Career Center | Graduate School

Graduate School Rubric

Step 1: Determine What Graduate Program(s) You Want to Apply to, and When.

Steps to take	Resources to help

Evaluate your reason(s) for attending graduate school. Are they legitimate?	See a full-time staff member to talk through your reasons. Faculty and/or academic adviser can provide a great deal of information and insight.

Develop a preliminary list of graduate schools (approx. 20).	Peterson’s Graduate School Guides (available in the Career Center) and your faculty/academic adviser.

Step Two: Complete Your Application.

Steps to take	Helpful tips

Take graduate admissions test, if required.	See the Career Center’s test study guides. To schedule, see the Assessment & Testing Center in Violette Hall.

Ask 3-4 people (mostly professors) to write letters of recommendation.	These should be people who can write detailed, highly positive information about you. Provide them with supporting documentation.

Prepare a résumé and cover letter, if required or suggested.	Have your résumé and cover letter critiqued by the Career Center.

Write your personal statement.	See resources below.

Complete your applications.	The Career Center and your faculty/academic adviser can answer your questions.

Step Three: Utilize Career Center Resources.

Resource	What it is

Graduate School Handbook	FAQ’s about applying to graduate school; a timeline.

Career Center Library Resources	Personal statement guides, test prep study guides, graduate school directories.

Personal Statement Critique	Have your statement critiqued by a full-time staff member (appointment required).

Mock Interview	An opportunity to polish your skills for the admissions interview.

Step Four: Take Advantage of Career Center Programs.

Resource	How it can help

Graduate School Week (held every September)	Hands-on personal statement writing workshops by the leading authority on graduate school admissions; additional sessions on finding funding for graduate school.

Professional Development Institute (PDI)	The Career Center offers professional development programming throughout the school year.

Additional suggestions:

· Allow your faculty references 4-6 weeks to write an effective recommendation for you. Provide them with all of the information and materials they will need (e.g. self-addressed, stamped envelopes).

· By applying to programs well in advance of their stated deadline, you significantly increase your chances for funding (e.g. Assistantships).

Useful websites:

Graduate School Websites