Topic: Planning for Graduate School

Determine if grad school is required for your career goal, and narrow down the career goal if you haven’t already done so.

Identify graduate schools that offer the degree program of interest.  Visit schools over the summer.

Thoroughly research the degree program at your top schools.  Review the review the admission requirements, fees, financial support, and deadlines thoroughly.  Identify the Program Administrator at the school who can answer any further questions. Develop a timeline beginning in the third year of undergraduate school and ending well in advance to application 

• Statements of Purpose: Overview and Before You Draft
• Examples of Successful Statements
• How to Write a Great Statement of Purpose
• Accepted.com - Grad School Essay Writing

Once your statement is completed, the USFSM Writing Center can review it for you.

Letter of Recommendation: How to Ask for It

Career Services can provide students with resume examples related to your career goal. Using a curriculum vitae (CV), you can expand on the academic knowledge gained through the courses you completed such as adding research papers, presentations, observations or service learning. Additionally, you can highlight other experiences such as conferences, memberships, participation in student organizations, and volunteer experience.  

Graduate schools may conduct interviews.  They will ask a questions about your career goals, academic success, and interest in their University, their faculty and the research they conduct.  By reviewing their web page and learning about the program, their faculty and their research, you can develop your responses.

• Practice Graduate Interviews: Big Interview

Prior to submitted your application documents, it is ideal to request a review from a trusted faculty member who knows your work.

If you have followed this plan, you should be well prepared to submit your application ahead of the deadline. 

Best of luck!