2 answers
Jocelyn
Student
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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How to find the right Graduate School?
I'm going into my last year of undegrad and I will have to start applying to grad schools soon. I was wondering if anyone had any tips or advice on how to find the right fit for grad school. Do people usually go on tours or just pick based on websites or programs? Should cost be a big factor or are assistantships really common to get? Is it worth it to go out of state for grad school?
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1944
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jocelyn if you're planning to apply to graduate school, it's best to start early, it will increase your odds of being admitted. Many graduate programs have rolling admissions, which means applications are evaluated as they arrive (rather than all at once after the final deadline). With so many students applying to graduate school, it’s important for you to begin your groundwork now so you’ll stand out from the crowd when you apply. I've outlined some tips below that will help you create an outstanding graduate school application, whatever your field or focus is in.
🔷 MAY — Begin researching grad schools . Take a GRE practice test . Your GRE score will help you determine how much preparation you'll need for the real test.
🔷 JUNE — Sign up for a GRE test prep course (I recommend the in-person over course vs an online option). Register for the GRE general test if necessary.
🔷 JULY — Request information from schools that interest you. Consider paying a visit to your alma mater to meet up with a few former professors. They can recommend good programs and may even help you make some connections.
🔷 AUGUST — Register to take a GRE Subject test (if necessary) during one of their Fall windows. In September/early October, late October/early November. Take the GRE general test. If you're not happy with your scores, sign up to take it again. Begin drafting your statement of purpose.
🔷 SEPTEMBER — Finalize your list of prospective schools , and familiarize yourself with the professors who share your research interests at each school. Contact your recommenders. Keep polishing your statement of purpose.
🔷 OCTOBER — Request official transcripts from your undergraduate College. Send your recommenders supplemental materials (like your resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools. Arrange a campus visit if you can.
🔷 NOVEMBER — Have someone in your graduate field and a few smart (and honest) friends read over your personal statement. Take the GRE subject test; make sure that your scores will be sent directly to schools.
🔷 DECEMBER — Complete and submit all grad applications , keeping copies of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent.
Hope this will be helpful Jocelyn
🔷 MAY — Begin researching grad schools . Take a GRE practice test . Your GRE score will help you determine how much preparation you'll need for the real test.
🔷 JUNE — Sign up for a GRE test prep course (I recommend the in-person over course vs an online option). Register for the GRE general test if necessary.
🔷 JULY — Request information from schools that interest you. Consider paying a visit to your alma mater to meet up with a few former professors. They can recommend good programs and may even help you make some connections.
🔷 AUGUST — Register to take a GRE Subject test (if necessary) during one of their Fall windows. In September/early October, late October/early November. Take the GRE general test. If you're not happy with your scores, sign up to take it again. Begin drafting your statement of purpose.
🔷 SEPTEMBER — Finalize your list of prospective schools , and familiarize yourself with the professors who share your research interests at each school. Contact your recommenders. Keep polishing your statement of purpose.
🔷 OCTOBER — Request official transcripts from your undergraduate College. Send your recommenders supplemental materials (like your resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools. Arrange a campus visit if you can.
🔷 NOVEMBER — Have someone in your graduate field and a few smart (and honest) friends read over your personal statement. Take the GRE subject test; make sure that your scores will be sent directly to schools.
🔷 DECEMBER — Complete and submit all grad applications , keeping copies of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent.
Hope this will be helpful Jocelyn
katy denby
28
Answers
Updated
katy’s Answer
I would like to preface that I am not in college, but I do know the process very well and have many people around me who have been or are going currently. People do normally go on tours to get a better feel of the atmosphere and feel of the school, and I think it could help a lot during your deciding process, I also think pictures in general but also especially on the schools' websites can be deceiving; I have been apartment hunting currently and house hunting before and have seen how deceiving pictures can be. I think cost should be a factor, but most schools allow you to apply for a scholarship or assistantships before committing to the school, so if that is an option I would definitely apply for one before completely ruling out the school and if you do get denied it just wasn't the school for you. I have heard many great things about going to school out of state or abroad the one thing I have noticed is that it can be much more expensive, but you might be able to apply for assistantships or scholarships before actually committing to see what the price estimate would be.