Is Grad School in Your Future? 5 Tips to Help You Prepare

Attending graduate school can be a difficult decision to make, but once you’ve decided to expand your knowledge and further your career potential, it’s time to get started on the application process. Take some of the complexity out of applying for graduate school with these helpful tips:

1. Research Potential Graduate Schools Thoroughly 

The time spent in your graduate studies can broaden your employment opportunities as well as expand your learning. However, success within a graduate program often depends on finding the right program that fits your personal and professional goals. 

There are multiple avenues for making informed decisions regarding the right school and program for you. Consider print guides and online resources. Gather valuable information with personal contact with admissions officers, current students, faculty, or alumni. Pick up the phone or utilize social media platforms. Attend open days and university-hosted events. And once you’ve begun to narrow down your options, visit the campus. Taking the time to see where you will be spending the next few years can give you tremendous insight into your decision. 

When researching your potential schools, pay particular attention to the factors that will most impact your future as a graduate student, including program options, admission requirements, and online or on-campus delivery platforms.

2. Find Out the Unique Admissions Process for Every School You’re Interested In 

The admission process is designed to inform the committee on potential candidates. Your application delivers insight into the kind of student you will be. With hundreds of applicants, it’s important not to stand out because of any errors or missing information. Staying organized and researching what your application needs can help to eliminate some of the overwhelm. 

Each school has its requirements; however, most of the basic requirements are similar. These include: 

• An application form
  
• Official transcripts
  
• Standardized test scores such as the GRE
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose or personal statement

Although these requirements are relatively common, don’t assume every school is the same. Include all required information and no additional materials.  

3. Have a Strategy for Studying, Preparing, and Taking the GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are designed to measure academic readiness for graduate studies through the evaluation of quantitative and verbal aptitudes. The General Test helps to determine the overall academic ability, while the GRE Subject tests assess more specific or technical knowledge in areas such as physics, computer science, or economics. 

Because the GRE can provide a standard measure for the comparison of qualifications, preparation for the exam is paramount. The test is hard. It’s meant to be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a high score. 

• Find Your Baseline- Some schools do require a minimum score for admission, so it is essential to have an honest understanding of the score you are able to achieve. Having a baseline score, one that shows your abilities without preparation, can help you set realistic expectations and know how much and in what areas you need to improve. 
• Set a Target GRE Score- Your baseline score is not the result; in fact, it is just the beginning. Set the target score based on the competitiveness of the programs of study and the maximum score you can achieve.  
• Schedule Your Exam Early- GRE General Test appointments are offered year-round via computer. However, slots are limited and granted first-come, first-serve. Paper-based General Tests are offered up to three times per year. GRE Subject Tests are paper-based and administered three times a year based on demand in many regions. Find the GRE 2020 test dates available in your area to sign up and guarantee your spot.
  Taking the test early not only ensures you’ll be able to take it before any deadlines, but it also affords the opportunity to retake the test if you don’t meet your target score. 
• Practice as Much as You Can- Taking practice tests not only shows the sorts of questions and challenges you might face, it can build confidence and improve your testing time. The GRE is not a test you can prepare for the night or even the week before. Performance on these tests requires time and effort. 

4. Apply to Numerous Graduate Schools

Unfortunately, not all plans pan out. Applying to several schools provides opportunities for your studies. There is no right number of schools in which you should apply; it depends on how many you would like to consider and the costs of applying.

Include the strongest, absolutely best programs for you as well as those you have a strong chance of getting into such as a “safety school.” Having a backup plan doesn’t show a lack of confidence. In reality, it shows preparation. Graduate admissions can be competitive, and having an option for your education is essential. Choose those schools you would be happy to attend as well as your dream choices.

5. Research Opportunities for Financial Assistance 

The harshest reality of graduate school is the cost. Don’t let the hefty price tags scare you away. Invest some time and research on finding the financial help you need. Some financial options include:

• Financial aid programs
  
• Student loans such as Stafford, Graduate PLUS, and Perkins
  
• Grants, scholarships, and fellowships
  
• Teaching and research assistantships
  
• Work-study programs
  
• Employer tuition reimbursement or assistance

Prepare Now for Your Graduate School Future

If you have your sights set on attending grad school, it’s never to early to start preparing. While the researching, test-taking, and application process may be long, it’ll be worth all the hours of planning preparing when you get into the school of your choice.