Graduate School
Some fields, such as law, medicine, and college or university teaching, require education beyond the baccalaureate level. Other fields have no clear-cut guidelines, and some students choose to pursue graduate studies simply because they want to immerse themselves in the study of a particular academic discipline. In any event, you will want to examine very carefully all the study area and graduate school options to insure that you are making the right career choice
Resources
We have a variety of resources available to you to research the various graduate programs offered at major universities. Peterson's Graduate Search is a computer based program which allows for easy research and retrieval of information.
Peterson's Guide contains descriptions of graduate study programs at 1,300 institutions throughout the United States. Field of study, geographic preference, availability of financial aid, student population, and admission requirements provide information. This is an excellent resource for undergraduates who plan to go to graduate or professional school.
Best Graduate Schools
Application Preparation
- Application forms
- Test scores
- Official, sealed transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume/Vitae
Graduate School Deadlines and Suggested Timeline
Some students go onto graduate school directly after finishing their undergraduate degree. Others take some time off before continuing on with their schooling. Even more students first enter the workforce for a few years before returning to the classroom. Some fields, including nursing and business, recommend gaining work experience before beginning graduate school.
If you are certain that graduate school is a step you would like to take directly after completing your undergraduate degree the suggested timeline can help you stay organized.
Junior Year:
- Research areas of interest. Meet with professors in your interest areas about career possibilities and programs
- Meet with faculty, academic and career advisors
- Look into programs that match your interests
- Determine which standardized tests will be needed
Summer before Senior Year
- Request applications from selected schools
- Take a review course for graduate school entrance exams
- Begin brainstorming and drafting your personal statement
- Update your resume
- Determine who can provide letters of recommendation
- Start saving funds for application fees, campus visits, etc.
- Register to take any necessary entrance exams
Senior Year:
Fall
- Request letters of recommendation. Follow up with thank you letters
- Request transcripts to be sent to selected schools
- Polish personal statement and tailor it to individual schools
- Apply for fellowships, grants, and assistantships
- Fill out applications. Make copies of each before sending
- Send applications as soon as possible, before designated deadline (some schools have rolling admissions, so the sooner you apply, the better chance you have!)
Winter
- Confirm applications were received and that your file is complete
- Fill out the FAFSA form by the priority deadline
- Prepare for possible interviews
- After receiving acceptance letters, contact schools about scheduling visits
- Make your final decision!
Admissions Exams
Graduate Schools usually require a graduate admissions test that you should plan to take about one year before your desired entrance date. The tests vary according to the type of graduate study you wish to pursue. The individual graduate school catalogs will specify which test you will need for admission.
The most widely required tests are:
Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Graduate School Admissions Tests review information
Letters of Recommendation
Most graduate programs require at least two letters of recommendation. Your application will include transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement/essay, in addition to glowing letters of recommendation. The letter of recommendation can give admission committees a picture of you that the other pieces of your application cannot.
A recommendation letter is a detailed discussion of the personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make you unique and suited for the program to which you have applied. Typically, one or more of the people in your network and/or your mentors will write your recommendation. It is important to be consistent in communication with them about. The more familiar they are with your goals and needs the better the recommendation they can write.
Who should you ask?
Consider professional people who know you best: faculty members, administrators, advisors, internship supervisors, and employers. The person who writes your letter should:
- know you for a significant amount of time (at least one year)
- know the quality of your work
- have a high opinion of you, both personally and professionally
- describe your work and character in a positive light
- know your educational and career goals
- have the ability to write a well-written letter
How to request a letter:
Ask if they feel that they know you well enough to write a letter of recommendation for you. Help by providing information:
- A cover note that includes your contact information
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Admissions essay/personal statement
- Copies of graded papers/assignments from the course you took with them
- A list of schools to which you are applying, and due dates for each application (earliest due listed first )
- Copy of the application recommendation forms
- An addressed and stamped envelope (if the letter needs to be mailed separately)
Follow-up with your letter-writer and confirm that the letters were sent on time. Contact the graduate program to inquire whether your materials were received.
Graduate school is a major commitment. Choosing to continue your education by attending graduate school is a big step. There is a lot of preparation and planning involved in the process, as well as a lot of information gathering. There are many questions to consider and actions to take before you make your decision. We have a variety of resources available to you to help research the various graduate programs, the application process and the admission exams
