The application
A graduate application to Porter has: the online form and fee, official transcripts from every institution, a statement of purpose, two or three recommendations (usually from faculty or supervisors who can speak to your readiness for graduate work), a résumé, and program-specific items — a portfolio, a writing sample, a test score, or prerequisite coursework. The program page lists exactly what yours needs.
Program-by-program review
Unlike undergraduate admission, graduate decisions are made by the program's faculty, not a central office. They are looking for a fit with what the program does and with specific faculty, evidence you can handle graduate-level work (your record, your writing, your letters), and a clear reason you want this degree. A strong, specific statement of purpose matters more here than anywhere.
Tests
Many Porter graduate programs do not require the GRE or GMAT; some still want it, and some accept it as optional supporting evidence. Counseling and a few others may require a specific exam. Check the program page and sit the test the summer before applying if it is needed, so there is time for one retake.
Deadlines
Graduate deadlines are firmer than undergraduate rolling admission, especially for programs with a fall cohort start and for funding consideration — assistantship decisions often precede admission decisions by weeks. Missing the funding deadline can mean admission without an assistantship. Apply early.
Prerequisites and conditional admission
If you are switching fields, a program may admit you conditionally, requiring you to complete undergraduate prerequisite courses (with a minimum grade) before or during your first year. Ask what would be required before you apply so you can plan the time and cost.
International and non-degree
International applicants add English proficiency scores and financial documentation, on an earlier timeline. If you want to take a graduate course or two without committing to a degree, non-degree enrollment is possible for many programs, and those credits can often apply if you are later admitted.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. Every office, person, building, phone number and statistic on this page is invented; nothing here describes a real institution or a service you can actually contact.