Preparing for graduate school
Are you thinking about applying to graduate school?
Awesome! We are here to help you. Graduate school is a big decision. A good place to start is to reflect on your career goals and why you want to attend.
- Do you need the degree to work in a certain field?
- Will it increase your value in the job market?
- You can also reach out to someone working in your field of interest to do an informational interview to learn more.
- Visit CAREERWise or CareerOneStop to research how additional education will impact your future career.
Experience in the job market is valuable and some companies will pay for your advanced degree after you have been employed for a certain amount of time.
I believe that graduate school is the best place of having challenges and making mistakes academically and learning from them.
Ozge Ersan Cinar, Ph.D. student
Quantitative Methods in Education
Department of Educational Psychology
Steps for applying to graduate school
1. Research programs
- Research schools and programs you are interested in by visiting petersons.com and/or gradschools.com.
- Discuss your options with professors, friends, family, and coworkers.
- Ask yourself about what you're looking for and consider asking these questions of the graduate school to learn if the program aligns with you.
- Schedule an appointment to discuss your ideas with a career coach.
2. Take time to study
Most graduate schools require an admissions exam. The GRE is the most popular exam, but look at your application materials. Visit GRE – Graduate Record Exam for more information.
- Give yourself enough time to study and take practice exams.
- The U of M Libraries has a variety of test preparation materials.
Pre-Health Student Resource Center Online Workshops
- Planning for Medical School
- Personal Statements for a Health Program
- Interviewing Skills for a Health Program
3. Write your personal statement and resume
A personal statement and resume are a common part of the graduate school application. Don’t wait to start writing your personal statement and résumé.
Personal statements
A personal statement highlights your strengths and experiences.
- Why are you the best candidate for this school?
- What will you accomplish in the future with this degree?
- Watch the CLA Career Services’ Personal Statements 101 video and follow the steps for writing your statement.
Resumes
Resumes include information about your education and experiences in ways that target your intended audience.
- Watch the Resume writing online workshop
- Explore our resume writing resources
- Call Career Services at 612-625-3339 or make an appointment online to speak with a career coach if you would like further assistance making your resume professional and polished.
4. Letters of recommendation
Graduate schools generally require three letters of recommendation.
- Think carefully about who you would ask to write letters of recommendation. Consider professors, employers, and other professionals you have had positive experiences with in the past.
- Contact potential references early to determine if they are willing to do this. Allow recommenders 4-6 weeks to complete a letter.
- Send recommenders your résumé and personal statement so they are knowledgeable about your experiences and why you are attending graduate school.
- Give your references all the necessary information to complete and submit your letter of reference, including a stamped, pre-addressed envelope.
- Follow-up with graduate schools to confirm your letters were received.
- Send thank you notes to your references.
5. Everything’s together!
- Review your application to confirm you have included all of the required materials.
- Have one or more people review your personal statement, application and resume.