Applying to Grad School

Is graduate school the right move for you? Check out this list of questions to ask yourself for a bit of guidance.

Where to begin? Find some great schools and programs through these sites.

What should you consider before choosing a program? Review these questions to feel more confident about your decision

Need a timeline of the application process? We’ve got one for you!

So you’re invested in going to grad school. Learn about the other common requirements in addition to your application.

• SCU Transcripts

• Admissions Exams

  Refer to the admissions requirements of specific schools to find out the following:

  - What test is required?
  - What score do I have to get?
  - When does my score have to be received by the school(s) to which I’m applying?

  Admissions Exams

  Resources for Exam Preparation

• Personal Statement

  Communicate who you are and your interest in the field through stories and examples.
  
  - Why are you interested in this field? Is there a specific event in your studies or in your personal life that sparked your interest?
  
  

  - Why are you qualified? What courses, internships, jobs, or other experiences prove that you have the skills needed for this field?

  - Why this graduate school? Mention professors or aspects of the program that appeal to you.
  
  - What are your future career goals? Link the program specifics to your goals.
  
  Some applications call for a 1-2 page statement, while others require responses to a series of questions. Schools will usually want to know some variation of the questions above. Do not write one statement and submit it to everyone.
  
  
  Humanities/Social Sciences Sample
  Law School Sample
  MBA Sample
  Medical School Sample
  Engineering Sample

   

• Letters of Recommendation

  Who?
  - Supervisors
  - Faculty with expertise relevant to your graduate program

  How?
  - Ask your potential recommenders if they feel they know you well enough to write a letter
  - Give them at least 3-4 weeks to write a letter
  - Ask if they would also be willing to write a 3-4 sentence recommendation for your LinkedIn profile

  What?
  - Provide your recommender with your resume and personal statement
  - Meet to discuss the program requirements, your achievements and qualifications, and suggestions for what each recommender might emphasize
  
  

This could be the right move, but how do I pay for it? Here are some resources.

This decision and/or process would be stressful for anyone. Meet with your Alumni Career Counselor for additional help.