So, you’ve decided applying to graduate school is the right
choice for you; what’s your next step? Applying to graduate schools can be a
lengthy process and should not be done on a whim. While each school may have
different due dates for applications to their school, you will find most
master’s programs deadlines to be around January, February, and March and PhD
programs due in December or January. Even with set deadlines, it’s a smart idea
to complete your application and requirements early; a lot of graduate programs
have rolling admissions so applications are reviewed as they come in and spots
can fill up quickly. Here at the Career
Center we have a few tips for getting prepared for this process:
Junior
Year
- Talk to advisors, professors, or a career counselor about program of interest
- Research institutions and programs to find out their criteria and deadlines for applying
- Visit schools or call programs of interest to determine if the school would be a good fit for you
- Register for appropriate graduate admissions test such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT
- Begin the process of determining who you will ask to write letters of recommendation
- Create a resume or CV and have it critiqued at Career Center
Senior Year
- Get organized! Create a folder with all needed information and documents such as deadlines and application materials
- Request copies of your transcripts Write application essay and have it critiqued by the Career Center and Miller Writing Center
- Apply for financial aid, student loans, scholarships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, residence assistantships, fellowships, and grants
- Prepare to visit or interview at institutions you applied to which you applied
- Practice your interview with a career counselor; schedule a mock interview at the Career Center
- Once applications are sent, check with institutions to ensure applications have been received
For more information on applying to graduate
school, check out our Career Center tip sheet on this topic.
By Kayla Gomillion
Graduate Assistant in the Career Center
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