Preparing for Graduate and Professional School

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The graduate or professional school application process also requires effort, attention to detail, persistence and follow through. Plan backwards from when you hope to start:

  • At least 18 months prior to when you plan to start
    • Determine if graduate/professional school is right for you:
      • Research educational expectations for your career field;
      • Consider your level of commitment to the field of study (it should be high);
      • Consider whether graduate school fits into your life circumstances.
    • Identify the program type you wish to pursue.
    • Identify admission testing requirements, typically:
      • Business – GMAT
      • Dental School – DAT
      • Law – LSAT
      • Medical School – MCAT
      • Veterinary School – GRE General
        • some require GRE Biology
        • some will allow the MCAT in place of the GRE General
      • Most other programs requiring admissions testing — GRE General

    Note: Verify the requirements for each program you are interested in as they can vary.

  • One year prior to starting

    • Identify specific programs of interest
      • Location
      • Ability to enhance your outcomes at the conclusion
        • School/program reputation
        • Program’s success rate in placing people in the types of jobs for which you are interested
        • Whether there are faculty with your academic interests that will be able to mentor you
      • Cost
        • Total cost for attendance
        • Options for financial support
    • Begin requesting letters of recommendation (need three-to-five letters)
    • Develop a calendar of admissions’ deadline dates
    • Take any required admission testing (taking one year out allows you time to retake if necessary)
    • Identify funding options
      • File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – though there is less money for graduate school
      • Ask the institution about:
        • Grants and Scholarships — money offered a student for educational expenses, with no repayment or work associated
        • Fellowships — stipends or tuition support, with no repayment or work associated; awarded based on merit or need
        • Assistantships — financial assistance offered as remuneration for part-time work on the campus
          • Research Assistants — support a faculty member in their research
          • Teaching Assistants — either teach a course or support a faculty member in the teaching of a course; may provide grading, small group lessons, exam proctoring
          • Graduate Assistant — work for an office/department in a paraprofessional role

  • Up to six months prior to starting

    • Complete admissions applications
      • Write personal statements
      • Have your personal statement reviewed by Career Development
    • Complete funding applications