Get Informed

Learn everything you need to know about the graduate school process from applying to programs to juggling class and work.

Going to Graduate School

There are a lot of compelling reasons to go to graduate school. You may want to satisfy a degree requirement for your career, deepen your knowledge in a particular field or simply increase your salary potential. Whatever your reasons, grad school is a big investment, both in terms of time and money. That’s why it’s important to be informed when making your decision. Think about your long-term goals both personally and professionally. Below you will find a plethora of articles to help you on your journey. Read on topics like writing letters of intent or personal statements, study tips, how to stay organized, writing a dissertation or thesis, or simply review career specific information.

Applying to Graduate School

So you have decided graduate school is right for you and you have taken your standardized test. Now it is time to prepare your application. Most applications require prospective students to obtain 2-3 letters of recommendation, provide standardized testing scores and submit a personal statement.

Should I send letters of inquiry?

Some schools may even require applicants to send a letter of intent, and participate in an extensive interview process. Each element of your application will help tell the story of who you are, and how you will contribute to the program. The articles in this section may help you fine tune your essay writing skills, appropriately present yourself during interviews, obtain respectable letters of recommendation, and avoid common application mistakes to help you present your story to the admissions committee in a powerful and meaningful manner.

70 Questions to Ask When Visiting Grad School

When it comes to questions to ask on graduate school visits, there is no limit. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes potential students make is not asking enough questions.

Before Applying

Applications

Personal Statement or Letter of Intent

Ways to Ensure a Successful Video Interview

What to Wear to a Grad School Interview

Grad School Interview Thank You Letter

A grad school interview thank you letter is a powerful way for you to follow up on a formal interview, or informal meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate Financial Aid

Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked financial aid questions by prospective graduate students.

What kind of financial aid is available to graduate students?

Financial aid for graduate and professional students may vary by school, program and/or eligibility. In general, graduate financial aid options may consist of scholarships and grants, fellowships, assistantships, work-study, tuition-discounts and/or student loans.

How do I apply for graduate financial aid?

To apply for graduate financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available at: fafsa.ed.gov

When should I apply for graduate financial aid?

While there is no official deadline to apply for federal loans for graduate students; you should aim to apply at least 6 weeks before the terms begins to allow sufficient time for processing.

Am I required to attend graduate school full time in order to be eligible for graduate financial aid?

Many federal financial aid programs require full-time attendance; however, some only require part-time attendance. Your best bet is to speak directly with a financial aid professional at your school.

How many credit-hours do I have to take to be considered a full-time student?

The number of credit-hours needed for part-time or full-time status can vary depending on your program of study and/or school. In order to understand the requirements at your particular school, you should contact a financial aid representative.

Do I have to continue paying undergraduate loans while I’m in school as a graduate student?

If you have undergraduate federal student loans, and have returned to complete a graduate degree, you may be eligible for either a forbearance or deferment of previous loans. You should consult directly with your loan provider to get details of all available options.

Do I have to apply for financial aid each year?

Yes, students are generally required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year.

Student Guide: Get Informed for a Successful Grad School Experience

Grad school should be an exciting time that lets you delve more deeply into your degree field. It may also give you the chance to change the focus of your career goals. Yet sometimes it may feel overwhelming. If you’re in the midst of a graduate program and feeling the pressure, you might need some help. Thankfully, there are others who have walked this road and are ready to give you advice. This collection of articles may help you manage the stress and your course load so you may excel in your education.

Inspiring Grad School Success Stories

Sometimes it’s easier to find motivation after reading about someone else’s success. These stories are sure to inspire your graduate school journey!

Managing Grad School Life

Finding a work-life-school balance is part of the challenge of going to grad school. You may want to make the most of your time in this stage of life, but it’s easy for that balance to get out of whack. You’re going to need to learn how to balance it all, but it is possible. All it takes is the right knowledge and a little bit of practice. Use these articles to help you navigate this time in life:

Reading, Writing, Organization and More

Dealing with work and school is not easy. If you stop and think about all that’s on your plate when you’re in grad school, it’s not surprising to find that you’re under a little stress. This is normal, but there are strategies you may use to manage that stress. If you find you’re stressed out, or are worried you might get that way, check out these articles on reading, writing, organization and more:

Study Tips, Thesis and Dissertations

If you’ve made it to grad school, you probably have some study tips and tricks up your sleeve already, but it never hurts to learn a few more. Graduate-level work is more challenging than undergrad work, so you may need a refresher in using your study time well. Sometimes, the right study strategies may lessen the amount of time you have to study. When you use that time efficiently, you are likely to get more done. Here are some articles to check out:

Demystifying Networking while in Graduate School

Networking is an investment in your career. Graduate school is the perfect place to make connections that could last a lifetime and potentially benefit your career prospects upon graduation.

Rate My Professors – A Professor’s Perspective

Utilizing Professors’ Office Hours in Graduate School

Pros and Cons of Study Abroad

While it’s not that same as studying abroad during undergrad, earning a master’s abroad may give you a leg up in an increasingly globalized world.

Career Exploration

Whether your going to graduate school to expand your skills in a specific field or to switch careers entirely, researching the career you want is a fundamental step of the graduate school process. It’s important to understand the various career options and weight their fit against your own personal interests, skills and values. We’ve compiled information on some popular career options in various fields, including, social work, technology, healthcare and more.

Business

Education

ESL – TESOL

Fine Arts

Health and Medicine

Psychology

Social Work

Technology