is different for those applying through a school/college/centre and those applying after they have left school or as an individual.
• Read  how to get a UCAS undergraduate reference .
• The reference must be in English. If your referee is not confident writing in English, they can ask an English-speaking colleague to help them. Alternatively, you can have a certified translation made for them to upload. Please ask them not to submit a reference in any language other than English, and to make sure that they have uploaded a reference in English to UCAS by the 15 October deadline.
• Your reference must be from someone who can write about your academic potential; it can't be from a family member.

UCAS's reference guidance

• UCAS registered centre linked applications  (for those applying through their school or college).
• Independent or individual applicants (for those who are not at school or college).

Advice for referees

• Read  how to write UCAS undergraduate references  for information about writing an academic reference for a student's application to Oxford. The format of references has changed this year. It is now split into three separate sections so it is important that all referees are aware of the new guidance. 
• References can be up to 4,000 characters (including spaces, headings and line breaks) or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first, and comprise of three sections.
• It is up to the referee how they divide the word count between these three sections but we would advise leaving plenty of space for Section three, which is where you can comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicants.
• UCAS have published  sample references  which you are likely to find useful. 
• Section one: this invites referees to enter a general statement about their school, college or centre. We strongly recommend including relevant information about school closures and disruption to whole cohorts on a specifically created webpage on your school website. You can then link to this webpage in Section one of your academic reference to ensure that most of the reference word count can still be dedicated to the academic achievements and potential of your student.
• Section two: if applicable, include here any information about individual extenuating circumstances which may have impacted your applicant's education and achievements. Alternatively, if for any reason this is inappropriate, you are welcome to  contact the college  considering your candidate's application.
• Section three: use this to comment on the individual academic achievements and potential of your Oxford applicant and how these relate to the course they are applying for. 
• If the candidate is currently studying or awaiting results you will be asked to include predicted grades for these qualifications. These should not be included as part of the reference but be included in the Education section of a candidate's UCAS application. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against those qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Those pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, so please do include predicted grades. 
• It may be helpful first for you to refer to the  selection criteria  and  admission requirements  for your candidate's chosen course.
• You may like to refer to the additional advice about writing a reference for an Oxford applicant on our  Advice for Teachers page . 

This is the section of the UCAS form where you list all your qualifications along with the grades you have already achieved and any standardised test scores. Please list everything as the admissions tutors need to see the whole picture of your academic studies so far. It doesn't matter if you have taken a lot of qualifications, a few, or none, we ask you to tell us about them. 

You also need to list any educational qualifications you are currently working towards. Students who are awaiting examination results or are yet to take examinations should enter 'pending' against these qualifications (including resits) when completing the Education section. Pending qualifications will then be shown in the adviser portal and is where referees should record their predicted grades for these pending examinations. Where applicable, this is an important part of the application, so   make sure your referee is aware of this.  

Why do we ask for predicted grades?

Using predicted grades means you can apply to study at Oxford before you have finished school (or equivalent) and you don't have to wait until all your exams are complete and your results are known. These predictions help admissions tutors understand your academic potential and let them know if you are going to meet or exceed the entrance requirements for your chosen course.

If you are made an offer of a place, it will be conditional on your achieving the required grades (based on the  entrance requirements  for your course) in any outstanding exams. 

We appreciate that many educational systems around the world do not usually predict a student's grades in this way; however without these predictions from your teacher we are unable to consider your application. There’s lots of advice for teachers in the  teachers’ section  of our website   and from UCAS about writing references and predicting grades . 

What if you can't provide predicted grades?

If you have listed any exams or qualifications as not yet taken on your UCAS form, then your teacher must provide predicted grades for them. If you can't get predicted grades, then your only alternative is to wait until you have got the final results for all your exams and qualifications before applying to Oxford. Please remember that you can only apply to Oxford between early September and 15 October.

English language qualifications

If you are not a native English speaker, please also include any English language qualifications that you have taken or are due to take. Our English language requirements page lists which tests we accept and also explains possible exemptions.

How do you declare international qualifications in the UCAS form?

You should self-report all details of your qualifications, standardised test scores, and grades on the UCAS application form under ‘Education’. It will need to be clear from your application that you are on track to achieve the admission requirements for your  course .

Please visit our  international qualifications page  for the international qualifications we accept and the level of academic attainment we would require.

For any exams you are yet to take, you will need to ask your referee (normally the teacher supporting your application) to predict your results and submit these as part of your UCAS application. Please refer your referee to our advice on writing references and predicting grades . 

You may choose to declare the results of any individual modules or internal exams in the 'Education' section of your UCAS application, but this is not essential. You may instead like to ask your academic referee to mention the results of any internal school exams in the reference, if you feel that these results will help to demonstrate your academic ability and potential. 

Please visit the  UCAS website  for further advice on how to enter your qualifications on the UCAS form.

Note:  do not send us transcripts for the qualifications you've already taken ; you will only need to produce certificates or transcripts if you are offered a place here.

However, if you are applying for a second undergraduate degree, you will need to send a transcript from your first degree separately, to the college that is considering your application. You do not upload this as part of your UCAS form.

If you have personal circumstances that you'd like to tell us about please include them in your personal statement, or ask your teacher to include the information in your reference.

If for any reason this is not appropriate, then please wait until you have had confirmation that your application has been received by a college and then  contact them directly . This is likely to be around the end of October.

You can  contact our Admissions Office  for further information and advice if you're not sure what to include. If you are applying for Medicine, please read the Medical School's guidance on submitting information about extenuating circumstances . 

Usually special circumstances are something that you as an individual have experienced, something that is unique to you. So we would not, for example, expect you to let us know about your school being closed due to COVID-19. We are extremely aware of the widespread disruption to education during the pandemic and will be asking your academic referee to tell us how this has affected your year group. 

Students with disabilities

Please visit the tab  Declaring your disability  and read our  Guidance for disabled applicants  to find out about the support we offer our students.

Other extenuating circumstances

We are sympathetic to the fact that sometimes candidates under-perform at school or college because of extenuating circumstances. If you feel that your performance has been affected in this way please let us know.

You should let us have this information in your UCAS application as we need to receive this information before admissions decisions have been made. 

Information received after admissions decisions have been made will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and if this was not available earlier.   Examples would include disruption caused by change of school or system, severe discontinuity of teachers (but not if this was due to nationwide school closures due to COVID-19), bereavement, and debilitating illness.

We take care to treat each application individually and would always take such mitigating circumstances into account, if they are brought to our attention before admissions decisions have been made.

You could include this information in your personal statement or your teacher could mention this in their reference. If for any reason this is not possible, then we would advise you to contact the college you applied to (or are assigned to if making an open application) once you have had confirmation that your application has been received. This is likely to be around the end of October.

Teachers and other academic referees should follow the  guidance provided by UCAS  in order to explain the impact of COVID-19 on your education.

Whatever your particular circumstances, the earlier we know about your individual requirements, then the sooner we can begin to meet them. 

We are committed to making sure that all our students can benefit from the great opportunities at Oxford so please do tell us about any disability, whether seen or unseen, on your UCAS application. This should include:

• Sensory and physical impairments
• Specific learning difficulties e.g. Dyslexia
• Long-term mental health conditions
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Chronic illnesses and health conditions

Please be assured that admissions decisions are made on academic grounds alone. 29% of all our undergraduate students are known to the Disability Advisory Service.

By telling us now, you will help us put in place any agreed support early and to make reasonable adjustments to facilitate your access to your course and our University. It will also mean that we can provide appropriate arrangements during the admissions process, so for any test or interview.

While you do not need to include this information at this stage, we strongly recommend you do so in order to give us time to prepare and arrange suitable support.

You’ll find the relevant section at the bottom of the Personal Details tab of your UCAS application

• Click ‘see list’ to select the relevant category
• Fill in the second box below Category to give details of any facilities or special provisions required.
• UCAS also has some  good advice  about how to tell us about your disability.

See also our further  Guidance for disabled applicants . This includes information on contacting our  Disability Advisory Service  and how to put in place any necessary arrangements for our admissions tests, if this is one of the admission requirements for your chosen course.

A STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS

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• Undergraduate Applicant Privacy Notice

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International applicants

The application process for international students is exactly the same as for UK and EU students: i.e. you must apply through  UCAS  by 15 October. 

UCAS  is an independent organisation that handles all applications to study undergraduate degrees in the UK. To complete a UCAS application, you will need to  register with UCAS  and pay them a fee. The UCAS website also has  guidance for international students.

There is no separate application form for Oxford's undergraduate courses (with the single exception of  A101 Graduate Entry Medicine ), and it is not possible to apply without completing a UCAS form.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, how to write a stand-out personal statement for grad school.

If you’re applying to graduate school, you’ll likely need to write a personal statement. But what exactly is a graduate school personal statement? And what should you write about to give yourself your best shot at admission?

In this guide, we teach you how to write a personal statement for grad school, step by step. But first, let’s go over how the personal statement differs from the statement of purpose as well as what schools look for in a great graduate school essay.

What Is a Graduate School Personal Statement?

A graduate school personal statement is an admission essay that typically focuses on your personal reasons for wanting to enter a grad program and particular field of study. Essentially, you must tell the story of who you are and how you developed your current research interests.

So is a personal statement for graduate school the same thing as a statement of purpose? Well, not always (though it can be). Here are the general distinctions between the two essay types:

• Statement of purpose:  A formal essay that summarizes your academic and professional background, research interests, and career goals. In this essay, you’ll usually explain your reasons for applying to grad school and why you believe the program is a good fit for you (as well as why you’re a good fit for it!).
• Personal statement: A less formal essay that focuses on your passion and motivation for wanting to enter your chosen field and program. This statement is typically more flexible than the statement of purpose, with a bigger emphasis on storytelling. Schools often encourage applicants to discuss (relevant) challenges in their lives and how they’ve overcome them.

Both the graduate school personal statement and statement of purpose are usually anywhere from one to three double-spaced pages long, depending on the program you’re applying to.

Below is a chart comparing the personal statement and statement of purpose:

Usually, the personal statement and statement of purpose are considered two different graduate school essay types.

But this isn’t always the case. While some schools consider the personal statement and statement of purpose two distinct essays, others use the names interchangeably.

For example, Michigan State University’s College of Engineering  considers them two distinct essays, while The Ohio State University uses “personal statement” to describe what is essentially a statement of purpose.

Many schools require just one essay  (and it’ll usually be the statement of purpose, as it’s the more academic one). But some, such as the University of Michigan , ask for both a personal statement and statement of purpose, while others, such as  Notre Dame’s Creative Writing MFA program , want an essay that combines the features of both!

Ultimately, the type of graduate school essay you  submit will depend entirely on where you’re applying.

What Do Schools Look For in a Personal Statement?

Many grad schools require a personal statement in order to learn more about you, your interests, your struggles, and your motivations for wanting to enter a field of study. Through this essay, schools can get to know you on a deeper, more intimate level and learn about you in ways they can’t through transcripts and letters of recommendation alone.

But what specifically do universities look for in a great personal statement for graduate school? Here are some of the most important elements to include in your essay.

A Compelling Story

First off, your personal statement must tell a story. After all, this essay is basically your autobiography: it introduces who you are, your interests and motivations, and why you’ve decided to apply to grad school.

Unlike the statement of purpose, the personal statement should focus mostly on your personal history, from your failures to your triumphs. All experiences should tie back to your field or research area, emphasizing what you’ve learned and what this means in terms of your potential as a grad student.

Since you’re talking about yourself, be conversational in your storytelling: use an authentic voice, open up about your experiences, and maybe even throw in a joke or two. Though you’re still writing an essay for school, it’s generally OK to be a little more informal here than you would in a statement of purpose.

That said, there are a couple of things you absolutely shouldn’t do in your personal statement.

• Open your essay with a quotation. Professors have heard the quotation before and don’t need (or want) to hear it again. Plus, quotations often take up too much space in an already short essay!
• Use clichés. Think of unique ways to tell your story and grab readers’ attention. Schools want to see you can be creative yet honest about yourself, so avoid clichés like the plague (see what I did there?).
• Get too creative. Your goal is to look like a serious, committed applicant—not a wacky risk taker—so write clearly and avoid any unnecessary distractions such as images, colors, and unprofessional fonts.

Most importantly, remember that your graduate school personal statement should focus on your successes. Try to use strong, encouraging words and put positive twists on difficult experiences whenever possible. It’s OK to mention your setbacks, too—just as long as you’re discussing how you ultimately overcame (or plan to overcome) them.

Inspirations for Your Research Interests

Schools don’t only want to see clearly defined research interests but also  why you have these particular interests.   While the statement of purpose elaborates on your professional goals, the personal statement explains what personally motivated you to explore your interests.

For example, in my personal statement for a Japanese Studies MA program, I wrote about my hot-and-cold relationship with the Japanese language and how a literature class and a stint abroad ultimately inspired me to keep learning.

Don’t make the mistake of going way back to the beginning to start your essay. Many applicants open their statements with something along the lines of “I fell in love with psychology when I was ten years old” or “It all started when I was in high school.” But these broad statements lack the creativity and zest needed to secure an acceptance, so avoid them at all costs.

Your Motivation for Applying to Grad School

Your statement of purpose should explain why grad school is a practical next step in your professional life—but your personal statement should focus on what personally motivates you to take this step.

Generally, schools want answers to the following questions:

• Why is grad school an appropriate step for you now?
• How will a graduate degree help you achieve your goals?
• Why didn’t you apply to grad school earlier (if you took time off after undergrad)?
• Were there any struggles or problems you faced that prevented you from applying to grad school before?

Be honest about why you’re applying, both to grad school and the program in particular. In my graduate school essay, I discussed how my passion for Japanese literature and desire to translate it inspired me to seek advanced language training at the graduate level.

Strong Writing Skills

A great personal statement shows that you can write cogently and coherently. After all, strong writing skills are imperative for success as a grad student!

So in addition to telling a good story, make sure you use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Use paragraphs to break up your thoughts, too. Because the personal statement is slightly less formal than the statement of purpose, feel free to play around a little with paragraph form and length.

Also, remember that  good writing doesn’t necessarily equal big words.  You’re writing about yourself, so use words that come naturally to you. Don’t grab a thesaurus and start throwing in a bunch of high-level vocabulary wherever you can; this will make your essay sound less authentic, not to mention stiff.

On the other hand, don’t get too colloquial. You’ll lose respect if you start inserting conversational words such as “gonna” and “gotta.” Therefore, look for the middle ground and write from there.

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Explanations for Any Hiccups in Your Academic Career

Lastly, the personal statement  gives applicants a chance to explain any problems or changes in their academic histories, such as low grades or gaps in education.

Because transcripts and resumes are severely limited in what information they give, schools often use the personal statement to understand your reasons for abrupt changes in your resume and/or transcripts, and to see how you’ve overcome these barriers in your education (and life).

Essentially, a personal statement equalizes the playing field by giving you full rein to explain yourself and emphasize your success over any struggles you’ve had.

How to Write a Personal Statement for Grad School: 9-Step Guide

The personal statement is a fiercely important part of your grad school application. In this section, we teach you how to write a memorable personal statement for grad school so that you’ll have a better shot at getting accepted.

Step 1: Start Early

Personal statements (actually, grad school applications in general!) take a lot of work, so don’t put off writing your essay until the week before your deadline. Rather, try to start working on your essay at least two or three months before your application is due.

You might want to give yourself more time to write it if you’re currently in school or working a demanding job. Setting aside more time lets you work on your graduate school essay routinely without having to squeeze in too many hours each week.

If you only have a month or less until your application deadline, get started on your essay pronto! Though it’s possible to write a personal statement quickly, I recommend carving out more time so that you can put more thought and effort into what you write and how you present yourself. (Doing this also gives others more time to edit your essay for you! We’ll cover this more in later steps.)

Step 2: Read the Instructions

Perhaps the most important step is to read your program’s instructions for the personal statement. Not following these instructions could very well result in a rejection, so always read these first before you start writing! Most programs put their personal statement instructions on their application materials pages.

Your program should give you the following information:

• What type of content your personal statement should include or generally focus on (you might even get an actual prompt to answer!)
• How long your statement should be
• What type of heading, if any, you must include on your statement
• How to save and submit your statement (e.g., .docx, PDF, etc.)

For example, let’s say you’re applying to the History PhD program at UC Berkeley . In this case, your personal statement can’t exceed 1,000 words (three double-spaced pages). You must also answer this prompt :

Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include information on how you have overcome barriers to access in higher education, evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others, evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, evidence of your research focusing on underserved populations or related issues of inequality, or evidence of your leadership among such groups.

On the other hand, if you were to apply for an MS in Mining, Geological, and Geophysical Engineering at the University of Arizona , your personal statement would follow these parameters:

Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself, in terms of your research interests, research experience and research goals. Unless you have extensive research experience, most personal statements should be about two single-spaced pages. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct and professional in tone. You may convey some personal experiences that have led to your current interests or that make you a particularly promising candidate.

Clearly, grad programs can approach personal statements quite differently. Some schools consider them the same as statements of purpose and want a formal focus on academic and research interests, while others want applicants to explain more informally the challenges they’ve overcome to get to this point.

Simply put,  follow your program’s directions exactly in order to give yourself your best shot at admission.  And if any part of the instructions is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact your program!

Step 3: Figure Out Your Angle

Your “angle,” or focus, in your graduate school personal statement will depend on a few key factors:

• What your grad program wants you to write about
• Your field of study and research interests
• How much experience you have in your field

As I mentioned in step 2, it’s extremely important to  read the personal statement instructions for your program. Many times these guidelines will tell you what to include in your essay, thereby clarifying what your overall angle needs to be.

Let’s look back at the example we used above for UC Berkeley’s doctoral program in history. If you were applying here and came from a low-income family, you could discuss how you’ve overcome these financial challenges in your life to get to where you are today.

No matter the prompt, you’ll need to discuss your research interests (to some degree) in your personal statement.  How much you talk about your interests, however, will depend on whether you have to submit a separate statement of purpose. If so, you can focus less on your research plans and more on your passions and motivations for applying.

On the other hand, if your personal statement is essentially a statement of purpose, dive deep into your research interests—that is,  be specific! For example, those applying to English lit programs should think about the works, eras, and writers they want to study, and why.

More broadly, though, try to answer the question of  what you hope to accomplish, either during or after the program. Is there any particular project you want to do? Skills you want to improve? Field you want to break into?

Finally, always choose a positive angle.  Use affirmative words and phrases to highlight both your successes and overall enthusiasm for the program.

Step 4: Ask Yourself, “Why This Program? Why This Field?”

Although the statement of purpose usually answers this question directly, you’ll likely need to address this in your personal statement as well—ideally, with a less academic and more conversational tone.

As you brainstorm, try to come up with answers to the following questions:

• What goals or experiences led you to apply to this program?
• How will this program help you grow on a personal level?
• What made you interested in this field? Why do you want to study it more?
• What are your research interests? How did you develop these interests?
• Are there any particular professors you wish to work with?

Step 5: Make an Outline

Now that you’ve brainstormed some ideas, it’s time to start outlining your essay.

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How you choose to outline your statement is up to you. Some people like drawing bubble charts for organizing their thoughts, whereas others (like myself) prefer to write a list of rough ideas in the general order they want to present them.

Even if you’re not sure whether you want to include something, just add it to your outline anyway. You can always cut it out later as you draft and edit.

Step 6: Draft Your Essay

It’s now time to start writing! Once you’ve got your outline ready, work on expanding what you’ve written into full-fledged paragraphs.

In the beginning, it’s OK to write down anything you feel is relevant, but as you continue to draft, try to look for any extraneous information you can chop.

Remember, most personal statements will be short— usually one to two double-spaced pages—so you don’t want to risk exceeding your program’s word limit. Schools want to see that you can tell a story concisely yet effectively.

If you’re having trouble coming up with a way to open your statement, try skipping around as you draft. Go ahead and jump to a paragraph you have more ideas for—it’s perfectly OK! Just make sure you start to tie all of your ideas together the closer you get to finishing your draft.

On a related note, be careful not to copy any material from your statement of purpose (if you’re required to submit two separate essays). These statements may share a little overlap but should still focus on different aspects of your (academic) life, accomplishments, and goals.

Step 7: Get Feedback

Once you finish drafting, give your essay to people you trust for feedback. This could be a parent, friend, sibling, or mentor (such as a former or current professor).

Ask your editors to give you  specific feedback  on what you can change, both stylistically and technically, to make it more impactful. Ideally, they’ll also note any unclear, awkward, or redundant ideas/phrases and will offer you helpful suggestions for improvement.

If you’ve written a separate statement of purpose, see whether your editors are willing to check that essay over as well so that you can ensure there isn’t too much overlap between the two.

Step 8: Revise & Edit Your Essay

Once you get feedback, revise and edit your personal statement using your editors’ comments as a guide.

For example, if your editors told you your essay lacked detail, look for places in your writing where you can be more specific and that are likely to have a strong impact on the admission committee.

As you revise, keep an eye out for any awkward sentences or extraneous information. Personal statements are usually pretty brief and you don’t want to accidentally exceed the word limit. So when in doubt, take it out!

Step 9: Proofread

The final step is to proofread your draft. Start by using your computer’s spell check function to quickly find any glaring typos and grammatical errors.

Then, proofread your essay one sentence at a time. Since it’s easy to miss errors in your own writing, I recommend editing your essay from back to front (i.e., from the last sentence to the first sentence). Doing this prevents you from glossing over words and lets you pinpoint punctuation, spelling, and grammatical errors more easily.

In addition, check that you have page numbers on each page (if required—though I suggest adding them regardless) and a proper heading (again, if required) that meets the requirements of your program.

Before you submit it, see if you can get someone else (preferably one or all of your editors from step 7) to look over your final draft as well.  If anyone spots a problem with your essay, go back to step 8. If you get all thumbs ups, read over your statement one last time and then turn it in without looking back! (Seriously, don’t read it again or you’re going to want to change something.)

The Key to a Great Graduate School Personal Statement

The personal statement is an essential part of your grad school application. Like the statement of purpose, it highlights your research interests, experiences, and goals.

But more importantly, the personal statement showcases  your unbridled passion for your field, lets you reflect on challenges you’ve faced (and subsequently overcome), and answers the overarching question of why you want to attend grad school.

A great graduate school personal statement will normally include most or all of the following elements:

• A compelling story
• Inspirations for your research interests
• Your motivation for applying to grad school
• Strong writing skills
• Explanations for any changes or problems in your academic career

Above, we walked you through how to write a personal statement for grad school. To recap, here are the nine steps to follow:

• Start early—at least two or three months before your application is due
• Read your program’s instructions for the personal statement
• Figure out your angle by brainstorming ideas
• Ask yourself, “Why this program/field?”
• Make an outline using charts, a list, etc.
• Draft your essay
• Get specific feedback from multiple editors
• Revise and edit your essay
• Proofread (and get other people to proofread it, too!)

What’s Next?

Need to write a statement of purpose, too? Waste no time!  Our expert guide offers tons of tips to help you come up with a statement of purpose that’s certain to impress admission committees.

Do your schools require a CV or resume?  If you’re totally lost on where to begin, read our guides to learn how to put together a great CV or resume for grad school. And for extra help, check out our four original CV and resume templates !

What do you need to submit for your grad school application?  Get the scoop on what kinds of materials you’ll need to prepare when applying to grad school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Hannah Muniz

Hannah graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in English and East Asian languages and cultures. After graduation, she taught English in Japan for two years via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. View all posts by Hannah Muniz

What Is The UCAS Deadline For Personal Statements?

It’s too simple to say that there’s one UCAS deadline, especially for undergraduate applications.

Depending on your subject or university choice and your own decision-making process, you might want to take advantage of some of that flexibility before submitting your application.

So, what is the UCAS deadline that matters most to you?

The UCAS deadline for undergraduate study relates to the last day that universities are required to treat your application with ‘equal consideration’. This is usually 15 January, although extended to January 26 in 2022. Applications can be made after this time, right through until courses begin.

However, there are other UCAS deadlines that you should be aware of, and I’ll outline these clearly below, as well as give you a snapshot of key US application dates too.

What is the UCAS Deadline for Personal Statements?

The UCAS undergraduate admissions cycle opens in early September of the academic year before a course begins, and you can submit your application at any point from that date onwards.

However, it can make sense to wait a little before you send in your personal statement, as it will give you and your teachers/counsellors or readers more time to help you develop some great content.

It also gives you a little more time to establish a broader range of achievements and to complete some wider reading . An ideal time to apply is late October/early November, which gives you the first half of the autumn term to get your application pitch perfect and gives your school or external referee time to send their elements through as well.

The deadline for applications to the University of Oxford , the University of Cambridge and for Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry courses is October 15 in the year before taking up a non-deferred place, much earlier in the application cycle.

This early date is partly due to the time needed to process what are often large numbers of applicants but also to give applicants the opportunity to sit additional tests in order to establish suitability.

If you’re a bit behind on this process, don’t worry. Just remember…

The UCAS deadline for personal statements can vary but is traditionally mid-January in the year you intend to take up a place unless you are making a deferred application. Historically the specific date was January 15, but from 2022 onwards, this has been extended to January 26.

You can check the most recent information at UCAS here .

Can I Apply to UCAS After 15 th January?

You can apply to UCAS at any point after the January deadline, up until late June. Applications for undergraduate courses can still be submitted from July onwards, but applicants will usually need to wait for Clearing to open to gain access to the courses that remain available.

However, there are a number of reasons why applying this late in the cycle is likely to disadvantage you:

• Once the January deadline has passed, universities are no longer obliged to consider your application. In other words, they do not have to read it or take the time to make an informed decision. They can simply reject you.
• The majority of competitive courses will have already reached their maximum number of offers, meaning that the later in the process you apply, the fewer spaces are available, and the less choice you will have on subjects, courses and campuses.
• Late applications can be an indication to an admissions team that the applicant is disorganised, unmotivated or unsure about their academic ambitions. That can lead to an application being rejected.
• Very late applications make securing accommodation and funding more challenging.
• The current cycle is designed to leave the spring and summer terms largely clear for study and the completion of advanced level qualifications, without the distraction of the application process. Leaving your application to the last minute can have a detrimental effect on your current studies.

If you possibly can, you should aim to beat the January deadline and submit your personal statement in early November. However, if you do miss your deadline, the best thing to do is to contact UCAS directly, usually via your student hub , and then talk directly with individual universities to establish whether a late application would be welcomed.

What’s the Deadline for Postgraduate Applications?

There is no official deadline for UK postgraduate applications . Most universities are keen to accept applications up until the July prior to courses starting in the autumn. As with undergraduate courses, the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a place on the course of your choice.

To be safe, apply at least six months in advance – so around March for a course that starts in September/October. UCAS

The danger with this lack of a formal deadline is that you might delay the application and end up in a rush to get your personal statement completed.

To avoid making that mistake, make sure you organise your resources in advance and prioritise your application with the same level of focus that you place on your undergraduate study.

What About Deadlines for US Uni Applications?

US undergraduate university admissions have a greater range of deadlines than the UK. They are divided into four types; regular decision, early action, early decision and rolling admissions. Different institutions have varying dates for these, so checking a specific university’s requirements is key.

The Early Decision and Action deadline for US applications is 1 November, with follow-up decisions taking place in the new year. The next Early Decision round is 15 November.

Regular Decision deadlines run throughout January, with the majority coming at he start of the month. February 1 and February 15 are also key dates for applications to reach many US universities.

Can you Apply to UK Universities Without UCAS?

As a potential undergraduate, you can apply directly to most UK universities for single courses, bypassing the need to apply through UCAS. You will not be able to apply for other courses, however. You can also apply directly for short courses that do not lead to degree qualifications.

Other specific or specialised courses at universities and other institutions in the UK often prefer direct applications, the most common of which are Art Foundation courses. These frequently do not run through UCAS, and you can find more information on these here .

Good luck with your personal statement, and don’t forget to contact me if you’d like some 1-1 support. You’ve got this! D

Research and content verified by Personal Statement Planet .

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

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Application Process

On-campus llm application process.

The LLM admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis.

To be admissible to our LLM programs, you are required to hold a first professional law degree. For domestic applicants, a JD is required. For international applicants, the requirement may be fulfilled by an LLB or its equivalent from an accredited or comparably recognized law school outside the United States.

Applicants are notified as soon as an admission decision has been made. We highly recommend you submit your application and supporting materials as early as possible. For priority consideration, applicants to the On-Campus LLM are encouraged to submit their applications by April 1 for fall entry.

The application is available online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The LLM program direct application is available here .

Application Checklist*

• Northeastern University School of Law LLM Application Form (available through the  Law School Admission Council  or via our  website ). The application is available via the "Apply Now"  tab on our website.
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Two-page Personal Statement
• **One letter of recommendation
• **Official transcripts. If applicable, transcripts should be translated into English.
• **Score reports for the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL iBT®)  or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  if English is not your first language.
• **The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is not required, but applicants who have taken it should submit a report of their score.

*Any document submitted to the School of Law as part of the application becomes university property and will not be returned to the student. 

**If you apply through the  Law School Admission Council , your LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) report will include your letter of recommendation, transcripts and test scores.

Once admitted to the LLM Program, you will be asked to submit a non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 to secure your place in the class. Admitted students who are not US citizens and who need an I-20 for a student visa application or for a change of immigration status will be required to provide documentation of financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of the LLM Program and all living expenses that will be incurred while pursuing the degree.

LLM Credential Assembly Service

The LLM Program at Northeastern University School of Law accepts applications directly or through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Students who apply through LSAC should register with the LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) provided by LSAC. This service collects and authenticates your academic records and letters of recommendation, and (if applicable) your TOEFL iBT® or IELTS score report. Once complete, LSAC sends the CAS report, including all your documents and evaluations of any international transcripts, to Northeastern University School of Law. To use the Credential Assembly Service, register for an account at LSAC.org and follow the instructions to register for the service. Questions about the Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at +1.215.968.1315.

Transcripts

Transcripts for all previously attended colleges and universities, law schools and graduate schools must be sent directly by the schools to LSAC's LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) or to the Northeastern University School of Law LLM Program.

NU Transcript Policy

NU’s transcript policy requires enrolling graduate and professional degree program students to submit to NU official transcripts including evidence of the completion of the bachelor’s degree and the date of degree conferral within 30 days from the start of their first academic term. Failure to complete this requirement will result in a registration hold being placed on the student’s account preventing future term course registration.

Official Transcript Requirements and Definition: You are required to arrange for receipt by NUSL your transcripts (or marksheets) that evidences all university-level (post-secondary education) courses, credits and grades (or marks) from any and all colleges or universities that you have ever attended, whether or not you received a degree from said colleges or universities. If you hold a degree from any previous institution, and if the transcripts do not evidence the completion of a degree, you are also required to arrange for receipt by NUSL an official certificate of completion or diploma that evidences the degree that you hold, and the date of degree conferral. An official document/transcript is one that is generally printed on security sensitive paper, and includes a university seal, and the signature of the registrar’s office or similar authority. Official electronic transcripts also include a university seal and the signature of the registrar’s office. Generally, any document received directly from a student is not considered official, unless it is received in a sealed package or envelope. An official document is typically one that is sent from the originating institution or company directly to NUSL or LSAC for processing. Documents received by NU become the property of NU and cannot be returned.

Deadline: You are encouraged to complete this requirement prior to matriculation. You are required to complete this requirement by/before deadline: 30 days after the first day of classes of your effective term of entry (e.g. if September 15 is the first day of the term for which you plan to course enroll/matriculate, you must complete this requirement by October 14). After the deadline, students will not be allowed to enroll for the subsequent term unless and until they fulfill this requirement.

Standardized Tests

Applicants to the LLM Program whose first language is not English should provide a  TOEFL iBT®  or  IELTS  score report.  Applicants whose first law degree was conducted in English are not required to provide a  T OEFL iBT®  or  IELTS  score report.

The TOEFL iBT® is offered by: Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL Services P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA Phone: (609) 771-7100 Email:  [email protected] Website:  www.ets.org/toefl

Contact the ETS and request that your TOEFL score be sent directly to LSAC or directly to Northeastern. The TOEFL code for LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service is  8395 ; the TOEFL code for Northeastern University School of Law is 4999 . The ETS website can provide current information about test registration and scheduling. Northeastern University School of Law also accepts an official IELTS score report. Test scheduling and registration information for the IELTS exam can be found on the IELTS website .

On-Campus LLM applicants who achieve a score of 85 or better on the TOEFL iBT® or an IELTS overall band score of 6.5 or better will be considered for admission.  Applicants with a TOEFL score of 79-84 will be considered for admission and required to complete an oral interview via the internet or in person as part of the application process.

The LSAT is not required for entry into the LLM Program, but applicants who have taken it should submit their score.

Recommendations

Applicants must have one letter of recommendation submitted by their recommender, either directly to the Northeastern University School of Law LLM Program or through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service, which is part of the CAS registration. A maximum of two letters of recommendation may be submitted. We suggest that applicants select individuals who have first-hand knowledge of their academic work, intellectual and personal qualities, and other characteristics that make them a strong LLM candidate.

All applicants must submit a résumé or curriculum vitae as part of the application. The résumé may include academic and professional honors received (e.g., prizes, scholarly awards, membership in honor societies, recognition/service awards); extracurricular and community activities; work experience; and references for any scholarly publications.

Personal Statement of Purpose

All applicants must provide a personal statement of purpose, written in their own words. The personal statement should be two pages, double-spaced. It should discuss the applicant’s reasons for applying to the Northeastern University School of Law’s LLM Program and explain how the degree relates to the applicant's professional and personal goals.

How to Apply

Penn students and alumni are shaping the future of engineering and transforming the world. are you ready to join them.

The application process is straightforward, and we’re here to help. We evaluate your application holistically based on the following components:

The Application

When you’re ready, start your online application here . 

Your Professional Resume

We look at your resume to learn about your job skills, the depth of your professional experience, your leadership experience and more. 

A Personal Statement

In two pages or less, write an essay that answers the questions below. (But if you’re applying to the Integrated Product Design program, see the IPD-specific questions here .) Use specific examples where possible.

• Why are you interested in this program?
• What have you done that makes you a great candidate?
• How will you benefit from the program?
• How do you plan to contribute to the student community in Penn Engineering while you’re here?
• Why will you succeed in the program?
• What will you do/accomplish once you have completed the program?

Letters of Recommendation

Please provide two letters of recommendation (three for the CIS Ph.D. and BE Ph.D. “Medical Physics” concentration only), including one from a faculty member who is familiar with your scholarly abilities.

• Your letter writers will receive an email when you enter their contact information in the application for admission. 
• The email provides a link to fill out a form and upload their letter. 
• We don’t have any formal requirements or guidelines for how the letters should be written.

Transcripts

When you apply, please submit an unofficial transcript from each university or college where you earned course credit. Your transcripts must be in English.

If your original transcript is not in English, we encourage you to use a transcript evaluation and translation service such as Educational Perspectives . If you are from a Chinese institution, we encourage you to use the Center for Student Services and Development .

For applicants using WES transcript evaluation, please arrange to have your report sent to:

University of Pennsylvania Dept: SEAS Graduate Admissions (Engineering)

Official transcripts are only required if you have been admitted and choose to enroll.

The Application Fee

Please pay the $90 nonrefundable application fee along with your online application. You may qualify for a fee waiver if you are in one of the following categories: 

• US citizens or permanent residents with proven low-income background
• Applicants with Penn or military affiliation
• Eligible students from a US partner institution applying to an Accelerated Master’s program

If you meet one of these criteria, your fee will be automatically waived.

GRE (Optional)

The GRE is optional during the 2024-2025 application cycle, and it won’t hurt your application if you choose not to take it. But if you have taken the exam and received valid scores, we encourage you to submit them. Here’s what you need to know if you decide to submit your scores: 

• The institution code to use for the GRE exam is 2888.
• Test results must be valid at the time you submit your application.
• You must take the exam by the application deadline.

English Language Proficiency (for international students)

If you are an international applicant or a non-US citizen or permanent resident and English is not your native language, you must submit official scores for (1) the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), (2) the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or (3) Duolingo English Test (DET).

• The institution code for the TOEFL exam is 2888.
• Test results must be valid when you submit your application.
• Test scores from at-home administration of the GRE and TOEFL exams are accepted. 
• Please send your IELTS score report electronically to “University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science.”
• Please send your DET score report electronically to “ University of Pennsylvania – School of Engineering and Applied Science – Graduate.”

Test Waivers

To have the English-language requirement waived, you must meet one of the following criteria by the time of matriculation:

• Graduate from a program in the United States;
• Attend school in a country in which English is recognized as the official language; or,
• Graduate from an institution where the medium of instruction is English, and this is indicated on the unofficial transcript

If you meet one of these criteria, this requirement will be automatically waived.

Recommended Scores

You don’t have to achieve a particular score to be admitted, but we recommend that you aim for at least the following scores:

Ph.D. Admissions Timeline

15 Sep Application opens

15 Dec Application deadline

15 Apr Admissions decisions released **Release Update: Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect a decision by April 15.

Master’s Degree Admissions Timeline

1 Nov Early admissions deadline (for CIS, Data Science, and MCIT on-campus programs with two deadlines)

14 Jan Early admissions decisions released

1 Feb Regular admissions deadline

1 Apr Regular admissions decisions released

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Undergraduate

Writing your personal statement

Your personal statement should show your interest in the subject and demonstrate your skills and abilities.

It should set you apart from applicants who have similar qualifications. If you're interviewed , your personal statement can help set the agenda for the interview discussion.

To help you write a persuasive personal statement, we've prepared some top tips to help you understand what we're looking for.

Be specific and give examples

If you have a record of achievement or an up-to-date CV, it can remind you which activities to include, but the key is being selective about what you write. Make sure what you write is relevant to the courses and universities you're applying to, rather than writing a list of your skills or attributes.

As a rough guide, you should only refer to current or recent activities.

If you have any questions about the application process, our Admissions team will be happy to help.

[email protected] +44 (0)1904 324000

Related links

• UCAS guidance: Writing a personal statement

Nailing your personal statement

Law student Sharon gives advice for the most important part of your uni application, from showing skills to avoiding distraction.

Personal statement tips

Student Recruitment Officer Vicki gives some top tips on how best to approach writing your personal statement.

Be clear about why you're applying to the course

This is especially important if you are applying for something you haven't studied before.

• Why have you applied for these courses?
• Why do you want to study the subject?
• How has your interest for the subject developed, or how have you pursued it?

Give evidence of commitment beyond the curriculum

For competitive courses, this is vital.

• How do you stand out from the crowd?
• Have you shown that you're prepared for the breadth and depth of a university degree?

Work experience

Describe any work experience you have, especially if it's relevant to the course. For some courses, such as Medicine or Nursing, work experience may be essential. You may also wish to consider other online opportunities, such as MOOCs or online work experience.

Extracurricular activities

Your statement should give information about extracurricular involvements, such as sporting achievements, voluntary work or additional activities, such as listening to relevant podcasts or reading journals. If you're not in school or college, you should talk about life experience and previous employment.

These can help to show that you are enthusiastic and have the ability to set priorities and manage your time. They may also be relevant to the course you're applying for.

You should point out the relevance of your experience, even if the bare facts are mentioned elsewhere on the form:

• maybe mention any career plans or gap year plans
• give information about yourself, in greater detail than what you have already supplied on the UCAS application

Get feedback

Allow time for proofreading and editing your personal statement, and ask other people to read it; they may spot problems or opportunities.

Remember to ensure that this is all your own work. UCAS uses the Similarity Detection Service, which means they will scan through your personal statement to spot anything that has been submitted before.

Consider your presentation

Leave some space by skipping a line between paragraphs – this will make it easier for admissions selectors to read. You will still find you can produce a text of about 450-500 words in the space available.

Download the guide 

If you wish, you can also download our printable guide, which includes a space for you to write some notes about your statement.

Juris Doctor Application Requirements

Each candidate must submit to the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law a completed application for admission available online through the Law School Admission Council's website . The application deadlines are:

• Final Deadline: February 1
• Priority Deadline: February 1
• Final Deadline: April 1  

All applicants for admission must have received a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to law school registration. To be considered for admission, each candidate must submit the following:

• A non-refundable application fee - Waived for the 2024 application
• Completed, signed, and dated application

Personal Statement

• Optional Statement(s)
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Score or Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) score
• Registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
• International Student Data Form (for visa holders)

Please attach to your application for admission a resumé, including a record of employment, scholastic honors, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Please include a two- to four-page, double-spaced personal statement indicating fully your reasons for wanting to study law, why you chose to apply to Pepperdine Caruso Law, significant extracurricular and/or civic activities, and any further information that you feel should be considered by the Admissions Committee. 

Optional Statements

You may choose to respond to either or both prompts below to provide the Admissions Committee with additional information about yourself and the contribution you would make to our unique Pepperdine Caruso Law community. 

#1 Christian Mission

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Caruso Law's dedication to our Christian mission drives a deep desire to embody and imbue in our students the highest standards of ethics and morality. We are proud to have a strong Christian faculty that also includes several professors from other faiths. We welcome students of all faiths, as well as students who are not part of any faith tradition. Our complete mission and vision can be found here . Please share how you would contribute to this unique community.

#2 Background, Life Experience, and Perspective

Pepperdine Caruso Law is a community of belonging with students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a culture in which each person’s voice and convictions enhance our shared community. Please share with the Admissions Committee how your background, life experiences, and perspective have shaped your courage, determination, and character and ability to contribute uniquely to the culture of the Pepperdine Caruso Law community. 

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should be furnished by those individuals who can best assess your ability to succeed in law school. When possible, at least one of the recommendations should be provided by a faculty member with whom you pursued your undergraduate studies. Relatives should not be asked to submit recommendations.

Pepperdine Caruso Law is currently accepting the LSAT, LSAT Flex and GRE. It is recommended that you take a standardized test by March of the year in which you are seeking admission.

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) has free resources to help students prepare for the LSAT. Students may also purchase an LSAT prep course from a variety of vendors.

Yes. All ABA-accredited law schools will require you to register with CAS.

Pepperdine Caruso Law does not use numerical cutoffs in admissions decisions.

The current median GPA is 3.80 and the current median LSAT is 164. Median numbers are calculated from the current first-year class.

Pepperdine Caruso Law considers the highest score that is still valid.

Yes. A CAS report is required from all applicants regardless of whether they take the GRE, the LSAT, or both.

Pepperdine Caruso Law will average your "Percent Below" values from both your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and compare that average to our median LSAT score percentile. For example, the current Pepperdine Caruso Law LSAT median is a 164, which is about the 89th percentile of all LSAT takers. Therefore, a comparable score on the GRE would be one that scored in the 89th percentile of that test.

Pepperdine Caruso Law's LSAT median is a 164, which is about the 89th percentile of all LSAT takers. Therefore, a comparable score on the GRE would be one that scored in the 89th percentile of that test.

If you submit a GRE and an LSAT score, we will evaluate both scores.

We will only accept official GRE score reports from ETS. Please indicate "Pepperdine University" as a recipient of your test scores. For more information on submitting official score reports, please visit the ETS website.

Our school code is 4371.

No, you are not required to submit your GRE score and we will not see that score unless you send it to us.

Yes. Because a CAS report is required of all applicants, Pepperdine Caruso Law will automatically receive all valid LSAT scores.

Yes. The Admissions Committee will accept either test score. We consider all applications holistically and will evaluate applications similarly regardless of test type.

Perhaps. A materially higher score on one or the other might improve your chances of admission. You should prepare for and take the test that you feel is most indicative of your academic ability.

Standards of Admission

Responsibility for evaluation of candidates for admission is vested in the faculty Admissions Committee. Completed files are sent to the Committee, where objective criteria such as the undergraduate grade point average and the Law School Admission Test score are carefully evaluated. Objective information regarding admitted students can be found here . The next stage of the evaluation is subjective and includes employment experience, extracurricular activities, evaluation of the applicant's ability to make a positive contribution to the unique environment of a Christian law school, community involvement, commitment to high standards or morality and ethics, reasons for wanting to study law, competence in writing and speaking, emotional stability, maturity, initiative, motivation, and other relevant subjective information furnished by the applicant.

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Applying to Law School

Main navigation.

It is strongly recommended that you consult with the Stanford Pre-law advisor as you prepare to apply to law school.

The application to law school is processed through  LSAC.org , an umbrella organization that serves as a clearinghouse for law school applications.  Applicants use the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) located on this website to fill out the common application, and then fill out each school specific application before submitting everything electronically.  The LSAC forwards your applications to each school you have applied to (i.e. you do not send the application directly to the schools).

Visit the LSAC online for an overview and  detailed explanation of application process  to law school.

Steps to Apply to Law School

• Meet with the Stanford Pre-law advisor for an overview of the application process, to ensure that you know about resources for Stanford applicants to law school, and for answers to any questions you have about applying.
• Register for the  LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.  All ABA approved law schools require applicants to use this service. There is a fee.
• Send official transcripts from Stanford and all colleges you have attended to LSAC. Visit How do I request an eTranscript to be sent to LSAC?  to order your electronic transcript.
• Request  Recommendations  and have them submitted to LSAC. If you use the LSAC service, you must download and give each recommender the required form.
• Fill out and electronically submit your application online, attaching the Personal Statement   and Resume. More detailed advice can be found at  Personal Statement Advice #1  and  Personal Statement Advice #2.
• Pay your application fee.
• Your LSAT score is automatically reported to schools as part of your application.

Additional Advice for Applicants

When to apply.

• Applicants typically  apply one year before starting law school .  Applications open in September and official deadlines are typically in February (check for specific deadlines) although some law schools accept applications until all seats have been filled (usually by June).  It is strongly advised that applications be  completed no later than November 1,  because there are more seats available early in the process.

Law School Application Timeline

Gap Year Considerations & Opportunities

Diversity in Law School Admissions: Advice for Underrepresented Applicants

Increasing applicants who represent diversity is a goal of law schools, who aim to have a student body and practicing lawyers in numbers more representative of the US population.  Diversity is broadly considered to include ethnicity, sexual identity, low income and first generation applicants, and applicants with disabilities, among others.  If you are a member of an underrepresented cohort, law schools are interested in understanding how this has impacted you. There are opportunities available to you to understand the resources available to you both to prepare for and apply to law school. Please also review the Resources for Pre-law Students  section.

Your pre-law advisor is available to assist you in identifying resources and strategies to ensure your successful application to law schools.

Resources for Diversity Students:

• LSAC Racially/Ethnically Diverse Applicants
• LSAC Helpful Resources for Racially/Ethnically Diverse Applicants
• LSAC How to Prepare for Your Legal Education
• LSAC Diversity Scholarships
• LSAT and Law School Admissions Blog
• Kristen Mercado, UC Davis Admissions:  6 Things I Wish I Knew When I Applied to Law School
• Law School Applicants with Disabilities:  FAQ for Applicants with Disabilities

Diversity in Law School Admissions: Advice for International Students Applying to US law schools

US law schools generally welcome applications from international students. However, financial aid can be limited for international students (international students are not eligible for federal financial aid programs).  If you are an international student, it is important for you to review the websites of law schools in which you are interested, and if possible, you are encouraged to visit at least a few law schools for a discussion about your status as an international applicant. Your pre-law advisor is available to assist you. See below for a few helpful links.

Advice for International Students Applying to US Law Schools:

• LSAC International Transcripts
• UC Berkeley Law International Students
• An International Student's Guide to Applying to U.S. Law Schools
• Law School Application Tips for Foreign Students
• 15 U.S. Colleges That Offer the Most Financial Aid to International Students
• Harvard Law School - FAQ for International J.D. Applicants

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a critical piece of the application. You are encouraged to consult with your pre-law advisor, who may also ask to review a final draft of your statement. More detailed advice is also available at  Personal Statement Advice #1  and  Personal Statement Advice #2.  

Recommendations

Detailed advice related to Recommendations can be  found here.

Applicants attach an updated resume to each school application.  Stanford Career Education  offers assistance with content and formatting of resumes.  If you would like the Pre-law advisor to review your resume before you apply, please send your resume as a Word document to  [email protected] .

The pre-law advisor at Stanford is not able to review documents from students/alumni from schools other than Stanford University.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are of interest to law schools who are looking for applicants who have been engaged in their community in leadership positions, public service, athletics for competition or healthy lifestyle, and activities that reflect your values and interests.

Your resume, personal statement, or an addendum can convey to law schools not only that you are a successful student, but also a sense of how well-rounded you are.

The LSAT is the standardized test required by virtually all law schools.  In 2017, Harvard and a few other schools accepted the GRE instead of the LSAT, but this is still the exception rather than the rule.  Taking fully timed practice tests is considered the best way to prepare for the test.   It can take 3-6 months to adequately prepare, and it is advised to take at least 10 practice tests.  Your Pre-law advisor is available to help you decide on a preparation strategy for the LSAT.

The LSAT is designed to test the skills needed to succeed in law school and consists of  five 35-minute sections , including:

• (1) Reading Comprehension section
• (1) Analytical Reasoning section
• (2) Logical Reasoning sections
• (1) writing section.

Another section is unscored, and is used as a variable section to try out new test questions. For complete information about the LSAT, including practice materials, test description, test dates, etc., visit  LSAT Prep.  

Where to Apply

• Choosing a law school demands research and self-evaluation that, frankly, many students approach with insufficient attention.  Although law school rankings are somewhat helpful, the emphasis on “numbers” neglects the more subjective aspects that might make a particular law school a strong match for an applicant.
• Visiting schools before you apply is highly recommended, but a  visit before accepting an offer of admission is absolutely essential .  Schools offer “admit” weekends that are aimed at helping you make the decision of where to attend. 
• Grading policy
• Financial package
• Student life
• Bar passage rate
• Employment trends
• Where the applicant plans to practice
• The Best Law School for You
• Choosing a Law School

Financial Aid

• Law school is an expensive endeavor, and careful planning is essential to financing your law school education.  Your first step is to actively consider the costs.  The ACCESSLEX is an online resource that offers tools for paying for law school.
• When you apply to law school, you will request information on financial aid in the application. Each school will ask for specific information about your financial resources (you will need to fill out the FAFSA forms) and usually, your parents’ income tax information.  Most law students depend on loans to finance law school:  be sure your credit is in good condition in order to obtain the money you need.  There are scholarships available for law school, but competition for grants and scholarships is fierce.  See the specific school web site for information.  Some schools offer only need-based scholarships; some offer only merit based scholarships; some schools offer a combination of need-based and merit based scholarships.
• If you are seeking financial aid to pay for law school, you are required to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and you are advised to do this by February 1 or earlier.
• Many law schools offer loan repayment programs for law school graduates who pursue public interest law or similar jobs that benefit underserved populations. More information can be found on school-specific websites as well as the  American Bar Association (ABA).

Helpful Resources for Financial Planning

• Stafford Loans are federal loans for qualified citizens of the United States. Applicants who are independent and who fill out the FAFSA may apply for subsidized loans for graduate school.
• LSAC Financial Aid Guide
• Scholarship database
• Financial Aid Law School
• SallieMaeBank

Dean's Certification

Some schools require a “Dean’s Certification” to be filled out by your undergraduate institution, often requesting information about academic standing and community standards issues.  At Stanford, the Office of Community Standards is responsible for processing this form.  The Academic Advising Pre-law advisor is not authorized to complete this form. 

For complete instructions, please review the Dean's Certification FAQ's and helpful information at:

• Frequently Asked Questions About Certifications
• Dean's Certification Forms Instructions and Information

Formal interviews taken into consideration for admission purposes are uncommon among law schools.  Some schools are now conducting Skype interviews with at least some applicants.  These are usually 20 minutes and focus on the content of your resume and application content.  Do dress appropriately, and prepare:  have a few questions of your own at hand.

When you visit law schools as a prospective student (see section on “Testing Your Interest in Law School”), you typically have the opportunity to meet with admissions.  While this is an informal meeting, it does represent an opportunity to make a good impression.

Tips to Prepare for a Law School Visit

• Review the specific school website and have several questions about specific opportunities – specialties, clinics, student life, etc. – that indicate you have a sincere interest in the school.
• Dress in business or business casual clothes.
• Behave professionally.

Your Pre-law advisor is available to help you in preparing for a law school visit.

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When Should I Start Writing My Personal Statement?

Wondering when to start your personal statement journey? Crafting your personal statement is an essential part of your application , especially for students in the Philippines aiming for US and UK universities. However, we know that getting started can be challenging. It's advisable to begin the process several months before the deadline , ensuring you have enough time for planning and writing. Therefore, we highly recommend starting your essay early to consider all the necessary aspects. To assist you with this task, here's a suggested timeline to guide your progress!

US and UK Personal Statement requirements

Navigate down the table for additional information.

Suggested timeline

Early exploration (four to six months before the deadline).

Preparation is crucial especially when it comes to your personal statement! You want to build a solid foundation before drafting so start preparing at least four to six months before the due date. Start by conducting a thorough self-assessment to help you identify your personal characteristics and experiences that could contribute to a compelling narrative.

In your reflection, it’s essential to consider both the factual information and the more emotional, human aspect that defines you as a person. Keep in mind that the balance between personal and factual information in your essay may vary depending on whether you’re applying to a US or UK university , so tailor your approach accordingly.

Take your time to deeply reflect on your personal and academic journey so far. Consider what values are important to you, what you’re passionate about, and what keeps you motivated! Such questions will give your personal statement a more authentic feel.

Similarly, think about your achievements and contributions that you’ve made. Which ones are highly relevant to your aspirations and how can you enhance them further? This gives you the opportunity to highlight your most impactful experiences while identifying areas for improvement. Showing how you’ve demonstrated your interests, knowledge, and skills is particularly important for UK personal statements .

Research programme requirements

It’s also important to research the specific programmes and universities you’re interested in to learn about their various requirements and expectations . Explore their website and take a look at their history, values, and mission statement. Some universities favour a strong academic profile while some value more entrepreneurial or creative students. Use this information to your advantage and think about your experiences that align with the university’s values.

Certain course descriptions may even provide insight into what the university is seeking. Take Oxford’s Philosophy, Politics and Economics program for example, which explicitly outlines their admission criteria. Remember, these universities are also looking for students with the best fit.

Planning and drafting (four months before)

Now that you've finished reflecting on your experiences, let's map out your personal statement journey . Starting with a plan can make writing easier and ensure your essay remains focused and cohesive . Begin by listing your main ideas and thinking about the overarching theme of your essay . These points will serve as the foundation for your personal statement, providing a rough outline to guide your writing.

Next, organise your key points into sections to create a coherent structure for your essay. This ensures a smooth flow between paragraphs and that it maintains focus throughout. The Three Step Experience format is particularly useful for crafting a US personal statement. Alternatively for a UK essay, consider structuring it into four key sections : your motivation for applying, the relevance of your studies, your specific interests, and why you are well-suited for the programme.

Now, it's time to start your first draft, ideally two to three months before the deadline! Don't worry too much about word count yet – focus on capturing your main points. Remember, you can always refine later. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Be genuine : Share your true experiences and aspirations, keeping in mind the cultural context and values important to students in the Philippines.
• Use examples : Illustrate your points with specific examples and stories.
• Be concise : Keep your writing focused and to the point, considering the admissions officers' understanding of Philippine culture and education.
• Stay positive : Highlight what you've learned and achieved and maintain a positive tone throughout.

Seeking feedback (one to two months before)

At this stage, you should have at least the first draft ready. Share it with your friends, family, and teachers, and ask for their feedback. This stage is important as they can help identify errors , unnecessary information , or any missed opportunities . In fact, their diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights! Following are some quick ways to gather feedback on your personal statement:

• Peer review: Collaborate with classmates or friends to exchange drafts and provide constructive feedback to each other.
• Teacher or counsellor review: Consult teachers or counsellors who are familiar with your academic journey and achievements for valuable insights and guidance.
• Family review: Engage family members who understand your personal background and experiences for meaningful feedback and perspectives.
• Seek professional advice : Consider reaching out to admissions experts, like those at Crimson Education, for expert guidance and feedback tailored to your goals and aspirations. Our experts have assisted students who have gained admission to Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and many other top universities.

Editing, proofreading and polishing (one month before)

As you enter the final stretch of your personal statement journey, it's time to focus on editing, proofreading, and polishing your document to perfection. Allocate at least a month for this critical task to ensure that your personal statement is polished to perfection before submission.

Begin by carefully reviewing your personal statement and comparing it with your initial outline and earlier drafts. Ensure that you've covered all the key points and addressed the programme requirements (if necessary) effectively. Look for any gaps or inconsistencies that need to be addressed.

One effective editing technique is to read your personal statement aloud . This allows you to evaluate its overall cohesiveness and flow. Pay attention to how the sentences and paragraphs connect with each other. If any sections sound awkward or disjointed, consider making edits to improve clarity and readability.

Online proofreading tools , such as Grammarly , can be incredibly helpful during the editing process. These tools check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, helping you to identify and correct any mistakes. While these tools are useful, remember to use them as a supplement to your own editing efforts rather than relying solely on them.

Finally, give your personal statement a final polish to ensure that it is error-free and polished to perfection. Pay attention to details such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Double-check for any typos or formatting issues that may have been overlooked.

Key Resources & Further Reading

• US Personal Statement Examples from Students in Singapore
• Everything You Need To Know About The Supplemental Essays
• Will ChatGPT Affect the College Application Essay?
• Free eBooks and guides to help with the US and UK university application process

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Crafting a personal statement for your university application can feel overwhelming, but crimson education is here to make the process smoother for you. we provide comprehensive university admissions support, including assistance with your personal statement, to help you create compelling narratives that distinguish you from other applicants..

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The Admissions Process for Online MBA Programs: Application Requirements, Deadlines, and Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking to expand your leadership skills or someone aiming to pivot into a new industry, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree could be your pathway to success. Before you can log in to discuss strategic management principles or dive into the intricacies of business analytics, you must navigate the online MBA admissions process .

This post will dissect the application process and requirements, and share tips on how to make your application not only stand out from the rest but truly reflect your potential as a business leader.

Application Requirements

The admission process for an online MBA program assesses applicants’ qualifications, experience, and potential for success in the program. Acceptance rates to top business schools can be competitive, ranging from 6-20%, meaning that 80-94% of applicants are denied admission. 1 While these acceptance rates aren’t typical for all MBA programs, you will still want your application to present you in the best possible light.

To maximize your chance of acceptance, review the MBA application requirements and deadlines carefully and prepare your application thoughtfully. Experts recommend completing each requirement one at a time; trying to complete them all simultaneously or too quickly can easily lead to burnout. Some experts recommend taking as long as a year and a half to two years to prepare for MBA admissions. 2

The typical application requirements for online MBA programs include:

• Application fee
• MBA admissions committees look for students with strong math skills; 2 if your transcript lacks math courses, you may want to complete some online quant or finance courses 1
• Resume reflecting your work experience
• Standardized test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement essay
• Interview(s)

Traditional MBA Programs

Most MBA programs have three rounds of application deadlines. Applying early to an MBA program can be beneficial. Early rounds usually have more space and scholarships available. You also receive a decision sooner and have more time to plan for graduate school. You should only submit your application early if you’re truly ready. You have a better chance at success if you submit later with a more qualified application. 2

For a traditional MBA program with a fall start date, round one application deadlines are usually in September. The best practice is to start pulling your application materials together at least six months in advance, to make sure it’s ready for the early deadline. 2

Round two is usually in January. Most applicants apply during this round because it gives them extra time to perfect their applications and retake a test or visit the school campuses. Some applicants apply during this round because things didn’t go as hoped during the first round. Before applying again, applicants should consider why their first-round applications were not accepted. They can take this time to write another essay, retake an exam, or improve their resume. 2

Round three usually takes place in March or April. This round is the most difficult from which to receive an acceptance. If applicants were turned down in round one or two, it is recommended to wait until the next application cycle to try again.

Online MBA Programs

Online MBA programs often have multiple start dates—and, therefore, multiple application deadlines—throughout the year. Research carefully to find out the admissions deadlines for your target start date and to plan your application timeline . Santa Clara University’s Online MBA program has four start dates annually, in fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Resume and Work Experience

Online MBA programs often seek out candidates who are engaged in their communities and accomplished within the workplace. MBA admissions officers want to see prospective students’ quality of work, professional maturity, and increased responsibility over time. An MBA application resume should also highlight essential business soft skills such as leadership, communication, and collaboration.

It’s ideal for an MBA applicant to have three to five years of work experience; 3 Santa Clara’s Online MBA application requires three or more. If your professional history includes one or more employment gaps, be honest about them, highlighting the personal and professional benefits you derived from them. Because we can learn from every life experience, time that you've spent traveling, caring for family members, or studying a new language—just as examples—can add to the skills, perspective and maturity that you bring to the MBA program you're hoping to join.

Standardized Test Scores

Some online MBA programs require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

These tests evaluate quantitative and verbal abilities. Test experts recommend spending at least 100 hours 2 or three to six months 1 preparing for the exam. You can retake the tests up to five times per year. Most schools will review only your highest score. 1 Applicants should aim for a score at or above the median among students currently attending the school. The average score for admitted students is typically posted on a school’s website. For Santa Clara University’s Online MBA program, waivers for GMAT and GRE scores can be granted based on applicants’ previous education and work background.

In addition, many business schools will require that international students (for whom English is a non-native language) demonstrate English proficiency by submitting their scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam.

Letters of Recommendation

Most online MBA programs require letters of recommendation from professional or academic references: individuals who can speak to your qualifications, skills, personal qualities, and potential for success in the program. They should support your decision to pursue an MBA. If possible, choose a supervisor or co-worker to write on your behalf. 4 Discuss with them why you want to get an MBA, what your professional goals are, how the setting in which they know you has shown off your best qualities, and how you’ve made an impact on the organization.

The reference letters should also note any skills which you aim to strengthen. Many applicants apply to MBA programs because they want to improve certain weaknesses, so the letters should explain how you plan to address these areas. 4

Personal Statement Essay

Many online MBA programs require applicants to submit an essay outlining their academic and professional background, career goals, reasons for pursuing an MBA, and ways in which the program aligns with their objectives. Focus on the following in your essay: 5

• Specifically explain your professional goals, describing why they’re important and the impact they could have on your community
• Explain why you’re applying to the program; highlight ways in which you see it helping you reach your career goals
• Discuss your work experience and why you’re passionate about working in business
• As specifically as possible, explain why you’re the ideal candidate for this particular program

The Interview and Interview Preparation

Depending on the program, prospective students may be invited to an admissions interview. Interviews are extremely important to the online MBA admissions process. 2 Applicants can use these interviews to show they have the traits that are beneficial for future leaders.

Consider the following tips as you prepare for your interview : 6

• Explain why you want to attend this MBA program.
• Describe how you can contribute to the program .
• Brainstorm possible questions you will be asked, including difficult questions about weaknesses and past mistakes. Have truthful responses to these questions.
• Show confidence, not arrogance. Emphasize your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses in an appropriate way.
• Sharing success stories that show your contributions and accomplishments is more important than just describing your skills. Create a narrative that clearly highlights your abilities.
• Be authentic and truthful. Candidates fall short when they answer interview questions based on what they think the interviewer wants to hear.
• Practice your responses out loud. Write out your responses so you can memorize them. This helps to answer questions quickly and clearly and avoid rambling while in the interview. You want to be prepared and present yourself confidently, without sounding like you have pat, canned answers.
• Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask. They should be specific to the program or the interviewer, not addressing topics easily found on the university website.

Advance professionally. Reach your goals.

Come another important step closer to career success. The acclaimed Online MBA program from the Leavey School of Business features a robust curriculum designed to create business leaders. It also provides the benefits of online learning : You can study from anywhere, on your schedule, without interrupting your professional or personal commitments .

To learn more about the program and the Admissions application requirements , schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.

• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from hbr.org/2021/08/thinking-about-an-mba-heres-how-to-plan-for-it
• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/mba-application-deadlines-when-to-apply-to-business-school
• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/how-much-work-experience-do-i-need-for-mba-programs
• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from fortune.com/education/articles/a-recommendation-letter-can-make-or-break-your-mba-application/
• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/mba-career-goal-essay
• Retrieved on March 18, 2024, from usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/slideshows/ways-to-nail-your-mba-admissions-interview?onepage

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Writing Application Essays and Personal Statements

Some applications ask that you write an essay that draws on more personal reflections. These essays, sometimes called Personal Statements, are an opportunity to show the selection committee who you are as a person: your story, your values, your interests, and why you—and not your peer with a similar resume—are a perfect fit for this opportunity. These narrative essays allow you to really illustrate the person behind the resume, showcasing not only what you think but how you think.

Before you start writing, it’s helpful to really consider the goals of your personal statement:

• To learn more about you as a person: What would you like the selection committee to know about you that can't be covered by other application materials (e.g. resume, transcript, letters of recommendation)? What have been the important moments/influences throughout your journey that have led to where (and who!) you are?
• To learn how you think about the unsolved problems in your field of study/interest: What experiences demonstrate how you've been taught to think and how you tackle challenges?
• To assess whether you fit with the personal qualities sought by the selection committee:  How can you show that you are thoughtful and mature with a good sense of self; that you embody the character, qualities, and experience to be personally ready to thrive in this experience (graduate school and otherwise)? Whatever opportunity you are seeking—going to graduate school, spending the year abroad, conducting public service—is going to be challenging intellectually, emotionally, and financially. This is your opportunity to show that you have the energy and perseverance to succeed.

In general, your job through your personal statement is to show, don’t tell the committee about your journey. If you choose to retell specific anecdotes from your life, focus on one or two relavant, formative experiences—academic, professional, extracurricular—that are emblematic of your development. The essay is where you should showcase the depth of your maturity, not the breadth—that's the resume's job!

Determining the theme of an essay

The personal statement is usually framed with an overarching theme. But how do you come up with a theme that is unique to you? Here are some questions to get you started:

• Question your individuality:  What distinguishes you from your peers? What challenges have you overcome? What was one instance in your life where your values were called  into question?
• Question your field of study:  What first interested you about your field of study? How has your interest in the field changed and developed? How has this discipline shaped you? What are you most passionate about relative to your field?
• Question your non-academic experiences:  Why did you choose the internships, clubs, or activites you did? And what does that suggest about what you value?

Once you have done some reflection, you may notice a theme emerging (justice? innovation? creativity?)—great! Be careful to think beyond your first idea, too, though. Sometimes, the third or fourth theme to come to your mind is the one that will be most compelling to center your essay around.

Writing style

Certainly, your personal statement can have moments of humor or irony that reflect your personality, but the goal is not to show off your creative writing skills or present you as a sparkling conversationalist (that can be part of your interview!). Here, the aim is to present yourself as an interesting person, with a unique background and perspective, and a great future colleague. You should still use good academic writing—although this is not a research paper nor a cover letter—but the tone can be a bit less formal.

Communicating your values

Our work is often linked to our own values, identities, and personal experiences, both positive and negative. However, there can be a vulnerability to sharing these things with strangers. Know that you don't have to write about your most intimate thoughts or experiences, if you don't want to. If you do feel that it’s important that a selection committee knows this about you, reflect on why you would like for them to know that, and then be sure that it has an organic place in your statement. Your passion will come through in how you speak about these topics and their importance in forming you as an individual and budding scholar. 

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Apply today.

We welcome your application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences!  All applications and supporting documents may be submitted through our convenient online application .  

Applicants should apply by the deadlines listed below.  Applicants who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree are welcome to apply to any of the programs offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

In order to better support you, we are making the GRE more accessible. For our programs that require a GRE score, we will accept the GRE General Test at Home for our Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 applicants. Please send your official score report through ETS with our institution code 3087 . You do not need to designate department or program codes  and  may therefore leave these fields blank. If the system requires you to enter a  program code for any reason, you may use  “0000” for the GRE.

GRS Statement on Holistic Admissions

The admissions committee of each of our graduate programs will be looking, as always, at the entire transcript and the cumulative GPA in their evaluation as well as additional test scores, recommendations, and personal statements, as required by specific programs. We encourage applicants to include special circumstances as well as achievements that may not be apparent due to modified grading policies in their personal statements.  This policy has been adopted to ensure that applicants are not differentially evaluated by admissions committee due to the varied impact of COVID-19 on individuals and/or due to the specific grading policies of their colleges/universities.

Statement on the use of Generative AI 

As an innovative research institution, Boston University encourages the exploration of new technologies and recognizes the growing importance of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. However, the Office of Admissions believes that the most insightful and compelling personal statements and writing samples are representative of the author’s authentic voice, research, and effort—a nuance that generative AI tools have not yet achieved.

If you elect to use these tools at any point while writing your essays or producing any other material for your admissions application, they should only be used to support your original ideas rather than to compose your work in its entirety.

As potential future BU graduate students, we expect all applicants to adhere to the same standards of academic honesty as our current students, who are expected to act with integrity when producing academic work and to abide by the  University’s Academic Conduct Code . 

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Admissions Office by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 617-353-2696.

When creating your account, please be sure to use a permanent, non-school-related email address. You will be contacted through the email address you use to create the account, and correspondence may occur after your access to a school-related email account is disabled.

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Program application deadlines at a glance

Spring 2024, gre requirement.

The GRE is required for the following programs:

• African American Studies (MA)
• Archaeology (MA)
• Artificial Intelligence (MS)
• Computer Science (MS)
• Computer Science—Specialization in Cyber Security (MS)
• Computer Science—Specialization in Data-centric Computing (MS)
• Economics (MA)
• Economic Policy (MA)
• Energy & Environment (MS)
• Global Development Economics (MA)
• Psychology (MA)
• Remote Sensing & Geospatial Sciences (MS)

The GRE is not required for any program not listed above.

Additional application requirements by department

African american studies.

Program offered:  

• MA in African American Studies

Application Requirements:

• Transcripts
• Two recommendation letters
• Official GRE General Test score report
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Writing Sample

Application Deadline:

• Fall: January 19

Request More Information    website

Anthropology

Program offered:

• MA in Public Anthropology
• Two recommendations

Application Deadlines:

• Fall: January 17

Archaeology

• MA in Archaeology
• Scholarly writing sample
• Fall: January 12

Request More Information     website

• MS in Biology

Areas of Interest:

• Marine Biology
• Cell & Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
• Neurobiology
• Three recommendation letters
• Fall: Priority: January 12, Final: May 15*

*Priority will be given to applications received by January 12. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until May 15 if the class has not been filled.

Biostatistics.

• MS in Biostatistics
• Previous Coursework Document
• Fall: Priority: February 1, Final: May 1*

*Priority will be given to applications received by February 1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 1 and until May 1 if the class has not been filled.

Classical studies.

• MA in Classical Studies
• MA in Classics & Archaeology

Students who wish to apply to the MA in Classical Studies dual with PhD in Philosophy should visit the Classical Studies website for information on how to apply.

Computer Science

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Artificial Intelligence
• MS in Computer Science with a specialization in Cyber Security
• MS in Computer Science with a specialization in Data-Centric Computing
• Fall: Priority: January 19, Final: March 15*

*Applicants who wish to be included in the First-Round Review for Fall must submit their application (with all required credentials) by January 19.  Priority for admission and merit scholarship will be given in the First-Round Review. It is strongly recommended that international applications (with all required credentials) be submitted by January 19.

Request More Information      website

Earth & Environment

• MS in Energy & Environment
• MS in Remote Sensing & Geospatial Sciences
• MA in Earth & Environment*

*Please note that GRE will not be considered for applicants to the   MA in Earth & Environment

• Fall: April 15
• MA in Economics
• MA in Economic Policy
• MA in Global Development Economics
• MA in Economics + MBA (must apply to both  Questrom School of Business and Economics)
• Two academic recommendation letters(MA)
• MA in Economics Fall: Priority: January 5, Final: March 15* Spring: October 15
• MA in Economic Policy Fall: Priority: January 5, Final: March 15* Spring: October 15
• MA in Global Development Economics Fall: Priority: January 5, Final: March 15*

*Applicants who wish to be included in the First-Round Review for Fall must submit their application (with all required credentials) by January 5.  Priority for admission and merit scholarship will be given in the First-Round Review. It is strongly recommended that international applications (with all required credentials) be submitted by January 5.

• MA in English & American Literature
• JD/MA in English (must apply to both the School of Law and English)
• Three academic recommendation letters
• Scholarly writing sample (page limit of 15-25 pages)
• Official GRE General Test score report (optional)
• Fall: Priority Deadline: January 17 After January 17, we will review applications on a rolling basis until March 15 .
• MA in History
• JD/MA in History (must apply to both the School of Law and History)
• Foreign language(s) proficiency (please list the languages in which you are fluent)
• Writing sample
• Fall: March 1

History of Art & Architecture

• MA in History of Art & Architecture
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Background Statement ( optional )
• Listing of related coursework and foreign language proficiency (For required background in coursework and for foreign language proficiency, please see the History of Art and Architecture Graduate Program Handbook )
• Fall: January 10
• Spring: October 12

Linguistics

• MA in Linguistics
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Fall: February 2

Mathematics & Statistics

• MA in Mathematics
• MA in Statistics
• MS in Statistical Practice
• MA programs in Mathematics and Statistics Fall:  March 15
• MS in Statistical Practice Fall: Priority Deadline: January 19, Final Deadline: April 15

* For inquiries about applying to the MA programs in Mathematics and Statistics, please contact the department directly.

Molecular biology, cell biology & biochemistry.

• MA in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry
• Personal statement with detailed research interests included

The Division of Graduate Medical Sciences also offers MA  programs in Biochemistry.  Please visit the GMS website for more information.

Preservation studies.

• MA in Preservation Studies
• JD/MA in Preservation Studies (must apply to both the School of Law and Preservations Studies)
• Three recommendation letters (at least two from faculty members)
• Fall: February 15
• Spring: November 15

Request More Information       website

Psychological and Brain Sciences

• MA in Psychology
• Official GRE score report
• Official GRE Subject Test (recommended but not required)
• Fall: May 15

Romance Studies

• MA in French Language & Literature
• MA in Hispanic Language & Literature
• Summary of related coursework
• MA in Sociology
• Academic writing sample

If you are a current undergraduate at Boston University looking to apply for a BA/MA or BA/MS program , please apply online .

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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Personal statement

Your personal statement is a really important part of your UCAS application. 

It helps our admissions tutors get an insight into who you are and whether you'd be a good fit for the course you're applying to. 

You can only submit one personal statement for the five courses and universities you apply for. 

You're also limited to 4,000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines, whichever comes first, so it's useful to make a plan of what you want to say before you start.

Tell us why you want to study the course you're applying for

We're looking for people with a genuine enthusiasm for the subject they're applying for – and that they understand what it involves – so it's useful to   highlight things that inspired your interest, including:

• books you have read
• work or voluntary experience you have undertaken
• lectures or courses you have attended
• any relevant extracurricular activities you’ve taken part in

This a really important part of your personal statement so make sure your passion really shines through.

This means avoid saying you want to study something just because it is interesting.

Instead, explain what you find interesting about it, for example, a particular topic you know you’ll be able to carry on studying at university or something related to it.

Don’t be afraid to use language which shows your enthusiasm for the course or life in general. Be positive and focus on things you thoroughly enjoy.

Skills and experiences

At Imperial, you'll have the freedom to take control of your learning, with options within many courses to customise what you learn and the experiences you have. 

As a research-led university, we'll encourage you to get hands-on in the process of discovery, innovation and learning through and from your own mistakes.

You will also learn to communicate your research findings and have the opportunity to work in teams, as well as on your own.

Think about the sort of skills that you have gained that are relevant to your chosen subject – you'll be able to find more detail about the style of learning for your chosen subject on our course pages .

Don't forget to provide evidence for the skills and knowledge you have. And remember to choose quality over quantity – we'd rather read about a smaller number of skills with evidence than a long list which doesn't explain how you've acquired each skill/quality and how it will help you be successful in your chosen course of study.  

Work experience

Work experience isn’t essential for most Imperial courses, but if it is a course requirement, make sure you get some and then tell us how it's helped to confirm your choice of subject.

You may also wish to use your personal statement to outline your career aspirations and motivation for the future.

Get the right balance

Imperial is not all work and no play. Our students have a huge range of interests – evidenced in our 350+ student-run clubs and societies.

Tell us about your passions and your hobbies, particularly how they have helped you develop skills and qualities that make you a strong candidate. Made you a better leader, for example. Made you more resilient. Or improved your teamwork and communication skills. 

Also tell us about something you do simply for the fun of it. You don't need to go into too much detail as you don’t have the space, but it helps us to get to know you and may be something we ask you more about if you're invited for an interview at a later stage.

Make it personal

Your personal statement should be about you so don't focus on what your friends are writing. Be clear about your own motivations and what you can bring to Imperial. 

Use it to create a unique picture for our admissions tutors of who you are and why you'll be successful in your chosen course of study. 

Also avoid the temptation to copy anyone else's. UCAS runs all personal statements through its similarity detection system, Copycatch, to compare them with previous statements.

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• Applying to Santa Clara Law

You’ve decided to join us at Santa Clara Law. We believe you’ve made a smart decision to invest in your future as a lawyer who leads, and we’ll help you every step of the way. From applying to registering for classes to finding the right career opportunities when graduation approaches, we’re here to help.

Now accepting applications for Fall 2024. The application deadline has been extended to April 1.

• Pre-Application Checklist

If you’ve already registered for CAS (required to complete your application), applying to Santa Clara Law takes just a few minutes. Here’s what you’ll need to successfully complete your application.

• For Fall 2024 admission, take the LSAT or GRE by January 2024.
• Register with CAS if you haven’t done so. Most students do this when they register to take the LSAT, but you can do it before if you want. Learn more over at the official CAS site .
• Submit a 1-3 page personal statement.
• When you register with CAS, you’ll have the opportunity to upload your resume and submit letters of recommendation.This is optional but highly recommended.

Please contact an Admissions counselor for more information about attending Santa Clara Law.

Calendar Dates and Deadlines

Here are important dates related to your Santa Clara Law application.

• November 1, 2023:  Early Action Deadline (non-binding; file must be complete by November 30)
• December 31, 2023: Priority Deadline for Tech Edge JD and Public Interest JD applications
• January 2024: Last recommended LSAT or GRE test date for the 2024 application cycle. Check the LSAC website  for other test dates and to register.
• February 15, 2024: Priority application deadline.
• Application Status

Checking on your application status is easy. After you’ve applied, simply click the button below to get the latest information about the status of your application:

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Any Other Questions?

If you ever have questions about the application process, your specific application, or anything else related to this process, don’t worry. Our admissions specialists can respond and help you with any step along the way.

Contact us by emailing [email protected] , calling (408) 554-5048.

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9 Financial Dates and Deadlines in April 2024

Life moves quickly. It’s easy to get distracted. But that can be costly.

Miss an important financial date or deadline, and you could be on the hook for a penalty or lose out on a limited-time opportunity to save money.

Enter our “Money Calendar” series.

In this edition, we’ve rounded up the noteworthy money dates in April 2024. Take a look and mark your calendar with any dates that apply to you. And if you enjoy this series, sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter so you don’t miss the next edition. Look for it on the last weekday of every month.

Don't Miss: If you're under age 60, you can get $3 million in life insurance without needing a medical exam and you can cancel at any time. Instant Decision. No Policy Fees. Apply Today .

Deadline for estimated tax payments — April 15

This is the deadline for the first quarterly installment of estimated taxes for the 2024 tax year — the one for which your tax return is due by April 2025. This deadline applies to the self-employed and other workers who earn income that isn’t subject to withholding, who use IRS Form 1040-ES to pay this tax.

Deadline for IRA contributions — April 15

Typically, you have until April 15 to contribute money for the 2023 tax year to an individual retirement account (IRA), which the IRS refers to as an individual retirement arrangement.

Deadline for HSA and Archer MSA contributions — April 15

You have until April 15 to contribute money for the 2023 tax year to a health savings account (HSA) or Archer medical savings account (Archer MSA).

Tax Day — April 15 or 17

Individuals’ federal income tax returns — and any taxes they owe Uncle Sam — for the 2023 tax year are due by Monday, April 15, in most cases . (Residents of Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17.)

Tax Day is also your deadline for requesting an automatic six-month extension, which you can do by filing IRS Form 4868 . Just keep in mind that an extension only buys you more time to file your return, not to pay any obligations.

As for state income taxes, states typically follow the IRS’ lead. To be safe, though, confirm your state income tax return deadline with the state’s tax-collecting agency.

Deadline for Coverdell account contributions — Tax Day

You have until the due date for your 2023 tax return — so April 15 for most people — to contribute money for the 2023 tax year to a Coverdell education savings account.

Deadline for SEP IRA contributions — Tax Day

You have until the due date for your tax return to contribute money for the 2023 tax year to a Simplified Employee Pension IRA (SEP IRA).

Related: Retiree Households Lose $111,000 to This Social Security Misstep

Missouri’s Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday — April 19-25

During this seven-day period, qualifying new Energy Star-certified appliances are exempt from Missouri’s sales tax.

For more details, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s “ Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday ” webpage.

Texas’ Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday — April 27-29

During this three-day period, certain emergency preparation supplies will be exempt from Texas’ sales tax.

For more information, including lists of supplies that do and don’t qualify for this tax break, visit the Texas comptroller’s “ Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday ” webpage.

Last day to buy I bonds at current rates — April 30

Series I government savings bonds, often referred to as simply “I bonds,” have two interest rates:

• A fixed rate, which remains the same for the 30-year interest-bearing life of an I bond
• A variable rate, which is only good for the first six months you own an I bond, as it resets every six months based on inflation

Currently, I bonds are paying 5.27% in total, including a fixed rate of 1.3%. If I bonds are a good fit for your investing goals and those rates sound attractive to you, note that you have until April 30 to buy I bonds at those rates. In other words, you must complete your I bond purchase by then to get those rates.

Come May, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will announce a new fixed rate and a new inflation-based rate, which will apply to I bonds purchased from May through October of this year.

To learn more about I bonds, check out “ 7 Things You Should Know Before Investing in I Bonds .”

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IR-2024-88, April 2, 2024

WASHINGTON — With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, the IRS reminds taxpayers there is still time file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit.

Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most people qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, receive their refund within 21 days.

Free electronic filing options

Taxpayers with income of $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File guided tax software now through Oct 15. IRS Free Fillable forms , a part of this program, is available at no cost to taxpayers of any income level and provides electronic forms for people to fill out and e-file themselves.

IRS Direct File is now open to all eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to decide if it is the right option for them to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Go to the Direct File website for more information about Direct File pilot eligibility and the 12 participating states.

Through a network of community partnerships, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax return preparation to eligible people in the community by IRS certified volunteers.

MilTax , a Department of Defense program, generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.

Use Where's My Refund? to check refund status

The Where's My Refund? tool will normally show a refund status within 24 hours after e-filing a 2023 tax return, three to four days after e-filing a 2021 or 2022 return and four weeks after filing a tax return by mail. To use the tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Taxpayers can also check Where's My Refund? by downloading our free mobile app, IRS2Go , from an iPhone or Android device. The tool updates once a day, so people don't need to check more often.

Taxpayers that owe on their tax return

IRS reminds people they can avoid paying interest and some penalties by filing their tax return and, if they have a balance due, paying the total amount due by the tax deadline of Monday, April 15. For residents of Maine or Massachusetts, the tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, due to Patriot’s Day and Emancipation Day holidays.

Payment options for individuals to pay in full

The IRS offers various options for taxpayers who are making tax payments :

• Direct Pay – Make a payment directly from a checking or savings account without any fees or registration.
• Pay with debit card, credit card or digital wallet – Make a payment directly from a debit card, credit card or digital wallet. Processing fees are paid to the payment processors. The IRS doesn’t receive any fees for these payments. Authorized card processors and phone numbers are available at IRS.gov/payments . 
• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – This free service gives taxpayers a safe, convenient way to pay individual and business taxes by phone or online. To enroll and for more information, taxpayers can call 800-555-4477 or visit eftps.gov .
• Electronic funds withdrawal – Taxpayers can file and pay electronically from their bank account when using tax preparation software or a tax professional. This option is free and only available when electronically filing a tax return.
• Check or money order  – Payments made by check or money order should be made payable to the “United States Treasury.”
• Cash  – Make a cash payment through a retail partner and other methods. The IRS urges taxpayers choosing this option to start early because it involves a four-step process. Details, including answers to frequently asked questions, are at IRS.gov/paywithcash .

Payment options for individuals unable to pay their taxes in full

Taxpayers that are unable to pay in full by the tax deadline, should pay what they can now and apply for an online payment plan . They can receive an immediate response of payment plan acceptance or denial without calling or writing to the IRS. Online payment plan options include:

• Short-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. Additional time of up to 180 days to pay the balance in full.
• Long-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $50,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. Pay in monthly payments for up to 72 months. Payments may be set up using direct debit (automatic bank withdraw) which eliminates the need to send in a payment each month, saving postage costs and reducing the chance of default. For balances between $25,000 and $50,000, direct debit is required.

Though interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes after April 15, the failure to pay penalty is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect. Find more information about the costs of payment plans on the IRS’ Additional information on payment plans webpage.

Unable to file by the April 15 deadline?

Individuals unable to file their tax return by the tax deadline can apply for a tax-filing extension in the following ways:

• Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension through IRS Free File by filing a Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return PDF .
• Make an electronic payment using Direct Pay, debit card, credit card or digital wallet and indicate the payment is for an extension.
• Mail Form 4868 by the tax deadline.

Things people should know when requesting a tax-filing extension:

• Tax-filing extension requests are due by the tax deadline date, and it does not give an extension of time to pay the taxes.
• Avoid some penalties by estimating and paying the tax due by the tax deadline.
• Special rules for tax deadlines and automatic tax-filing extensions may apply for taxpayers serving in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty areas , living outside the United States , and people living in certain disaster areas . They may not need to submit a tax-filing extension; however, people should check to see if they qualify before the tax deadline.

Use IRS.gov for the quickest and easiest information

Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day for answers to tax questions , more tips and resources by visiting the Let us help you page.

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New York lawmakers push budget deadline again as they negotiate over spending

FILE - The New York Capitol is seen, Dec. 14, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. New York lawmakers passed another extension for the state’s budget on Thursday, April 4, 2024, to ensure operations continue undisrupted and state workers get paid while negotiations are still underway. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)

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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers gave themselves more time to negotiate over the state budget by voting Thursday to temporarily extend the deadline for the final spending plan, ensuring the National Guard gets paid and state operations run smoothly.

Legislators had already passed an extension when they missed the initial April 1 deadline, but they say progress is being made on top items such as funding for schools.

“There’s a lot of agreement on issues on where we need to take the state,” Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, told reporters Thursday.

Last year, lawmakers blew past the budget deadline by almost a month , largely because of disagreements over changes to the state’s bail law and an ambitious plan to create new housing.

This year, however, they appear cautious to avoid a similar blowup.

Thursday’s extension bumps the due date for a final spending plan to April 8, but lawmakers will be back on Sunday and Monday to push the deadline yet again to ensure state workers continue getting paid, spokespeople for both the state Senate and Assembly said.

“We’re trying to move mountains quite honestly to take care of, you know, people who depend on our system,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, said Wednesday.

Lawmakers need to hash out a final agreement on how the state hands out education funding to schools. Hochul proposed a plan that quickly drew criticism because it would result in some districts getting less money.

“We talked about putting a process in place so by this time next year, giving everybody the notice, the warning that they all asked for, that there will be a different formula. I’m just deciding with the leaders how that mechanism will work, but I think it’s going to put us all in a much better place,” Hochul said.

This budget extension throws school districts further into an area of uncertainty because they face a looming deadline for submitting their own spending plans to the public, state Assemblymember Edward Ra, a Republican, said during floor deliberations ahead of a vote on the extension.

Budget talks between the governor and leaders of the Democrat-run state Assembly and Senate often happen behind closed doors.

“Public employees, school districts and municipalities all need to know what the state’s final financial plan will include, but those details are nowhere to be found,” Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, a Republican, said in a statement.

Stewart-Cousins has said she is working “as quickly as possible” to ensure school districts understand how much money the state will allocate towards them.

Legislative leaders are trying to settle on a housing deal that includes new construction, tenant protections, and a tax break for developers to encourage building. As part of her executive budget proposal, Hochul wants to upgrade state properties that can be repurposed to create up to 15,000 units of housing.

Regarding the housing deal, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, said: “We might be in the same neighborhood, I don’t know if we’re on the same block yet.”

Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.