Going on to Grad School to…

Continue Your Education??

Do You Know What Program?

If you know the field you are going into and if an advanced degree is required for entry then grad school makes perfect sense

For most college grads it is not as clear cut. If you are not sure of your career goals this can present a problem at a graduate level

How to Clarify My Decision To Go To Graduate School?

Related work experience in your field. You will learn what it takes to be successful.

Practical experience can be applied to the theoretical concepts in the graduate program you are thinking about and help you understand if this program is for you.

Work experience will enhance your application credentials. It will make you a more viable, competitive candidate.

Choosing the RIGHT Program for YOU

Academic Vs. Professional Academic focus on original research Professional focus on practical applications

Masters Vs. Doctorates Masters= take 1-3 years to earn Doctorates= can take up to 8 years!

For many fields the Masters Degree may be sufficient but for others the doctorate is necessary (Doctor of Medicine, Juris Doctor…etc)

How to Find the Right School

Look at Directories for Grad Schools Briefly outline the field of study, academic

programs, financial aid, costs of study…etc If possible visit the schools and meet with faculty

or other grad students Evaluate each program of interest

Consider the quality of the faculty Prestige of the school Cost and housing Job Opportunities…etc.

Requirements for Grad School Graduate Assessment Test (plan to take 1

year ahead of time) Examples:

GRE (Graduate Record Exams)LSATS (Law School Admissions Test)GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions

Test)MCAT (Medical College Administrations Test)

Other General Requirements

Official Transcripts 2-3 Letters of Recommendation

Give your recommenders the correct forms with stamped and addressed envelops

Provide support info. So they know what your applying for

Application Essay About your accomplishments & Interests to the study Use enthusiasm, creativity and uniqueness Get it critiqued before turning in with application

Consider Financial Aid

Complete financial aid applications EARLY Other outside sources

Often very early deadlines Necessary to take graduate admission tests and to

obtain letters of recommendation the year prior FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(available online) Some schools also want you to complete the

College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile

Need-Based Vs. Merit-Based Financial Aid Need-based aid

Work Study programs Private, Federal and State loans Tuition Remission programs

Merit-based aid is awarded primarily on academic accomplishment Talent Career intentions