In the midst of gathering all of the documents you will need to complete your application, it is important not to forget that the graduate school application process is more than just paperwork.

To ensure that you have the best chance possible of gaining admission, you need to build personal relationships with your prospective programs and faculty.

By now you have seen how the personal relationships you have built at your university have made it easier to find faculty to: (1) call their peers at other institutions on your behalf, (2) write strong letters of recommendation for you; and (3) review your writing sample. You should now use these networking skills to reach out to the faculty at your prospective graduate institutions.

After you have complied your spreadsheet of institutions and programs that interest you, call or email the professors with whom you would like to work. Make it clear that you plan to apply to their program and that you would like to meet with them to explore the possibility of graduate work (1) in that program and (2) with that faculty member as your advisor. In your communication, you should demonstrate an interest in that particular faculty member by displaying familiarity with their research. This means reading some of their articles or books. There is no better way to impress a professor than by engaging in a discussion with them about their research. Most professors are more than willing to talk with prospective applicants about their program.

In addition to email or telephonic communication, you should try to meet with faculty members in person. A personal meeting can serve at least four crucial functions: (1) it shows that faculty member that you are serious about applying to their program, (2) it gives you an opportunity to impress the faculty member beyond what they will read in your application and emails, (3) it allows you to build a personal rapport, and (4) it permits you to make an evaluation of the faculty member and the program to determine if that program is indeed the best one for you. While on campus, you can also speak to administrators and current students, visit the libraries and perhaps explore the surroundings beyond the confines of the university.

Remember, if you decide to pursue your graduate studies at that university you will likely be there for at least five years, and perhaps much longer. A visit to as many programs as possible will help you to make the right long-term decision.