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Researching and Selecting a Graduate Program. Reasons to Consider Applying. You have a good idea of what type of career you want. An advanced degree is required to achieve your career goal. You enjoy intellectual challenges. You have a strong interest in a particular field of study.
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Reasons to Consider Applying • You have a good idea of what type of career you want. • An advanced degree is required to achieve your career goal. • You enjoy intellectual challenges. • You have a strong interest in a particular field of study.
How to Start Looking • What field of study do you want to pursue? • What type of degree will you need? • Masters (MBA, MSW, MFA, MAT, MS, MA, MEd, MPA) • Doctorate (PHD, EdD) • Professional (JD, MD, OD) • What schools offer the degree program you want?
Program/Major Cost Financial Aid Time Limit for Completion of Degree Housing Entrance Requirements Examinations Thesis or Comps Size Application Procedure Location Demographics Special Services for Disabilities Diversity Choosing a School
Researching Graduate Schools • Directories and Guides • Identify schools with specific program offerings • Gain specific program information • Demographic information • Program admission requirements • Average admission test scores • Competitiveness (# applied vs. # accepted) • Contact information
Gradschools.com Search for programs and schools by field of study and region of the U.S. Link to specific schools and programs of interest Learn about curriculum, tuition, financial aid, and academic policies Petersons.com Search for programs and schools by field of study and location in U.S. or Canada, by keyword, or by school name Provides contact info for each program Princetonreview.com Search for programs and schools using criteria such as field of study, degrees, location in U.S. or Canada, cost, etc. Link to specific schools and programs of interest Apply to the school of your choice online, research financial aid, and more Specific information on Business, Law, and Medical schools/degrees Institutional Homepages Specific information about school(s) of interest Researching Graduate Schools on the Internet
The Application Process • Applicants will usually be required to submit some combination of the following: • Graduate admission test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, PCAT, VCAT, MAT, OAT) • Application forms • Letters of Recommendation • Interview • Portfolio
Graduate School Application Checklist • Research Phase • Testing Phase • Letters of Recommendation/ References • Application Phase
Select programs into which you can be accepted, and “dream schools.” Apply to more than one school. Make sure your admission file is complete, and in before the deadline (if applicable). Think “out of the box” when it comes to looking at what course of study you will pursue. You can transfer or defer admission. Consider taking one or two courses to “get your feet wet” before jumping in full time. Some programs will accept you conditionally, or allow you to complete one to two courses to prove yourself. Even if you are not ready to start Grad. School now, consider it for the future. Final Thoughts