Deciding to Apply
When thinking about applying to graduate school, you need to decide whether it is an appropriate next step to achieve your career aspirations. Questions to ask:
Why am I considering graduate school?
- Unsure of next steps
- Required for my field
Will it help me achieve my career goals?
- Opportunities expanded
- Program related to my area of interest
Other items to consider:
- Workload of a graduate program
- Investment of time and money
- What is my purpose for pursuing grad school?
Evaluating Programs of Interest
- Who are the faculty you will be learning from?
- What are the research interests of the professors?
- Rankings may be importance for you to consider
- What is the cost of the program compared to other schools you are considering?
- Geographic location (in-state versus out-of-state tuition)
- Funding opportunities available for students in program: Such as scholarships, fellowships, assistantships (RA, TA, PA)
- Alumni and student data
- Program websites- review a sample plan for completing degrees of interest
- Format of the program (virtual, in-person, hybrid, part time, full time)
Applications and Timelines
When should I start researching?
Start researching programs to apply to a year before your are looking to attend
How many programs should I apply to?
The average number of programs students apply to is 3-12 depending on the field and area of interest
How can I learn more about the application process?
Review program websites to learn more about components of the application process
Most programs require the following:
Application Materials:
Professional Statements:
Additional Materials:
- Transcripts
- Program prerequisites
- Graduate school application
- Standardized test (example: GRE, MCAT, LSAT)
Still Unsure?
Enroll in the “Exploring Graduate School” Canvas course! This course is designed to guide you through the decision-making process and set the foundation for the search by providing expert advice, activities, and tools to help you compare programs, craft strong applications, and ultimately decide if graduate school is for you.
Exploring Graduate School Canvas Course