Graduate & Professional Schools

Our graduate and professional schools planning services

Aspiring professionals at the graduate level are required to demonstrate on paper and in person the unique qualities, experiences, skills, and understandings they can bring to the discourse and other activities of the graduate program targeted for application. At HS&M, we know the fundamental aspects to matching the right candidate with the right graduate program. To that end, we assist the candidate in discovering and conveying the details of what makes him or her unique and well qualified for a particular field and school. We then utilize our extensive knowledge of the various graduate programs, what each program offers and is seeking among its competitive applicants, to construct a promising application and successful graduate level candidacy.

Our consultation begins with getting to know the candidate well, examining his or her background as it has been recorded in official documents and learning about the candidate’s qualities, hopes, and needs through his or her own perspective. Because there are initial weaknesses in most candidate’s records of accomplishment, HS&M focuses on maximizing the candidate’s strengths, and, where appropriate, setting goals and supporting the developmental gains of the candidate throughout the planning process. Our graduate school planning wisdom, experience, and global network of academic and administrative colleagues permit us to offer a highly personalized planning process, of which a partial list follows:

• Overview: Detailed explanation of the entire application process for the degree you’re seeking
• Problem Spotting: Early identification of any achievement gaps to be addressed
• Resume Repair: Detailed strategic planning to strengthen your record
• Clarification: Articulation of your traits and talents, core values, past achievements, and specific goals imperative to distinguishing yourself from the competition
• Program Selection: Focusing your school and program choices for an optimal fit
• Essay Mentoring: Intensive support in conveying your narrative, capacities, insights, and intentions through the various essays required by the schools and entrance exams
• Referrals: If necessary, we can recommend other resource professionals (e.g., subject & standardized testing tutors)
• Recommendation Building: Guidance in obtaining truly meaningful endorsements
• Critical Communications: Preparation for managing your image through maximally productive correspondence, visits, and interviews with prospective school choices
• International Requirements: Assistance with special factors affecting non-U.S. Students
• Decisions Response: Wise counsel in responding to school admission decisions

As experienced writing teachers at the graduate level, HS&M understands the significance of the personal statement and thus focuses heavily on guiding the candidate to communicate effectively his or her strengths, achievements, and objectives to the admissions committees through narratives that make an impact, underscore the unique qualities of the individual, and stand out in the committee decision making process.

The final drafts of the application are arrived at via various routes and emphases, depending on the needs of the individual candidacy. Throughout, HS&M works closely with the candidate, both scheduling important timelines of objectives and being available on an as-needed basis to the candidate.

For more information about HS&M’s Graduate and Professional School Planning, please contact us at wisdom@howlandspence.com.