4 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out for UNE's Online Graduate Programs

Applying for an online graduate program at the University of New England (UNE) can be an exciting yet challenging process. UNE’s online graduate programs offer flexibility, quality, and a path to advancing your career. To make your application stand out, you need to excel in several key areas: transcripts, references, goal statements, and your resume. Here are some tips to help you shine:

1. Transcripts: Showcase Your Academic Prowess

Highlight Relevant Courses and Grades: When submitting your transcripts, ensure that they clearly show your academic strengths, particularly in program-related courses. If you’ve taken any specialized courses or electives that align with your intended graduate studies, make sure these are highlighted.

Explain Any Gaps or Weaknesses: If there are any periods of lower grades or gaps in your academic history, address these proactively. Briefly explain any circumstances that might have affected your performance and highlight how you’ve overcome these challenges.

2. References: Choose Wisely and Prepare Them

Select Strong References: Choose references who can speak to your academic abilities, professional skills, and character. Ideally, these should be professors or employers who know you well and can provide detailed, positive recommendations.

Prepare Your References: Inform your references about the program you’re applying to and why you’re excited about it. Provide them with a copy of your resume and your goal statement so they can tailor their responses to support your application effectively when our application review team reaches out to them.

3. Goal Statements: Articulate Your Vision and Passion

Be Clear and Concise: Your goal statement should be well-organized and clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in your program of choice at UNE Online and what interests you in your particular area of study. Make sure to include information about your academic background, professional skills, and characteristics that will help you achieve your educational goal. (Please also note that additional information and/or an interview may be requested by the admissions committee.)

Showcase Your Passion and Commitment: Our admissions committee wants to see your genuine interest and dedication to the field of education. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue this path. Demonstrating your passion can make your application memorable.

Highlight Your Unique Qualities: Think about what sets you apart from other applicants. Whether it’s your background, experiences, or specific skills, make sure these unique qualities shine through in your goal statement.

4. Resume: Reflect Your Professional Journey

Tailor Your Resume to the Program: Highlight experiences and skills that are most relevant to your graduate program of choice. This includes teaching experience, educational projects, volunteer work, and any other related activities. 

Showcase Leadership and Initiative: Our graduate programs value candidates who demonstrate leadership and initiative. Include examples of how you’ve taken on leadership roles, initiated projects, or made significant contributions in your previous positions.

Keep It Professional and Up-to-Date: Ensure your resume is well-organized, free of errors, and up-to-date. Use strong verbs to describe what you’ve done in your roles. Check out this article for tips on how to strengthen the language in your resume. Use a professional format and make sure all contact information is current.

Bonus Tips

Research the Program: Familiarize yourself with UNE’s online graduate programs of your choice. Understand the curriculum, faculty, and unique features of the program. Tailor your application to reflect how you are a perfect fit. 

Reach out to our admissions advisors to learn more about your program at (855) 325-0896 onlineadmissions@une.edu. Our advisors are here to help!

Proofread and Edit: Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from your application. Take the time to thoroughly proofread all your materials or consider having a friend, family member, or professional review them for you.

Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Early submission not only demonstrates your enthusiasm, but also ensures you avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Hear From Our Advisors!

There’s nothing like getting insider, pro tips from the team who will be reviewing your application, which is why we asked some of our incredible admissions advisors about their top application tips!

Here’s what our seasoned advisors had to say:

• Write your own personal statement and proofread it.
• Answer “why this academic program” or “why this career path”
• Explain academic mistakes in the past and what you’ve changed so that you won’t repeat those mistakes.
• Be reflective (versus descriptive) when discussing your experience
• Be clear and concise when discussing your goals and connect them to your experience.
• Be as clear and specific as possible with your proposed topic of study. 
• Have a trusted friend or colleague review your goal statements and ask for their honest feedback.

Applying to a UNE’s online graduate program is a significant step toward advancing your career. By carefully crafting each component of your application and showcasing your strengths, you can make a compelling case for why you should be admitted. Good luck! We look forward to the possibility of being a part of your academic journey!