Graduate School Planning

three young people studying together on outdoor patio

Photo/Helena Lopez/Pexels

No matter where you are in your academic career, the information in this section will help you explore your options and help you get into graduate school:

  • How to research and evaluate graduate programs
  • Timeline for applying to graduate school
  • Graduate school entrance exams, when to take them and how to prepare
  • Application essays: Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose
  • How to pay for graduate school

At any time, you can discuss your graduate school decisions with a professional career coach. To talk with a career coach, make an appointment.

What is graduate school?

Graduate school offers training beyond a bachelor’s degree in a variety of academic subjects and professional fields.

Is graduate school for me?

  • Graduate school involves an investment of time, energy and financial resources.
  • Examine your reasons carefully. Are they logical? How committed are you?
  • What are your career goals? How will a graduate degree help you reach your career goals? Is a graduate degree necessary?

Reasons NOT to go to graduate school

  • Don’t go to graduate school because school is comfortable and familiar. If you’ve been successful in school, it’s tempting to want to continue, but this is not a good enough reason to go to graduate school.
  • Don’t go to graduate school just to avoid or postpone having to look for a job.