Help & How-To Guides

Applying for graduate school is a huge step towards your future. If you’re wondering where to start, or need help along the way, we’re here for you. If you have not yet reviewed Application Requirements for the program that you are interested in, please do so. Checklists (including deadlines, descriptions of requirements, and more) are available for every certificate and degree.  

Get One-on-One Help 

Our Admissions Counselors are standing by to answer any questions that you may have. Please send an e-mail to mce@du.edu to get in touch or call us at 1-800-835-1607 (8am – 4:30pm MT).  

How-To Guides 

Whether you need help creating a strong Curriculum Vitae or need some guidance on writing a Diversity Statement, the resources below will help you succeed.  

MCE Guides 

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  Diversity Statement

  As part of our admissions process, we ask students to write Diversity Statements (also called Statements of Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice). They help us to learn about each applicant’s experiences, values, and commitment to diversity. 

  How to Write a Diversity Statement

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  Statement of Professional Goals

  Will you be successful as a graduate student? Your background, experience, passion for your field, and other factors help to answer this question during the application review process.  Academic transcripts and resumes do not always tell a complete story. Your Statement of Professional Goals (or Personal Statement) will help to “fill in the blanks” and allow others to get a deeper understanding of you and your path.

  How to Write a Statement of Professional Goals

Resources on the Web 

Writing Your Curriculum Vitae or Resume  

• Résumés and CVs from The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). Learn the difference between résumés and curricula vitae (or CVs), what to include, and much more.  

• Curriculum Vitae Dos and Don'ts from the American Psychological Association (APA). Get a quick list of important things to keep in mind.  

• Resumes & Cover Letters from Career & Professional Development at the University of Denver. Learn the basics, get access to free webinars, and more.  

Writing Your Diversity Statement 

• The Effective Diversity Statement from Inside Higher Ed. Learn what to focus on and what to avoid. This article was written with faculty jobseekers in mind.  Many of the tips (such as telling your story) are applicable to prospective graduate students.  

• How to Write an Effective Diversity Statement for Graduate School by Dr. Johnson of ProFellow. Learn why diversity statements are an important part of the graduate admissions process, get tips on what to include, and more.  

Letters of Recommendation 

• Grad Applications 101: Getting Letters of Rec from Rice University. Learn who to ask (and how to ask) for letters of recommendation.  

• How To Get A Letter Of Recommendation For Graduate School from Forbes Advisor. In addition to getting tips on who to ask, learn what information to provide to your letter-writer and what they should include.