Graduate and Professional School

Choosing graduate or professional school can be the next step needed to help you reach your career goals.

Entering the workforce and then attending graduate school has a different variety of benefits and challenges.

Programs Offered

• What specializations are available?
• Does the program focus on theory and original research or practical application?
• Is real work experience, such as internships or practicums, provided?
• Is the curriculum structured or flexible?
• Are there opportunities to work on research projects?

Faculty

• Who are they and what are their credentials?
• What research projects have they conducted or published?
• Do the top scholars teach or are they primarily involved in research?
• What is the faculty to student ratio?

Reputation

• Is the university accredited?
• Is the program nationally ranked in terms of excellence?
• Is the program well established or relatively new?

Community and Belonging

• What is the faculty and student composition?
• Will you have the opportunity to work with students from various backgrounds?
• What multicultural experiences do the faculty bring to the classroom?

Geographic Location

• Consider the weather and political/social climate. Do you want to live here for several years?
• Would you be happier in a small college town or larger city?
• Does the are offer cultural and recreational activities that you are interested in?
• What are the employment opportunities in the area?

Tuition and Aid

• What are the tuition and fees?
• What financial aid is available? Research loans, scholarships, internships, and work study opportunities.
• Are teaching and research assistantships available?

Admissions Requirements

• What kind of entrance exams are required?
• What additional materials are needed to apply?
• Does the admissions align with current coursework?

During Junior Year

• Research areas of interest, institutions, and programs
• Talk to advisers and faculty about application requirements
• Register and prepare for appropriate graduate admissions tests
• Investigate national scholarships
• If appropriate, begin to collect letters of recommendation

Summer after Junior Year

• Take required graduate admissions tests
• Work on your application materials
• Visit institutions, if possible, that you are interested in
• Write your application essay or personal statement
• Check application deadlines and rolling admission policies

Fall of Senior Year

• Obtain letters of recommendation from faculty
• Take or retake, if needed, the graduate admissions test
• Send in your completed applications
• Complete the FAFSA, if required or applicable to your financial situation

Spring of Senior Year

• Check with all institutions that your file is complete and additional materials are not needed
• Visit with institutions that accept you. Send a deposit to your chosen school.
• Notify other colleges and universities that have accepted you of your decision.
• Send a thank you to those that wrote a recommendation letter and let them know about your success!

Relevance of Coursework or Degree

These do not need to be related to the graduate program but be prepared to strongly articulate why you want to study a new discipline. Never assume that you can't get into a graduate program based on your undergraduate degree.

Application Form

Check the program website to see deadlines and application forms that need to be submitted.

School often list priority deadlines for applications. These are often used for consideration of scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships. Graduate programs may also opt to accept students based on rolling admissions. Sending your materials in early gives you the best chance for acceptance, support, and shows a genuine interest in attending.

Graduate Admissions Test

Required tests vary based on the program and type of graduate study. Plan to take your exam approximately one year before your anticipated enrollment date.

Decide if you learn best independently or by instruction before studying for your exam. Study guides and resources are available through the company administering the exam. Private companies also provide group and individual instruction, and independent tutors can also be found on campus.

Official Transcripts

Connect with the Registrar's Office to request a formal copy of your records.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate programs require that at least two letters are sent. Your references should be primarily faculty from your undergraduate program. If you had a job in a related field prior to applying a supervisor or workplace manager may also be an excellent reference. When asking for a recommendation letter make sure to be considerate and provide plenty of time for your reference to complete the request.

Application Essay or Personal Statement

Most schools will require that you write an essay or statement about your background and interests as they relate to your intended field of study. This is your opportunity to distinguish yourself and showcase your writing skills.

Be clear about your career goals and reasons for applying to that institution. Demonstrate your understanding of how that program will further your goals. Incorporate specific research being conducted or instructors that you are interested in working with.

Financial Aid

Many schools require the applicant submit the FAFSA. Financial aid can be offered in the form of work programs, like graduate, teaching, or research assistantships, monetary awards, or loans.