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 and Arts Samples
  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.