Graduate School Information
Graduate School
If you’re considering continuing on to graduate school, first and foremost, you must determine WHY! Choosing to attend graduate school as a means of delaying the job search is not a wise move, even in poor economic times. Ask yourself:
- Is a professional graduate degree needed for my professional career (medical/law/dental school, etc.)?
- Will graduate education assist me in pursuing my personal career goals? (i.e. MBA)
Decide where you would like to attend graduate school based upon the type of program offered, geographic location, admissions requirements, etc. Begin reviewing application criteria during your junior year. Deadlines will vary significantly depending on the institution to which you apply. Contact programs about visiting, and make trips if possible. (Be sure to brush up on your Interviewing Skills.)
Admissions criteria are one of the main factors you must take into consideration when applying to graduate and professional schools. Entrance criteria and standards vary by institution and are dependent upon the academic discipline, selectivity of the institution, and number of seats available in the program.
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Standardized test scores (GRE, MAT, LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT score)
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Meet with current faculty members to discuss your statement and possible programs. Ask for letters of recommendation.
- Experience or Undergraduate Research
- Completion of Course Prerequisites
- Letters of Recommendation
- Admission Essays
- Résumé or CV
- One program that is extremely desirable with very competitive admissions standards.
- Three programs that are realistic for you in terms of admission standards and that also meet your criteria.
- Two programs you are confident in being admitted to that meet your criteria.
- Be sure to contact each school well in advance to determine graduate application deadline dates. Most deadlines fall between December and March but each program will have a specific deadline.
- Generally, the more competitive the program, the earlier you need to submit all pertinent application materials.
Contact institutions directly to learn about financial assistance. The aid package will incorporate a combination of:
- Work programs (assistantships, institutional funding, and other part-time jobs on campus)
- Monetary awards (grants, fellowships, and scholarships)
- Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). **Make sure you understand the differences in loans and your responsibility to repay them. **