Career Planning and Development

Applying To Graduate School...

If you’re considering continuing on to graduate school, first and foremost, you must determine WHY!! Why are you pursing a graduate degree? 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:

Applying to Graduate Schools

Decide where you would like to attend based upon the type of program offered, geographic location, admissions requirements, etc. Begin reviewing application criteria in the summer before your senior year of college or at least a year before you plan to start graduate school. Deadlines will vary significantly depending on the institution to which you apply. Contact programs about the possibility of 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 from institution to institution. Criteria for admission are dependent upon the academic discipline, selectivity of the institution, and number of seats available in the program.

Criteria for admission will typically include the following:

To How Many Schools Should You Apply?

A common recommendation is to apply to five or six schools, reflecting the following categories:

Some students choose to apply to 10 or more graduate and professional schools; however, keep in mind that this can become costly in terms of time and money.

When Should You Start Submitting Applications?

What Financial Aid and Assistance Are Available To Graduate Students?

Contact institutions directly to learn about financial assistance. The aid package will incorporate a combination of:


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