Basic Training

Should I go?
Grad school requires a big commitment of time and money so consider the following carefully:

• Working conditions
• Employment outlook, and specific requirements of the field you plan to pursue.
• The demands of the programs to which you are applying.
• A post-bachelors degree or certificate will open more doors in the professional world
• Further study will allow you to focus your interests
• You will have a closer working relationship with your professors
• You (normally) get funding to help you keep learning
• You will become smarter!

How do I decide on a program?

• Find a good match between your skills, interests, goals, and needs
• Ask faculty for recommendations of programs to consider
• Research schools and request catalogues and application materials directly from the graduate programs
• Visit campuses: talk to students and faculty, and attend a couple of classes. The more you ask, the more confident you will be that you have chosen a program with the right "fit".
• Famous? Rich? Sexy? By the beach? (Not the best criteria!)
• Look for a good community (of both teachers and students), not a single teacher
• Rating and/or accreditation of the program
• Don't rely exclusively on the "reputation" of the school: consider how well it meets your needs
• Financial aid opportunities, cost and residency requirements
• Ability to gain practical experience during the program (assistantships, research)
• Ratio of applications to acceptances
• Current research, publications, and professional involvement of the faculty
• Housing options and community environment
• Entrance requirements
• Flexibility of the curriculum and length of the program
• Availability of placement services and placement outlook (e.g., Percentage of students who have a job at graduation, average salary of graduates)

The Graduate School Application Checklist — What do I need?

Be sure to check with each individual program as requirements will vary to some degree. That said, most programs will require the following:

• GPA — Will vary but a B+ is usually what most programs are looking for
• Entrance Exams — (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, MAT, DAT, etc.) Plan to register for the test at least six weeks before the actual test date to insure proper preparation, minimal cost and availability of test dates. Study and prepare to take the test by utilizing test preparation books and resource guides to improve your scoring potential. Taking tests early will give you time to retake them if necessary and allow enough time for scores to be reported to schools. Consider taking a preparation class if you have the financial resources.
• Transcripts — You will need official copies from all the schools you have attended. Make sure to do this early enough and to give the Registrar's office enough time to process and mail by the Graduate School's application deadline.
• Essay/Statement of Purpose — Most consider this the most important element of the application after grades. Your personal statement should show evidence of academic maturity and explain any anomalies in your record. Make it personal, be concise, specific and leave out the sarcasm. Don't tell them what they already know and play up your strengths. Talk about your particular area of interest and your desire to pursue it through their program. Have a trusted faculty member look it over and give you some feedback.
• Reference Letters — Choose wisely and don't reach out to someone who doesn't know you well but has an impressive title. Make sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters before your deadline.
• Application Forms — PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES AND FEES!

Advanced Training

Timelines

Spring - Prior to applying

• Talk to a career counselor about career options and career decision making
• Research areas of interest, institutions, and programs
• Talk to advisors about application requirements
• Register and prepare for appropriate graduate admission tests
• Investigate national fellowships
• Get involved in student organizations
• Work or volunteer in your area of interest
• Where appropriate, obtain letters of recommendation

Summer - Prior to applying

• Take required graduate admissions exams
• Write for application materials
• Visit institutions of interest, if possible
• Write your application essay and have it reviewed for comments by faculty, your school's writing center, or the career resource center
• Check on application deadlines and rolling admissions policies

Fall - Application time

• Obtain letters of recommendation
• Send in completed applications
• Pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Financial Aid Profile from the Financial Aid Office. Or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and fill them out on the web. Submit ASAP after January 1st.
• Try to schedule a visit to your "reach" schools so they have more to consider than paper

Spring - Follow-up

• Check with all institutions before their deadline to make sure your file is complete
• Visit institutions that accept you
• Send a deposit to your institution of choice
• Notify other colleges and universities that accepted you of your decision so they can admit students on their waiting list
• Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters, informing them of your success