Are you dreaming of walking through Harvard Yard as a student? Or perhaps presenting your ideas at the Kennedy School? At The Art of Applying®, we’ve helped countless Wild Cards—ambitious but beautifully imperfect professionals—transform their graduate school dreams into reality. Today, I’m sharing the essential habits that set our most successful applicants apart.
Why These Habits Matter
Our successful clients don’t just get acceptance letters—they receive eager phone calls from admissions officers and often secure substantial merit scholarships. Some have earned full rides to their dream schools, while others have received multiple acceptances with generous funding packages.
The best part? These habits aren’t secret formulas or complex strategies. They’re straightforward practices that anyone can adopt. Let’s dive into what makes our top applicants stand out.
1. Ask for Help Early and Often
The Myth of Going It Alone
Many applicants believe they need to figure everything out by themselves. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Your willingness to seek help isn’t a weakness—it’s actually one of your greatest strengths.
How to Put This Into Practice:
- Don’t sit with your questions—ask them immediately
- Reach out to support crew for technical or administrative help
- Connect with your consultant for application-specific guidance
- Remember: No question is too small or insignificant
2. Master the Technology
In today’s digital world, your ability to navigate application tools efficiently can make a huge difference in your process.
Key Tech Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with platforms like Basecamp and Google Drive
- Use technology to stay organized and track deadlines
- Keep your documents secure and easily accessible
Let technology work for you, not against you
3. Stay Connected with Your Consultant
The Power of Regular Communication
One common mistake is waiting until you have “big news” to share. But successful applicants know that consistent communication, even about small updates, keeps their application momentum going.
Best Practices:
- Connect at least once monthly (more is welcome!)
- Set up regular check-in reminders
- Share both small updates and significant progress
Remember: You’re not bothering your consultant—your success is their success
4. Engage with Fellow Applicants
Building Your Success Community
One of the unique aspects of The Art of Applying® is our vibrant community of applicants. These connections can transform your application journey from a solitary experience into an enriching collaborative process.
Ways to Connect:
- Share tips and strategies with peers
- Coordinate campus visits
- Find accountability partners
- Study together (virtually or in-person)
- Split travel costs for school visits
5. Respond Promptly to Support
When our support crew reaches out, it’s usually for an important reason. Quick responses keep your application process moving smoothly and ensure you don’t miss crucial updates or deadlines.
Common Support Communications:
- Engagement updates
- Required documentation requests
- Important timeline changes
Administrative updates
6. Don’t Ghost Your Dreams
The “No Ghosting” Rule
As an elder millennial (born in 1983!), I understand the temptation to ghost. We’ve perfected it in dating apps, job searches, and even therapy appointments. But when it comes to your graduate school dreams, ghosting is not an option.
What Counts as Ghosting?
- No response to messages for 20+ days
- Disappearing from the application process
- Avoiding communication when feeling overwhelmed
- Not engaging with important updates or requests
How to Avoid Ghosting:
- Set up regular check-in times
- Communicate openly when you’re struggling
- Send quick updates even during busy periods
- Remember your commitment to yourself
7. Stay Accountable to Your Goals
The Power of Commitment
Your graduate school journey is more than just an application process—it’s a commitment to your future self. By staying engaged and accountable, you’re showing up for your dreams in a meaningful way.
Creating Accountability:
- Set clear milestones for your application journey
- Share your progress regularly
- Celebrate small wins along the way
Keep your end goal in mind
Real Success Stories from Our Community
At The Art of Applying®, we’ve seen these habits transform application journeys. Our clients have:
- Received full scholarships to Harvard Kennedy School
- Secured multiple acceptances to top-10 programs
- Earned substantial merit aid packages
- Built lasting relationships with fellow applicants
- Created powerful support networks for their academic journey
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
- Assess Your Current Habits
Take a moment to reflect on which of these habits you’re already practicing and which ones need more attention. Remember, you don’t need to perfect all seven habits overnight—progress over perfection! - Start Small
Choose one or two habits to focus on initially. Maybe begin with more regular communication with your consultant or join in community discussions with fellow applicants. - Build Your Support System
Whether through The Art of Applying® programs or other resources, ensure you have the support you need to succeed. - Stay Consistent
Remember that small, consistent actions lead to significant results over time.
Resources to Support Your Journey
At The Art of Applying®, we offer several ways to support your graduate school journey:
Application Accelerator®:
- One-on-one coaching calls
- Document editing support
- Access to 200+ sample essays
- Priority group coaching calls
Unlimited Q&A access
The Art of Applying® Academy:
- Monthly membership program
- Access to the Application Roadmap
- Support from Degree Domain Experts
- Community forum access
Final Thoughts: Your Success Awaits
Remember, every successful applicant started exactly where you are now. The difference between dream and reality often comes down to these consistent habits and the willingness to ask for help when needed.
Your graduate school dreams are valid, and with the right habits and support, they’re absolutely achievable. Whether you’re aiming for Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, or any other top program, these habits will help pave your way to success.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to transform your graduate school application journey, we’re here to help. Book a Quick Call with our team to discuss how we can support your unique path to success.
Remember: You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s work together to turn your graduate school dreams into reality.
Ready to start building these success habits?
☎️ Book your free Quick Call today!
🎓 Join our community of successful applicants
💫 Start your journey to graduate school success
About The Art of Applying®
Since 2010, we’ve helped Wild Card, nontraditional, underrepresented, neurodivergent, first-generation, and LGBTQ applicants get into the world’s best graduate schools—with substantial scholarships to make their dreams affordable. Our proven approach combines personalized guidance with a supportive community to help you achieve your graduate school goals.
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