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Grad portal / Slate-style

Field help for typical U.S. graduate applications (Slate, college portals, EngCAS-style flows).

You are here · When filling a master’s or PhD application

Portals change. Confirm every field and file rule on the official university or government site before you submit.

Your shortlist schoolsWhat-if library

Field cards

Label → what to enter → common mistake → whom to ask.

  • Program / term / campus

    Enter
    Pick the exact degree name and entry term on the school site (MS CS Fall 2027 ≠ MCS online).
    Common mistake
    Applying to the wrong campus or a program that is not open that term.
    If unsure, ask
    Graduate admissions + department page for that term.

  • Statement of purpose upload

    Enter
    PDF unless Word is required. Stay inside word/page limits. Tailor faculty/labs honestly.
    Common mistake
    One generic SOP uploaded to every school.
    If unsure, ask
    Department SOP prompt + word limit.

  • LOR / recommender status

    Enter
    Enter recommender emails correctly; confirm they got the link. Status should show Received before you panic.
    Common mistake
    Submitting the app before LORs arrive when the school requires them first.
    If unsure, ask
    Portal status page + polite reminder to recommenders.

  • GRE / English optional or required

    Enter
    Read the program page for this year. Optional means you may omit—do not invent scores.
    Common mistake
    Leaving required scores blank or uploading expired tests.
    If unsure, ask
    Program admissions FAQ for the current cycle.

  • Funding / TA-RA interest checkbox

    Enter
    Answer honestly. Interest in TA/RA is not a scholarship guarantee.
    Common mistake
    Saying you need full funding with no plan B when the form asks about ability to pay.
    If unsure, ask
    Funding-path tool + department funding page.

  • PhD vs MS intent

    Enter
    If the form asks research interest, name real topics. PhD apps need clearer research fit than coursework MS.
    Common mistake
    Copying an MS SOP into a PhD research statement.
    If unsure, ask
    Potential advisor pages and recent papers—then your own words.

Upload specs

  • Unofficial transcript (upload)

    Format
    PDF
    Max size
    Portal limit
    Naming
    Lastname_Unofficial_Transcript.pdf

    Many schools accept unofficial for review, then require official after admit—read the checklist.

  • Writing sample (if asked)

    Format
    PDF
    Max size
    Page limit matters more than MB
    Naming
    Lastname_WritingSample.pdf

    Only upload if the program asks. Prefer a graded academic paper you wrote.

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