Graduate School Planning

Applying for and attending graduate school is a huge committment. Be sure to ask yourself the following questions to ensure you are attending graduate school for the right reasons and to set yourself up for success. Schedule an appointment with a Graduate School Admissions Coach to discuss your motivations for graduate school further.

Check your motivations.

• Do I know where this is going?
• Why do I want to do this now?
• What type of academic or professional degree am I seeking?
• What are my career prospects?
• What is the cost to attend?
• How long will this take?
• What will my career earnings be in the long-run?
• Will this make me a more competitive applicant for future positions?
• What is my return on investment?
• Should I take a bridge/gap year?

1. Maintain a strong GPA
2. Forge strong connections with professors - visit their office hours, schedule times outside of class to meet
3.  Join a research lab to gain research experience and to figure out what your research interests are

• Attend an info session in The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR)
• Browse Eureka for undergraduate research opportunities
• Review research opportunities through CoLA

4. Get involved on campus

• Browse campus involvement opportunities

5. Volunteer in the community

6. Participate in internships

• Check out Handshake and Indeed

7. Gain experience through part-time jobs / on-campus employment

8. Take challenging coursework; build-up your writing skills

9. Schedule an appointment with a Graduate School Admissions coach to discuss your goals further

Below you will find a list of common graduate school application components. Keep in mind, each school is unique and may require different materials. Be sure to read through each program's requirements carefully to ensure you are preparing the right materials.

1. Graduate Record Exam (GRE): The GRE is an exam conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is generally mandatory if you wish to apply for admission into a Masters or PhD program in the U.S.

• Quantitative (arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis)
• Verbal (reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence)
• Analytical Writing (analyze an issue + analyze an argument)

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: The CV is a longer document that details the whole course of your academic and professional career. Click here to view our CV template.

A resume is typically used for job/internship applications and is generally one-page in length and tailored to a specific position.

3. Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement: All programs will require either (or both) a Statement of Purpose and/or a Personal Statement with their application. What's the difference?

• Statement of Purpose - academic and professional background, skills, and accomplishments; research interests; academic/career goals; why this program is a good fit for you. More formal.
• Personal Statement - personal motivation for applying; how you developed your research interests; any relevant experiences, challenges, or accomplishments. Less formal.
• Length - ~1-3 pages

4. Letters of Recommendation (LoR): Graduate programs require you to submit letters of recommendation in order to complete your application. Masters programs generally require three, while PhD programs can allow up to five. The people you choose to ask to write your letters are extremely important - think about professors you've had interactions with or built close relationships with.

If you need assistance coming up with a plan to reach out for LoR, schedule an appointment with a Graduate School Admissions Coach.

5. Transcripts: You will need to submit an official or unofficial (depends on school requirements) copy of your transcript for every institution you've received college credit from.

6. Supplemental Essays: Some programs may require you to submit supplemental essays in addition to your other materials.

7. Writing Sample(s): Some programs may require you to submit a writing sample for your application.

8. Graduate School Application: Complete the online application and pay the fee ($50-$125) per application. Inquire about fee waivers if possible.

Sample Masters Timeline:

Fall 2024 Entry

• Spring 2023: Lay the foundation -  gather GRE study materials; begin looking at programs and talking with professors/graduate students in your field of interest; begin creating a spreadsheet of programs of interest.
• Summer 2023: Preparation - begin studying for the GRE, reach out to graduate students in programs of interest; update/maintain spreadsheet of programs; update/revise CV; think about who you would like to write your LoR.
• Early Fall 2023: Action - take the GRE; confirm schools; begin crafting SoP/PS drafts; gather transcripts, inform LoR writers of deadlines; complete graduate school application.
• Late Fall 2023: Deadlines -  December-March (sometimes later)
• Spring 2023: Submitting Apps/Waiting & Decision Time - still submitting applications; waiting to hear back from programs; typically no interviews for masters programs.

Sample PhD Timeline:

Fall 2024 Entry

• Spring 2023: Lay the foundation -  gather GRE study materials; begin looking at programs and talking with professors/graduate students in your field of interest; begin creating a spreadsheet of programs of interest.
• Summer 2023: Preparation - begin studying for the GRE, reach out to graduate students in programs of interest; update/maintain spreadsheet of programs; update/revise CV; think about who you would like to write your LoR.
• Early Fall 2023: Action - take the GRE; confirm schools; begin crafting SoP/PS drafts; gather transcripts, inform LoR writers of deadlines; complete graduate school application.
• Late Fall 2023: Deadlines -  Late November - December 15.
• Spring 2023: Submitting Apps/Waiting & Decision Time - will start hearing back from programs January-Late February. Make decision by April 15.