Most important part of the application

[Hicks]

I know this is probably fairly subjective but I am curious what part of the application people consider to be the most important. A lot a of people fuss about the GRE but that really seems to be less important. What are your thoughts?

[LLajax]

Just what I've been told: SoP, Writing Sample, LOR

But of course, everything is important and nothing should be focused on to the detriment of others. Being compeltely outstanding in one way could always make up for a weakness elsewhere.

[losemygrip]

When I started grad school years ago, it was:

Undergraduate record (grades, transcripts, languages), recs, writing sample, GRE, statement

[tendaysleft]

What about less tangible things, like being in contact with a professor before you apply? I'm applying to all terminal MA programs, and I'm really nervous about contacting professors... I wish I could bypass the entire thing but I realize my chances probably increase if you've spoken with someone who likes your interests. What are the odds of getting into a really popular program (or any program, really) without having contacted anyone beforehand?

[Hicks]

It has been interesting, as I've been in contact with professors, some have put a lot of emphasis on writing sample as something there school really looks to and others have specifically mentioned making sure I have good GRE scores. I guess the moral of the story is that it varies from place to place. I agree with you though about contacting professors. My interests area little odd (religion & contemporary art) and there are only a couple of professors at PhD programs that deal with those issues. So, I wrote e-mails to over 50 professors explaining that I was looking for professors that would be willing to work with me even if our research interests weren't exactly the same. I ended up with some good responses, some curt responses, and some nice leads to other potential professors. But, in all I have a better idea of which programs will fit me well and I believe those who encouraged my application will remember me when my application comes around. I hope it works.

[arthistoryvoe2]

It seldom helps to contact a professor in advance, and quite often hurts. Most prospective students don't know how to pull off this type of message without seeming weirdly vague, obsequious, and demanding all at the same time. Professors do *not* want to be contacted for selling purposes. It's nothing but annoying; we'll get the application and decide on that basis. Some are willing to be contacted if you have a serious, well-informed question. You might try getting advice from a department assistant or current grad student first about whether it makes sense to be in touch.

In answer to the original question: Writing sample, SoP, grades. The SoP doesn't count as much overall as the writing sample but it is the gateway to the writing sample—if the SoP is terrible the sample may not get read. GREs and letters matter to help answer specific questions (what does a 3.65 really mean at X small college we've never heard of? how motivated is this student really? why the dip in grades in fall of junior year? etc.).

What about less tangible things, like being in contact with a professor before you apply? I'm applying to all terminal MA programs, and I'm really nervous about contacting professors... I wish I could bypass the entire thing but I realize my chances probably increase if you've spoken with someone who likes your interests. What are the odds of getting into a really popular program (or any program, really) without having contacted anyone beforehand?

[Atlantis]

Contacting professors at all the places, and indeed traveling to those places to meet with the people in person, was an indispensable part of me applying. I did not want to go to a place where I had not met the people. It's all about the people. So, I say, by all means, contact the professor. If they don't get back to you, or are curt or whatever, you will know that you might actually prefer to look somewhere else.