Graduate School Prep

Pursuing a graduate or professional degree is an important decision that requires significant planning.

• Deciding to Go to Graduate School

  Graduate school is not just another year (or two or three) of college.  It can be as different from your undergraduate work as high school was from college.  The Career Development Center can assist you with making this important decision.  To get you started, here are some questions you should ask yourself:

  • Do I need an advanced degree to enter my field?
  • Do I have a passionate interest in the subject area?
  • Do I enjoy research?
  • Do I find school work enjoyable?

  If you struggled to answer these questions, call the Career Development Center at 610-683-4067 to schedule an appointment for individual career coaching.  A staff member will help you clarify your goals so you can make the best decision for you.

  You can also learn about the top qualities needed to be a successful graduate student: https://www.gograd.org/success-in-graduate-school/

• Getting Started

  Understanding the graduate school application process is an important first step.

  Workshops, Events & Presentations

  Every semester, the CDC hosts workshops and information sessions on topics relevant to graduate school. Additionally, a Graduate School Fair is held each fall during which students can meet and talk to representatives from local and regional graduate and professional schools. Click here for Schedule of Events.

  Graduate School Timeline

  The graduate school application process takes time and planning, so strong organization is key. Click here for a sample timeline to help you stay on track.

• Choosing a School or Program

  There are a number of factors to consider when researching schools and deciding where to apply.

  • Campus- What resources are available?  What is the campus size and location?
  • Curriculum-  What degree is granted?  How long will it take to complete the program? Do you have the prerequisites?
  • Reputation-  What is the reputation of the school, program and faculty? 
  • Accreditation-  Is the university and/or the program accredited by discipline-specific boards and organizations?
  • Faculty-  Are the professors committed to research and well-known in their disciplines?  Are they concerned about and accessible to students?
  • Costs and Financial Assistance-  What is the tuition?  What opportunities  exist for assistantships and scholarships?

• Researching Graduate Schools

  1.  Learn about graduate and professional opportunities by utilizing comprehensive websites that provide listings of graduate and professional programs across the country.  Here are just a few:

  • Peterson's Gradschools.com
  • The Princeton Review 
  • Graduate Guide 
  • US News and World Report Grad School Rankings and Reviews

  2.  Research individual school websites paying particular attention to application procedures and deadlines.

  3.  Speak with faculty in your major and/or field of interest.

  4.  Attend the Graduate School Fair held each Spring.  (See Schedule of Events)  

• Navigating the Application Process

  Strategize and Plan
  Be proactive and make a plan for completing your applications.  Make yourself aware of specific deadlines and requirements unique to each program/school (e.g. admissions essays, letters of recommendation, required test/test scores, transcripts, applications, etc.).  Consult your prospective schools' website and admissions office to gather information.

  To be fully considered for scholarships and assistantships, be sure to complete the entire process well before the printed application deadline. 

  Application
  Complete the entire application for admission and pay the application fee.  For most schools and programs, the application is online.  Consider downloading a print copy to use for your rough draft. 

  Personal Essay
  In most cases, you will be asked for a personal statement or essay.  This is a very important element of the application that both demonstrates your written communication skills and defines your fit for the program.  The best essays are clear, concise and passionate. Check out these resources for tips and strategies for writing an effective admissions essay.

  • Peterson's Guide
  • Purdue Owl Writing Lab

  Resume
  An up-to-date resume is often required as part of the application process.  Click here for more information on writing an effective resume. An up-to-date resume is often required as part of the application process.  Click here for more information on writing an effective resume. 

  Letters of Recommendation
  Most schools will require several letters of recommendation.  Choose individuals who can speak to your strengths as they relate to your program or discipline.  Be sure to ask for your letters at least one month prior to your deadline.  Click here for tips on requesting letters of recommendation.

  Entrance Exams
  Most graduate and professional school programs require an entrance exam as part of the admissions process. It is important that you prepare and take the exam early in your application process to be assured that your scores will be available to your prospective school by the application deadline.  It will also allow you the opportunity to retest if needed.  Click on the links below for test dates, locations and registration.

  • GRE: Graduate Record Exam
  • GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test
  • MAT: Miller Analogies Test 
  • MCAT: Medical College Admissions Test
  • LSAT: Law School Admission Test
  • PCAT: Pharmacy College Admission Test
  • DAT: Dental Admission Test
  • OAT: Optometry Admission Test 

  Graduate School Prep by Kaplan

  Take a FREE online graduate school entrance exam practice test from your personal computer
  Visit: www.kaptest.com to choose a date/time that works with YOUR schedule.