The application season comes again, reminding me of this time last year when I started to apply for graduate programs in the United States. Recently have been receiving e-mails about the application process. I’d love to share my experience and thoughts with anyone who is interested in applying for Boston University. However, my experience is just for your reference, and it’s within the journalism department. I suggest applicants check out the official application website for the latest information.

The first thing I did last year was narrow down my choice. There are thousands of universities in the United States; it’s important to do some research before starting application. Ranking is a crucial element, websites like U.S. News & World Report provide college rankings every year. Remember to check out the ranking of the specific major you’re interested in. However, communication majors are not always included. You may try contacting those who went to BU for more specific information. I asked some friends about BU’s College of Communication and almost everyone told me that it enjoys a good reputation. That’s part of the reason that I chose to come here.

Next, you may consider the location. I think location is very important to those who want to pursue a career in media. I’m not suggesting that only big cities can afford to have good communication colleges. For instance, the University of Missouri has a wonderful journalism department, but it’s generally true that there’s more media job opportunities in cities than in more isolated campus settings. Also considering that I’ve been a city-dweller for the past 22 years and shamelessly enjoy the hustle&bustle of city life, I have to narrow the field. I kept Boston on my list.

When you begin to apply, make sure that you’ve already taken a language test: TOEFL or GRE. It can take weeks to get the results, so you’d better take it months in advance. Here’s another concern, which I’ve been asked about many times: How much does the score count in your application? Well, I’m not the one reviewing application material, so I don’t have final say on the issue. But my score was not very beautiful last year (I’ve already mentioned that I’m not a ”typical Asian” in the last post). I applied anyway. You may find hints about this question here. My suggestion is that no matter how outrageous your score turns out, don’t worry too much about it. And if your scores are high, that alone will not guarantee you admission.

Before you start filling out applications, be sure to have a few file holders on your desk. It’s easy to get messy during the application process. You don’t want to mail your personal statement for BU to another university. What a catastrophe that would be! You can download a checklist from BU as a guide.

Another important task for international students is submitting a 3-minute video. It seemed weird, and I didn’t like this task as it’s a burden to produce. But the reason behind this requirement is obvious — professors need to know how fluent an applicant’s English is, especially for communication majors. I finished the recording my video in 10 minutes. You don’t have to borrow a fancy camera or write down what you’re going to say. Just take it easy. Any recording equipment providing recognizable images and sound is fine. I know sometimes students get nervous over such requirements. My advice: just do it. I’d rather shoot 1,000 videos instead of completing the writings samples.

Writing samples are much more burdensome. It’s impossible to finish the task in one day. Be sure to write it well in advance of the deadline and have your teachers or friends read it before you send it out. For potential photojournalism majors, a portfolio is another requirement. You should hand in 20 pictures of your best work and burn them on a disc. Many photojournalism graduate students have studied photography before, but it’s not required. I don’t have a photography background, so I submitted my amateur work, which was also fine. I think the professors just want to judge if you have potential. One thing that’s not obvious is that BU’s photojournalism program is very writing-intensive. Students are required to take many courses in reporting, just like students majoring in print journalism.

Best of luck on your college search!