How to get into ANY Graduate Program | Grad School Admissions Advice From UCLA Grad Students

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Let's talk about how to get into ANY Graduate Program with some first hand advice From UCLA Grad Students on Grad Admissions and their application process!
Hello Everyone! Anyone and everyone interested in grad school wants to know how they can to get into their dream graduate program. Well today I’m sharing a LOT of advice from current and former UCLA grad students on grad Admissions!
There is one thing that every grad student has in common and that is… we all have gotten accepted into a graduate program. I remember how I felt when I was applying to grad schools. I was worried, intimidated but also very hopeful. While every graduate school and admissions committee is different, there are a few MAJOR tips to really standing out and help you become a competitive applicant for a grad program.
So in today’s video I am teaming up with some friends across UCLA’s many grad programs and we are sharing our best advice to get into grad school! Be it a PhD in Engineering, a Master of Public Policy, a MFA or anything in between, one thing is for sure putting all of our advice together will sure help you take your next steps and prepare to get into ANY graduate program you want!
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
0:00 Intro & Video Overview
1:06 Personal Statement & Statement of Purpose
4:34 Letters of Recommendation
6:03 MFA in Choreographic Inquiry (Kara Jenelle Wade)
9:19 Making Connections/Contacting Faculty
12:29 What Grad Admissions Look For
15:01 PhD in Engineering (Bineh Ndefru)
17:02 How to Demonstrate You Fit
18:46 Master of Public Policy (Michelle Viorato)
CORRECTION:
*Kara Jenelle Wade's Information Had A Typo
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Please leave comments of questions or ideas you have to share!
OTHER VIDEOS TO CONSIDER:
○ Things To Know Before Starting Grad School | What I wish I Knew Before Getting Grad Degree | UCLA Grad Student Advice - • Things To Know Before ...
○ Most IMPORTANT Considerations for Graduate School | How To Pick the BEST Grad Program For You - • Most IMPORTANT Conside...
○ Is Grad School Really Hard? | The Difference Between Grad vs Undergrad - • Differences Between Gr...
○ How to Pay for Grad School Without Financial Support | AVOID THESE 5 FUNDING MISTAKES - • How to Pay for Grad Sc...
○ Does the Grad School You Attend Matter | Ivy League Vs State Universities | UCLA Grad Student Advice - • Does the Grad School Y...
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Likes, Comments, Shares, and Subscribers help small KZbinrs like me grow. This growth will help me produce more helpful, creative, and engaging content for all of you. If you know someone who is interested in grad school or has already been accepted but they don't know what to expect, please share my channel with them! If you have ANY questions about grad life, research or even me, ALWAYS feel free to leave your questions in the comments below.
I made this channel to help people like me. People who don't know anyone with a doctorate degree or anything about higher education, but I knew I wanted to get a PhD. I knew I wanted to be a doctor! With your support we can work together to create a resource to demystify graduate school and encourage more underrepresented people to thrive in doctoral programs!
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#GradAdvice #GradSchool #GradAdmissions

[@leaoipd5308]

All these women of color across disciplines....listennnnnn! Yasss!

[@BrisaMarie]

lol Thank you!! I know some pretty amazing women!! hahahah

[@almaortiz3331]

I won’t be applying to grad school for about another year but watching this video helped answer a lot of concerns that I had! Thank you so much for the video!!

[@BrisaMarie]

I am so glad you found this useful!!! And congrats on thinking about grad school and being prepared!! I really appreciate your kind words and your comment!! ! Feel free to comment again if you have any questions a year from now!! lol

[@alexixpratt9422]

This video was beneficial. Thank you!

[@williamosei8637]

Thanks so much for this informative video.

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much for your comment. I am so glad that you found it informational!!! Please let me know if you have any further questions!

[@rynae44]

Such great advice! I will definitely apply this information! Thank you!

[@BrisaMarie]

I'm happy you found this useful!! What program are you applying to?

[@DALLASONETV]

Great info 👍🏾

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so so much!!!

[@saidycedano5775]

Thank you for this Brisa!

[@BrisaMarie]

Oh my goodness!! You are more than welcome! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@Daphne-ic8td]

Thank you, this is super helpful!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course! So glad it was helpful!

[@vidhigandhi2823]

Thank you for the comprehensive video! Very helpful

[@BrisaMarie]

Yes! Of course! Thank you for taking the time to comment :D

[@walterfoster1167]

I love this video.

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much!!!

[@erickpurpose]

Very informative video!

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much Erick 💙💙

[@beatrizcastelobranco4713]

This video is amazing! It helped me a lot, especially all the different tips from your friends. Thanks!

[@BrisaMarie]

I am sooo happy! I also have a grad admissions playlist that might be helpful ( m.kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2WeWF9EfkwZFapB1fpjV2he ) Please let me know if you have any questions!!! And good luck on your grad application process! : D

[@brookebunte5327]

Thank you for such useful information, I am currently applying for graduate schools within the UC system.

[@BrisaMarie]

Yai!!! Thats so exciting!!!! What program?

[@4karma860]

thank you for the video! I apply for grad school in two months and don't know where to start. this was well structured and detailed

[@BrisaMarie]

Thats sooo exciting! Congrats on startnig this process!! I am so happened that this video helped you feel more confident about starting!! I also have a playlist that has more in-depth details on essentially every step of the way! I left a link below just in case you might need it! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!! kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2WeWF9EfkwZFapB1fpjV2he

[@ecospuddies3676]

This was so helpful and made me feel better about my application, thank you :)

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much! I am so happy that you found this video helpful!! Please let me know if you have any grad school questions!!

[@calebjones3412]

This was great !! I have a 3.2 GPA and I’ve really been stressing out about it appearing too low, but now I’m a bit more positive.

[@BrisaMarie]

YEAH!! You totally can do!!! I wish you the best!! Let me know if you have any questions!! Thank you for commenting!

[@czowiek9625]

How did you do?

[@user-fz8yo6ec5x]

Thank you so much Brisa. I appreciate this helpful and specific video about getting into graduate school. I hope to see more of this for me and other ambitious individuals wanting advice. My goal is to get into the UCLA graduate film program.

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!! Thank you for watching and taking the time out to comments! I also have a grad admissions playlist that might be helpful ( m.kzbin.info/aero/PLY-K7nK2wQ2WeWF9EfkwZFapB1fpjV2he ) ALSO UCLA's film program is great! That is sooo exciting! Please let me know if you have any questions, I will do my best to be helpful! Thank you!

[@XDLovinqNinjaXD]

OMG! HI BRISAAA! YOU'RE AMAZING. Nice to run into you again (:

[@BrisaMarie]

HI!!!!!!!! How are you!!!!!! Are you planning on grad school!? How have you been!? It feels like forever sine art ed so its soooo cool you found me via KZbin!

[@demewharton9646]

Thanks Brisa!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!! Thank you for commenting!

[@j-mill5821]

Wonderful content

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you!!!

[@christiansnaturestudio6599]

Why are some grad school professors more aggressive and unfriendly than others? We deserve respect!

[@BrisaMarie]

This is sooo true!! And not nearly discussed enough! Many students have negative experiences with faculty and it is really difficult to understand why! Regardless, you are 100% correct, ALL people deserve respect! Especially students!

[@ThatGuyReviews]

School was always exciting and fun! Time sure flies and miss those days! But a part of me is happy that it’s over! :-) great video

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much!!!! School is VERY bitter sweet!!!! Hahaha

[@ThatGuyReviews]

@@BrisaMarie weird thing, I dreamt I was going back for my PhD! Maybe it’s from spending too much time in your channel. Lol

[@BrisaMarie]

Hahahahahahhaha I'm so sorry!!! But i hope it at least felt positive hahahahaha

[@franciscojavier7103]

I’m subscribing just because you’re good person and smart and cute ❤️❤️

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so so much!!

[@WilliamCarterII]

This was so so useful for me. I'm an Anthropology | Jazz Studies double major getting ready to apply for grad school and I was concerned that I have a 3.3 GPA (cuz I have to work full time) so it would be exponentially more difficult to get into grad school even though I've spoken at conferences and participated in research. Thanks for this!

[@BrisaMarie]

Wow! that sounds amazing! What kind of program are you interested in!? Also yes of course! a 3.3 GPA is not bad at all and research and conference experience will definitely help you! Not to mention if you major GPA is higher (for example maybe you didn't do so well in maths/sciences but got high marks in classes relevent to your research area that would also be something to highlight as it shows you do know your stuff just sometimes things get hard) Which is understandable ! Thank you for commenting! I would love to hear more about your journey/goals!

[@WilliamCarterII]

@@BrisaMarie thank you! And I was thinking musicology or an Anthropology master's with a musicology PhD

[@jetc4589]

This is super helpful. Next semester I will start applying for graduate school and I think I should start reaching out to PI soon! I love this information. Thank you!!!

[@BrisaMarie]

I am so happy to know this was felpful! And congrats on starting your grad school journey! Honestly one of the most fun parts is really looking at all the opportunities you have and the wonderful options that are out there! Let me know if you have any questions along the way!

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi Future PhDs!!! I now sell merch!!! Check out my Merch Shop Here ---> bit.ly/ShopFuturePhD-Ext and let EVERYONE know how proud you are to be a #FuturePhD!!! If you are still looking for more details to help craft a strong application check out my grad admissions playlist! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/amqYf2OYbdV1h6s

[@israelsmithflores340]

Wow you seem like a great person, I wish I knew you in real life

[@BrisaMarie]

Hahaha thank you so much! Thats such a kind thing to say!!! 💙

[@bobismycat20]

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. I was able to graduate with a 3.8 GPA. I applied to two graduate school, both I did not think I was going to get into. I applied to Johns Hopkins for a Master's in Health Science- Mental Health and the University of Michigan for a Master's in Public Health- Epidemiology. I got into both. I had quantitative experience from some course work and some work experience, which most of these applications requested a thorough essay on. This is where I thought I'd fall short on, but I wanted to make sure I was able to explain to the universities of my choice that I had the passion in my field of study, talk about what problems I would like to solve along with showing how my life experience along with academic experiences proved I would be an ideal graduate canidate! Be passionate!! This is the best advice I can give. And as for references, do not overlook asking employers for one! Hope this helps! And good luck!!! 😊

[@bobismycat20]

Great video, by the way! ❤

[@BrisaMarie]

I LOOOOOOVVVVEE that you shared you experience! This is suuuuper helpful! Thank you. Your comment will help a lot of people so thank you for taking the time to share your journey with us!!!

[@BrisaMarie]

Also! Thank you!

[@thevillagemethod]

Appreciating this content as well as the Black women leveling up! Well done.

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and encouragement!

[@BrisaMarie]

Hello Everyone! Thank you so much for watch my FIRST KZbin VIDEO! While this is just video one, I have some good videos coming up that dive deeper into understanding the grad school process! UPCOMING VIDEOS: - How To Pick the PERFECT Grad Program For You | Most IMPORTANT Considerations for Graduate Programs - What is a PHD & What are PhD Requirements | Steps to Becoming a Doctor and is a Doctorate Worth it?! And while you're here don't forget to subscribe! kzbin.info/door/a3TphO9xAB2CYQxuwQmgfw

[@anthonydixon5399]

Hey Brisa thanks for sharing this video this is really encouraging. My question is that I want to start graduated school next year I have a 2.9 GPA the requirement is a 3.0 GPA any advice?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi!! So of course it depends on each department/discipline. But a 2.9 isn't that far off. In many cases grad school may look at just the last 2 years of your undergrad and of that GPA is good then i would be less worried if i was you. Also you may just need to include a breif Statement in your application explaining why your GPA isn not at the r required amount and strategies or systems you implemented to make sure in grad school your academics are better! I would also reach out to the schools you're interested in individually and see if they have any insight!!! I hope that helps!

[@anthonydixon5399]

Thank you

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you!!!

[@tamarakeeler8582]

I don’t know anything about graduate school. You’re the first person I heard explain that it’s all about completing a research project not just taking more classes and completing some project at the end. I also learned that your project should be something that you can pair up with work already being completed by a current professor.

[@BrisaMarie]

That's soo understandable, but also not completely far off. For professional degrees its much more like what you described. Because they want to make sure theie students are successful gaining thw knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the work force. For a phd or research based program, they are much more interested in your research goals and success and so they want to make sure you thought it all through and understand how it all connects! Thank you for commenting bcuz that was a really great point to bring up!

[@shujayethossain6554]

Hi there! Would you please tell me whether taking 10-12 honors classes at the undergrad level helps/looks good when applying to top graduate Schools? Would love to hear your personal thoughts! Thank you!

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! Applying to grad school is a holistic process meaning they take into account a lot of things. Of course 10-12 honors classes would not hurt your application at all lol but they arent necessary either. If you are already going to take the classes and they don't add unnecessary stress or make you feel overworked and overwhelmed then i say GO FOR IT! But if it feels like a lot you don't need them either. I also dont think grad schools really consider what classes you take UNLESS you are apply to STEM or med programs. Then they might hahaha but social sciences/ humanities programs arent interested in being that nit picky! I hope this was helpful!

[@alimofrad334]

Does the networking/connecting with a Professor also work with applying for masters programs? Especially if the Masters program isn’t really all that research based like in Data science?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! That's a great question! Connecting with a faculty for a masters may not work exactly in the same way but it never hurts! They still can share valuable information and if they are invested in your work or really like you generally then they may be able to advocate for you to the admissions committee. Or at the very least they can help you craft a stronger applicants by telling you what the admissions team is looking for. So while the "politics" are different it never hurts to have someone on the inside in your corner!

[@ran2182]

Thank you this video helps a lot, but my programs ask for sop and objectives so it’s not recommended to explain why my gpa is low (3.1)? personal statement isn’t allowed 😢

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! So even though they are different documents you can include some similar things. While the SOP is more about your research there is a way to weave into the narrative an explanation of your GPA and how you have improved/progressed/changed to be prepared for grad school! This way they know you are working to problem solve and are already finding real useful solutions that will aid your success in graduate school! Please let me know if you have any questions!

[@kathleenspinelli5771]

Hi, working on filling out the application for UCLA Grad school. I have a question about the Financial Support section. When asked "Will you have sufficient funds for university and living expenses for the first year?", followed by "Please indicate amount in US dollars for the first year." Are they asking how much money I need or how much money I have? The next section says, "Source of Funding check all that apply, 1.Applying for a Fellowship, 2.Applying for a Research Apprenticeship, 3.Applying for a Teaching Apprenticeship, 4.Self Funded with personal/family funds, 5. Government funding secured, 6. Private funding secured". I am not sure how to answers these. I can't apply for Government funding until I fill out the FAFSA and that doesn't't come out until December this year, which is after the application is due.

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! I don't remember answering these questions when I applied, which can either mean they changed the application or my brain is just not able to recall those details! I am sorry, but I do know if you reach out to the administrative assistant of the department or the application contact they will have the exact answers for you! Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!

[@lara.r9113]

I just graduated with a bachelor’s in Journalism. I won’t be applying to grad school till next year, but my GPA is 3.69 and am concerned if that’s going to be an issue. Do grad schools asking for a 3.7 sometimes let in people with GPAs slightly lower? Thankfully a lot of my targets schools have a much lower minimum GPA requirement but I’m worried that most of the accepted applicants have a GPA of 3.8+. I’m an international student hoping to apply to a US/U.K. school with a full-ride scholarship though of course I understand it’s super challenging 😊

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi!!! I also had a 3.69 gpa!!! I know it can be intimidating but most grad schools look at applications holistically... meaning they care about you as a whole person and not just your gpa! You can definitely do it as long as you submit a strong application!

[@BrisaMarie]

Thank you!!!! You got this!

[@aungthuhein007]

What's this research project thing that you keep mentioning? Is it the thesis you do at the end?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! So it really depends on the specific program you are applying to but generally, if you are applying to a masters it most likely will be either a capestone project or a thesis. If you are applying to a PhD you will most likely be PhD dissertation! Hope this helps! Thank you for asking :D

[@aungthuhein007]

@@BrisaMarie Thank you very much for replying! I can't thank you enough for everything you're sharing! Thank you.

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!! Please let me know if you have any questions!!

[@Hellooooo766]

Hi

[@BrisaMarie]

Howdy lol!

[@christiansnaturestudio6599]

Rejection sucks.

[@BrisaMarie]

It really does! And you never actually get use to it! But there are definitely ways to help deal with it, but it is never easy and it never feels good! (Even after you make it into grad school!) lol

[@alexandrasunlight8027]

Are the apps like commonapp and coalitionapp for graduate school? Or do we have to fish out the schools ourselves.

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi!!! From my experience and knowledge i don't think there are apps like the common app for grad school since each program has it's own very specific requirements for admissions. Where undergrad is a little more general.

[@alexandrasunlight8027]

@@BrisaMarie Imma go cry now🤧, why is this so stressfulll

[@BrisaMarie]

Lol oh no!!! You can do this! Don't be too stressed!!! Just take it step by step!!!

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! I was randomly thinking about your comment and wanted to see.. how has your grad school search been going?

[@alexandrasunlight8027]

@@BrisaMarie I found some schools individually and some through UCAS and I plan to finish applying by this summer! Thank you so much for your help!

[@christiansnaturestudio6599]

My current GPA in the beginning of my sophomore is 3.43 and I really want to go to grad school. What can I do to improve my GPA and improve my chances of acceptance right now as a sophomore? I admitted I have missed some deadlines which is why I have a GPA of 3.43.

[@BrisaMarie]

That is not a bad GPA at all! My sophomore year of undergrad I think I had a 2.68 GPA and by the time I graduated I was able to earn a 3.68. You are doing great! And as you continue to work hard, I am sure you GPA will continue to be competitive!

[@assetfuture5590]

if you earned Master's degree does this give you high chance for getting admitted to PhD?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! So not necessarily, the most important component is that you're application, your research plan, and your fit into the program are really well thought out and prepared. While a master's can be helpful bcuz you may get more research experience and thus know more about what is a feasible research plan or how to describe your research better... the degree itself doesnt make you any more or less competitive. UNLESS the grad program explicitly states they prefer a masters, then in that case it has more of a chance to make you competitive.

[@assetfuture5590]

@@BrisaMarie thanks!!

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course!!

[@DianaDiana-lh5tp]

Is Ole miss in MS good I am an international student

[@BrisaMarie]

So I don't know much about that program or field. But I do have two videos that might help you decide What to consider when picking a program kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGWTnKd_oNOGnqc How to decide what's best for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGilo3VrbM9qoqc Hopefully that helps!

[@DianaDiana-lh5tp]

@@BrisaMarie you are a veryyyyyy sweet person I am honored to talk to u just please since I am not American, could you find me if Ole Miss at MS is good in field of TESOL I tried to find just couldn’t And since Arabic and Russian are my native languages do you think I can teach those languages even if my BA is in English Literature and Linguistics while my first MA is in Applied Linguistics and Translation..pleeeeeeeease help me out dear lady WISH you ALL the SUCCESS in your PhD!! Oh I am 43 and don’t think I ever reach the PhD level though I so so wish to..

[@DianaDiana-lh5tp]

Also do you think they will put into consideration that I taught long years as a university lecturer

[@vaenkatanathansundararajan429]

Hey Brisa ! Hope you are doing well. I'm an international student from India. I have completed my UG in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (not a well known university). I have an CGPA of 7.23/10 (3.10/4). I wanna pursue MS power and energy systems. I feel hopeless about my SOP. I don't know anyone to review it for me ! If u have time can you please take a glance at my SOP ?

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi! Because every application and persons background is so unique I dont give advice on SOP or applications at all... because i just dont know enough. But there is a KZbinr called the red head academic and she has a company that does so! And i know she has done great work!

[@vaenkatanathansundararajan429]

@@BrisaMarie Thank you Brisa.. I will definitely check her !

[@BrisaMarie]

Of course! Thank you so much!

[@revolutionaryforall]

In life one never meets real people. You are always conversating with someone's representative. Please explain what one should do if halfway through the grad program the advisor shows their true colors.

[@BrisaMarie]

Hi!!! Unfortunately that does happen way more than what we want! I have this video that goes into detail what to do if your advisor just isn't working for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGWcqKCMm96DoaM I really hope it helps explain step by step what to do AFTER your advisor shows their true colors at any point of the program!