Applying to graduate school is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and a well-crafted resume can be the key to making a strong impression on admissions committees.

Unlike a standard job application, a grad school resume needs to highlight not just your work experience but also your academic achievements, research projects, and relevant skills.

In this article, we'll explore essential elements to include in your graduate school resume, tips for tailoring your content to specific programs, and common mistakes to avoid.

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling document that showcases your qualifications and sets you apart from other applicants.

Grad school resume examples

Research-focused grad school resume sample

Grad school resume template with focus on research

Grad school resume template with focus on research
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Resume for grad school students | Plain text

Sophia Tran

Email: sophiatran@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Location: Berkeley, CA

Objective

Aspiring to pursue a Master’s in Psychology with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and neuropsychology. I am eager to deepen my understanding of mental health disorders and contribute to innovative treatment strategies through research, particularly exploring the intersection of cognitive processes and emotional well-being.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of California, Berkeley, CA

May 2024

  • GPA: 3.85
  • Dean’s List
  • Psi Chi Honor Society

Research Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Cognitive Psychology Lab, UC Berkeley, CA

August 2023 - Present

  • Assist in a study examining the effects of sleep deprivation on memory retention in college students.
  • Conduct data collection, coding, and statistical analysis using SPSS.
  • Present research findings at the 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Publications

Tran, S., & Smith, A. (2023). "Sleep and Memory: A Meta-Analysis," Journal of Sleep Research, 32(4), 567-579.

Skills

  • Proficient in statistical software: SPSS, R, and Excel
  • Strong data analysis and visualization skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication

Strong sides of this grad school resume:

  • The objective clearly articulates a specific focus on cognitive behavioral therapy and neuropsychology, demonstrating passion and alignment with the desired field of study.
  • Hands-on research experience showcases practical skills in data analysis.
  • The document features a publication in a reputable journal, which significantly strengthens the candidacy and shows the ability to contribute to academic discourse.
How to organize the research experience in a graduate school resume?

For those applying to research-oriented programs, this section is particularly important. It should be distinct and well-organized to highlight your contributions to academic research.

  • Clearly indicate your role (e.g., Research Intern, Graduate Research Assistant).
  • Include the title of the research project.
  • Name the institution where the research took place.
  • Specify the duration of your involvement.
  • Use bullet points to summarize your contributions, methodologies used, and any significant results.
How to properly format a resume for a graduate school?
  • Choose professional, easy-to-read fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Garamond.
  • A grad school resume should typically be one page.
  • You may extend it to two pages, but ensure every detail is relevant and necessary.
  • Maintain uniform margins of 1 inch on all sides to create a balanced look.
  • Use 1.15 to 1.5 line spacing for better readability, and ensure there’s enough white space to prevent clutter.
  • Utilize bullet points to list your accomplishments and responsibilities clearly.
  • Start each bullet with strong action verbs like "developed," "managed," or "led".

One of the best ways to make sure your resume is formatted correctly is to use a free online resume builder.

Resume Trick provides great free resume templates and AI suggestions that can help you avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your application looks professional and polished.

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Grad school resume example with professional experience

Sample grad school resume with experience section

Marco Delgado

Email: marcodelgado@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 987-6543 | Location: Gainesville, FL

Objective

Seeking to obtain a Master’s in Public Health to address health disparities and promote wellness in underserved communities. I aim to leverage my background in public health education and community engagement to implement impactful health programs that foster healthier lifestyles and equitable access to healthcare services.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

May 2023

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Graduated with Honors

Work Experience

Health Educator

Healthy Communities Initiative, Gainesville, FL

June 2023 - Present

  • Developed and facilitated community workshops on nutrition, mental health, and chronic disease prevention.
  • Collaborated with local organizations to improve access to health resources and services for underserved populations.

Internships

Public Health Intern

Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL

Summer 2022

  • Assisted in data collection and analysis for state health surveys.
  • Developed educational materials to promote vaccination and preventative health measures.

Skills

  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Program development and evaluation
  • Public speaking and presentation

Here are a few reasons why this example of a graduate student resume will impress recruiters:

  • It emphasizes work as a Health Educator, highlighting practical skills and contributions to community health, which is vital for this program=.
  • The objective is tailored to address health disparities, aligning well with the goals of a Master’s in Public Health.
  • The inclusion of a relevant internship showcases the ability to apply knowledge in a real-world setting and commitment to the field.
What educational credentials should I add to my graduate school resume?

This section is critical for a grad school resume because it showcases your academic background and achievements, which are crucial for graduate admissions.

This part reflects not only your qualifications but also your commitment to your field of study.

  • List your most recent degree first. Add its type (e.g., Bachelor of Science) and the field of study.
  • Include the name of the university or college.
  • Specify the month and year of graduation. If you haven’t graduated yet, include your expected date.
  • Mention any honors or awards received (e.g., Dean’s List, scholarships).
  • If applicable, add courses relevant to your desired program. This can demonstrate your preparedness for grad school.

Technical grad school resume template

Technical graduate school resume sample

Technical graduate school resume sample
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Resume for Masters program | Text version

Anika Patel

Email: anikapatel@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 555-1212 | Location: Cambridge, MA

Objective

To enroll in a Master’s program in Computer Science specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning. I am passionate about developing innovative algorithms and tools that can enhance problem-solving capabilities across various sectors, particularly in healthcare and data analysis.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

May 2024

  • GPA: 3.9
  • President of the Coding Club

Technical Skills

  • Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
  • Machine Learning frameworks: TensorFlow, Keras
  • Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Projects

AI Chatbot (2024)

  • Developed a chatbot using natural language processing (NLP) to assist students with frequently asked questions regarding campus resources.

Image Recognition Application (2023)

  • Created an application that identifies objects in images using convolutional neural networks, achieving a 95% accuracy rate.

Certifications

  • Certified Data Scientist, Coursera (January 2024)
  • Machine Learning Specialization, Coursera (August 2023)

This sample grad school resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It clearly defines the interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning, indicating a specific area of focus.
  • A high GPA and leadership role in the Coding Club demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities.
  • Notable projects, such as an AI chatbot and an image recognition application, provide concrete evidence of the skills and creativity.
How to showcase your grad school resume skills?

The skills section is vital because it highlights your competencies and sets you apart from other candidates. It allows admissions committees to quickly gauge your strengths and suitability for their programs.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal and subjective qualities that are often more challenging to quantify.

Grad school hard skills:

  • Statistical Analysis (e.g., SPSS, R)
  • Laboratory Techniques (e.g., PCR, chromatography)
  • Programming Languages (e.g., Python, Java)
  • Data Visualization (e.g., Tableau, Excel)
  • Foreign Language Proficiency (e.g., Spanish, French)
  • Project Management
  • Technical Writing
  • Database Management (e.g., SQL)
  • Research Methodologies
  • Software Proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office)

Soft skills for grad school:

  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Networking

Creative arts grad school resume example

Sample creative graduate school resume

Liam O’Connor

Email: liamoconnor@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 234-5678

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liamoconnor | Location: Chicago, IL

Objective

To pursue a Master’s in Fine Arts to enhance artistic skills and explore multimedia art forms. I seek to engage in an academic environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical discourse, enabling me to refine my artistic voice and contribute to the contemporary art scene.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art

School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL

May 2024

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Dean’s List

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibition

"Transcendence", Local Art Gallery, Chicago, IL

January 2024

  • Showcased a series of mixed media works exploring themes of identity and transformation.

Group Exhibition

"Emerging Artists", Art Institute of Chicago, IL

May 2023

  • Featured alongside other emerging artists in a citywide showcase highlighting innovative contemporary art.

Experience

Art Assistant

Gallery of Art, Chicago, IL

June 2022 - Present

  • Assisted in curating and setting up exhibitions, including the installation of artworks and preparing promotional materials.

Skills

  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Strong skills in painting, sculpture, and mixed media techniques
  • Excellent time management and organizational abilities

Why is this grad school resume effective?

  • The opening statement articulates a desire to enhance artistic skills and explore multimedia forms, appealing to programs that value creativity.
  • Solo and group exhibitions demonstrate an active engagement with the art community and a commitment to showcasing the work.
  • Proficiency in various artistic techniques and software can attract attention from diverse art programs.
Should I choose a grad school resume objective or summary?

Resume summary is ideal for applicants with relevant experience or advanced qualifications.

Grad school resume summary sample:

Dedicated and empathetic Psychology graduate with a robust academic background and hands-on experience in clinical settings. Adept at conducting psychological assessments and implementing therapeutic interventions, with a keen interest in advancing research in anxiety disorders.

Resume objective is generally recommended for those who may not have extensive experience in their field.

  • It focuses on your career goals and what you hope to achieve by attending grad school.

Grad school resume objective example:

Detail-oriented Mechanical Engineering graduate with a passion for renewable energy technologies. Eager to pursue a Master's degree to enhance my expertise in sustainable design and contribute to groundbreaking research in energy efficiency.

STEM graduate school resume sample

STEM grad school resume template

STEM grad school resume template
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Grad school resume for STEM | Sample text

David Nguyen

Email: davidnguyen@gmail.com | Phone: (555) 678-9101

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidnguyen | Location: Atlanta, GA

Objective

To pursue a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering focusing on medical device innovation and development. I am committed to harnessing engineering principles and biomedical research to create cutting-edge solutions that improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

May 2024

  • GPA: 3.85
  • Vice President of the Biomedical Engineering Society

Research Experience

Research Intern

Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA

June 2023 - August 2023

  • Contributed to the development of a novel prosthetic limb design, focusing on user-centric features and functionality.
  • Conducted tests and gathered data to evaluate the performance of the prosthetic under various conditions.

Projects

Capstone Project

  • Designed and prototyped a wearable health monitoring device for chronic disease management, incorporating real-time data tracking and analysis.

Skills

  • CAD software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD
  • Prototyping and testing methods
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

This example of grad school resume is strong for several reasons:

  • It clearly states the goal of pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering (emphasis on medical device innovation), which aligns with industry needs.
  • High GPA and a role in the Biomedical Engineering Society illustrate strong academic performance and leadership skills.
  • The research internship that directly relates to biomedical engineering showcases practical experience in the field.
How to organize the experience section in a graduate school resume?

The part is where you can demonstrate your practical skills and achievements.

It should include both professional and volunteer experiences relevant to your field.

  • Clearly state your position.
  • Specify the name of the employer.
  • Add the location (city and state).
  • For the dates of employment, use month and year.
  • Describe your key responsibilities and accomplishments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your grad school resume is a vital component of your application that can significantly influence your chances of acceptance.

By focusing on your academic accomplishments, relevant experiences, and specific skills, you can present a comprehensive picture of your qualifications to admissions committees.

Remember to tailor your resume for each program, emphasizing the aspects of your background that align most closely with their goals and values.

With careful attention to detail and a commitment to showcasing your strengths, you can create a standout document that enhances your graduate school application

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