Graduate School Preparation

Choosing the right graduate school for you is about understanding your own personal and educational goals. There are many ways to research graduate and professional programs. The Office of Career Services is available to assist students with interview, personal statements, and resume/application completion. Call 248-1237for an appointment.     

Graduate school Web sites
www.petersons.com/gradChannel/default.asp
www.gradschools.com
www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/grhome.htm

Steps to Grad School

1.   Decide on a program.
      Determine your field of study.
      Part-time or full-time study?
      What’s your geographic preference?
      What are your credentials: GPA, work experience, test scores?

2. Prepare for the entrance exam  (Ex. LSAT, MAT, GRE, MCAT, etc)
    There are testing services that will help you prepare for the tests, such as Kaplan (www.Kaplan.com), and you can purchase study books (which are well worth the money). Many tests are now given online and your test is scored immediately. Paper and pencil tests are given locally at specific times during the year. The site www.gre.com can provide you with testing dates and locations.

    Set a test date. Note when the registration deadline is. Take practice tests online.

    Most tests test for

    a. Critical thinking (your ability to solve problems under pressure)
    b. Crisis management (how you manage composure under stress)
    c. Pacing (timed sections)
    d. Endurance (long tests—make sure your practice tests are about the same length
    of time as the real thing)
    e. Knowledge (test content)

The GRE and GMAT will have an essay section (2 questions, 30 mins each), a quantitative section (math multiple choice—37 questions, 75 mins), and a verbal multiple choice section (41 questions—75 mins).

3.  Research prospective career options
    (For future wage and employment trends, occupational requirements, and labor
     market conditions, visit  www.acinet.org/acinet/default.htm)

4. Research schools and specific programs - create a list of prospective schools and call for admission information.  Attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair in February and speak with a variety of recruiters about their programs.
 
 Applying
    Create a list of school application and financial aid deadlines
    Get your undergraduate transcripts sent to the schools
    Contact and ask all your references----give them deadlines
    Draft your personal statement, make it personal and persuasive (have your career
    counselor review it)
    Complete applications.
    Follow directions closely and have a professional third party and a friend or parent
    review your application before submission.
    Interview with the school, attend a class, speak with current students in that
    program.
    Check on your application, test scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
    Investigate your financial aid status.

            

           

 

 

Need help with interview skills?  Contact Ronie McPeak (x1237) to set up a mock interview or receive sample interview questions.