Playbook
How to apply for degree programs
Degree programs at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level admit students through online portals with statements, transcripts, test scores and references. Each program weighs these differently, and deadlines often come in rounds.
How these are won
- Build your list around curriculum and faculty that match what you want to study, and note each program's round deadlines.
- Write a statement of purpose for each program that names specific courses, labs or faculty.
- Request transcripts, score reports and references well ahead; they depend on other people's timelines.
Materials checklist
- Personal statement / SOPOnward Scout drafts it from your sourced profile; you approve every line.
- Academic CVUpload yours, or let Onward Scout draft one from your profile for you to edit.
- Recommendation letters (drafts for your referees)Upload yours, or let Onward Scout draft one from your profile for you to edit.
- TranscriptOnly you can supply it: upload it once and it is attached wherever it is asked for.
A preparation timeline
Counted back from the deadline. Each program guide puts real dates on it.
- 42 days before the deadlineAsk referees and order documentsAsk your referees, and order transcripts or score reports; these depend on other people's timelines.
- 28 days before the deadlineDraft the statementDraft the statement around one clear plan, with evidence from your record.
- 10 days before the deadlineReview and remindReview against the selection criteria; gently remind referees of the date.
- 2 days before the deadlineSubmit and keep the confirmationSubmit early and check that every reference shows as received.
Questions you will meet, answered honestly
Why this program?
Two or three specifics (a course, a lab, a professor's work) linked to your experience and plans.
Describe your academic background.
Highlight relevant courses, projects and results. A weak semester needs one honest line of context at most.
How Onward Scout helps
This one is submitted on the organiser's own site, behind your login. Onward Scout prepares every answer and file in the form's order with one-tap copy, so submitting takes minutes; you mark it submitted when you're done.
Let Onward Scout prepare your degree programs applications
Drop in the résumé, deck or portfolio you already have. Onward Scout builds a sourced profile, finds opportunities you can win and prepares each application for you to approve with a tap.
Nothing is submitted without your tap. Logins, CAPTCHAs, payments and interviews stay with you.