Furthering Your Education

ITEMS TO CONSIDER IN YOUR JUNIOR YEAR:

  • Consider why you want to attend graduate school
  • Determine the best fit by looking at location, cost, degree requirements, online vs. in person learning
  • Identify 5-7 schools that have the programs you would like to pursue to bring to your career counseling appointment.  Use resources like www.petersons.com or www.gradschools.com
  • Make a career counseling appointment at the beginning of your senior year

SENIOR YEAR APPOINTMENT WILL INCLUDE: 

  • The application timeline at each school
  • The standardized test requirements (GRE, MCAT, LSAT)
  • A schedule of tasks that need to be completed
  • Writing your personal statement/essay
  • References/Resume, etc
  • Graduate School interview
  • Funding graduate school
  • Alternative plan in case you are not accepted

Get Started


Decide if Graduate School is Right for You

Identify Graduate Programs & Schools

Research Programs

  • Visit the school’s website to review program content and areas of emphasis
  • Seek faculty with research interests similar to yours
  • Learn about the sequence of courses, practical experiences and other opportunities that will enhance your future prospects
  • Ask what recent graduates of this program are doing

Attend the Graduate and Professional School Week 

  • Held annually in October
  • Meet recruiters from over 200 different schools

Follow Application Procedures

  • Adhere to guidelines for application requirements, test deadlines, letters of recommendation, financial aid forms, transcripts, etc.

Take Entrance Exams


GRE -  www.ets.org/gre
GMAT -  www.gmac.com/gmat.aspx
LSAT -  www.lsac.org (Pre-Law Office in 212 Boucke)
MCAT - www.aamc.org/students (Pre-Medical Office in 213 Whitmore)
MAT (Miller Analogies Test) -  www.milleranalogies.com
DAT (Dental Admissions Test) - http://www.ada.org/dat.aspx
TOEFL -  www.ets.org/toefl/
 

 

Preparation

  • Follow the suggestions in the registration booklet
  • Before you buy a book or enroll in an often costly review course, decide if you learn better by reading and practicing independently (books), or by instruction and group practice (review course)

Test Preparation Courses

Career Services at University Park offers several courses to help students prepare for graduate admissions tests.
Questions? [email protected]

2 Session Weekend Courses (14 hours of class time)

 

Complete the Application Process

Deadlines

  • To avoid being wait-listed, submit your application as early as possible. Schools may fill their programs prior to their published deadlines
  • Priority deadlines are used for consideration of scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships (Send in your materials by this date if you need financial assistance)
  • Rolling Admissions accept students on a continual basis until all acceptance slots are full. (After this point, applications will no longer be accepted)

Typical Components

  • Completed application form
  • Application essay or personal statement
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • Financial aid forms
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Test scores
  • Application fee

Application Essay/Personal Statement

Most schools will require that you write an essay or statement about your background and interests as they relate to your field of study. These are often used as an opportunity to see you beyond the “numbers” in the admissions criteria.

Formats

There are two types of essays that most schools require prospective students to write. Always have someone review your essay (a career counselor, advisor, professor or recommendation letter-writer).

Short Answer Essays

  • Usually based on specific questions within your field
  • Assesses your knowledge and understanding of the field you are entering
  • Measures your ability to write, build arguments and think critically

Personal Statements or Letters of Intent

  • Clarifies your career goals and reasons for applying to that institution
  • Demonstrates your specific goals and understanding of how that particular program will assist you in achieving your career goals
  • Highlights your interest in specific research being conducted by faculty or particular classes you are interested in from that institution