Table of Contents

Available  online!	Introduction. Two primary reasons for difficulties in graduate admissions. The GSR. Stereotypical Andrea Average.
in published  guide only	Building a strong record . Reflecting upon the GSR. Undergraduate work and grade point averages. "Spinning" your transcripts. What undergraduates should do.
in published  guide only	Tackling the GRE's . How significant really? Four problems with prep courses. Registration and score reports. Computer-GRE advantages and disadvantages. Should you try again?
Available  online!	Deciding where to apply. Those lovely school directories. Information requests. Sixteen things to consider. Six other factors you may (or may not) want to use. Reputation rankings. How many apps to submit. Safety schools.
in published  guide only	Separating yourself from the crowd. Six ways to seek advantage in a competitive world.
in published  guide only	Getting quality recommendations. Mentors and colleagues. How to ask and what to provide. Evaluating the evaluators. Logistics of collecting and mailing. Your transcripts and credentials file..
Available  online!	Contacting faculty members. An interpersonal process. Research tips and writing suggestions. Waiting and responding.
in published  guide only	Composing a winning personal statement. Most common errors and solutions. Tips to follow.
in published  guide only	Submitting a writing sample. Choosing the best paper. Touch-up work. Seeking the counsel of friends.
Available  online!	Visiting schools. How to gauge the "feel" of the campus. Interview basics.
in published  guide only	Completing the application. Material requests, neatness, and extras to improve the application. A dirty secret about deadlines.
Available  online!	Commando tactics while waiting. Three possible scenarios. Twelve activities while waiting, including two truly desperate suggestions.
in published  guide only	What to do if denied admission.  "Do not go gentle into that dark night." Getting a second chance. Future application plans. On the other hand...
in published  guide only	After acceptance. Congratulations! The admissions "contract." Being thoughtful.  Deferments. Financial aid. Loans, forms and confusion.
Available  online!	Final note. Personal epilogue. Answers the question of why I wrote this thing, anyway.