Graduate School Information

Graduate School

Unlike undergraduate study, a graduate program focuses on specialized knowledge and concentrated study in one area. Graduate school is probably a good choice for you if:

  • You have a clear sense of the career you want to pursue, and an advanced degree is the ticket to entry in that field.

  • You want to immerse yourself in the study of a particular field purely for the love of it.

TYPES OF DEGREES

A Master's degree usually takes 1-2 years of study:

  • A Professional Master's degree gives you the skills for a specific career field such as education, business, or engineering. This is usually a final degree and involves an internship, practicum, or fieldwork.

  • A Research Master's degree provides experience in research and scholarship and may be either a final degree or a step towards the Ph.D.

A Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree usually takes 3-6 years of study:

  • Examples of a Professional Doctorate are the M.D. for medical practice or the J.D. for law.

  • A Research Doctorate is the primary credential needed for those interested in college teaching or research, but can lead to a wide variety of other careers.

The Selection Process

Early in your junior year, begin exploring schools offering the type of program you want.

In your search:

  • Talk with faculty in your department.
  • Consult graduate school directories for overviews, comparisons, and rankings of the many available programs. The Career Library houses several of these.
  • If the Career Library does not have all the information you want, request catalogues and information directly from the admissions offices of schools you are interested in.
  • Talk with Graduate School Admissions Representatives.
  • Visit campuses.
  • Talk to current graduate students.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Ask yourself these questions about the schools you are considering:

  • What are the admissions requirements?
  • What specializations are available?
  • Who is the faculty? What are their credentials?
  • What is the reputation and ranking of the school? Is it accredited?
  • How will the size of the school affect your experience?
  • Is there a comprehensive library in your area of specialization?
  • What are the tuition and fees?
  • Are the geographic location and social climate desirable?
  • Will the school provide you with networking opportunities?
  • How successful are graduates of the program?

The Application Process

The application process varies from school to school. It is important that you find out about the selection processes at the schools you are interested in and tailor your application to show that you fit. Remember also that you are applying to a specific program at the school, even though you may send your application to a general admission office.

After deciding to apply, you should:

Request Information - Call or write for applications, catalogues, and financial aid information one year before you plan to enter graduate school.

Apply Early - Deadlines can range from August 1st to July, but admission and financial aid decisions are often made prior to the stated deadlines.

Application Components:

  • Application Form, Including a personal essay
  • Non-refundable Fee
  • Separate Financial Aid Application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Standardized Test Scores
  • Personal Interview

TIPS

  • Apply to at least two or three programs.

  • Select at least one program that is highly competitive, one that you have a reasonable chance of getting in to, and one "safety school".

  • Make sure your applications are filled out clearly, accurately, and are free of errors.

Tips for Writing a Winning Personal Statement/Essay

  • Do make certain that your essay clearly addresses the question(s) posed, in the order in which they are asked.

  • Do spend time on personal reflection, and write about a subject that has meaning for you.

  • Do consider a topic that addresses any obstacles you may have overcome, or significant things you have done in your life. Keep your focus positive, and don't dwell on the negatives.

  • Do remember that the admissions committee is trying to determine how well you write and how well you think. Present your ideas in a clear and logical format.

  • Do write from the heart, but avoid cliches.

  • Do use your essay to include something that can't be found in the rest of your application.

  • Do edit carefully and remember to have an objective person proof your essay for content and grammar.

  • Do make a copy of your essay and the rest of the application, sign it and mail it.

The Standardized Tests

THE FOUR MAJOR GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION TESTS

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Many university graduate departments require this test. The test includes the General Test of verbal, quantitative and analytic abilities as well as Subject Tests in 16 areas.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
At most business schools, GMAT scores weigh heavily in the admissions process. The GMAT measures general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills associated with success in the first year of graduate study for the MBA degree.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
A prerequisite of medical study, this is a 9 ½ hour test covering biology, chemistry, physics, scientific problem solving, verbal reasoning, writing, reading, and quantitative analysis.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
In order to be accredited by the American Bar Association, law schools must require LSAT scores. The LSAT is a highly competitive, half-day test covering reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, and a 30-minute writing sample.

The Career Development Center houses information and registration packets for each of these four tests. Also, the Career Center computers are equipped with GRE, GMAT, and LSAT software packages that you can use to prepare for these exams.

Financial Aid

The cost of a year of graduate education, including tuition and living expenses, can range from $10,000 for a state resident at a public school, to over $30,000 at some private schools.

Most financial aid for graduate school is based on the candidate's academic performance and potential. Inquire at your prospective Universities as to what is available.

Faculty within the student's department often makes the decisions, so it is a good strategy to get to know a department chair or dean.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE

Fellowships & Grants
Awarded based on academic achievement, these grants cover registration, tuition, and may include a stipend for living expenses. These may be offered by an organization for study at any school or they may be offered by a particular University for study at their institution.

Assistantships
This involves working 10-20 hours per week in exchange for a stipend, salary, or tuition reduction.

Resident Assistantships
Graduate students may earn stipend, room and board, or both by working in undergraduate residence halls

Long-Term Educational Loans
These are based on a student's financial need. The institution's financial aid office can explain loans to you.

Employer-Financed Schooling
Some companies will provide partial or full reimbursement for an employee's education.

Graduate Study Web Sites

Graduate Schools:

Financial Aid:

Graduate School Rankings:

Testing Information: