Graduate School Planning
Students interested in pursuing further education after completing an undergraduate degree with the Eller College should understand the requirements to apply to various graduate programs. Early preparation is essential in graduate school planning.
Begin the application process no later than the summer before your senior year of college or at least a year before you plan to start graduate school.
- Work on strong undergraduate G.P.A
- Join related organizations (ex. Pre- law fraternity )
- Attend graduate school information workshops
- Major and Minor Selection
Why Attend Graduate School Immediately After College?
- Uninterrupted studies
- Easier while in "student" mode
- Better job market in future
- No disruption in career later
- Admission/tests may be harder later
- Current financial assistance
Why Work For A Few Years First?
- Better opportunities for advancement
- Career change
- Better focused student
- Establish solid experience
- Education paid by employer
- Need for updated technology training
- Mandatory for admissions
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- Why go to grad school?
- What type of graduate school is right for me?
- What factors should I consider in my decision making process?
- Where can I start my research?
- How can I apply?
Why go to grad school?
Everyone has their own unique motivation for continuing their education.
- Career mobility
- Advancing your degree
- Marketing yourself
- Changing & stimulating your career
- Simply seeking knowledge
- Competitiveness in job market
- Love for the field
What type of graduate school is right for me?
Graduate School
- Master's Degree
A Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) offers new job opportunities or advancements
- Doctorate and Research Doctorate Degrees
Doctorate degrees enables you to teach college and complete research. A Ph.D. allows a variety of research and development-oriented opportunities in the public or private sector.
Professional School
- Professional Master's.
A Professional Master's gives skills in a particular industry, such as business, academia, or engineering.
- Professional Doctorate
An M.D. is needed for medical practice or the J.D. for law
Other Degrees Veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry or dentistry etc.
What factors should I consider in my decision making process?
- Size and location
- Fit with your particular interests, academic background, and goals
- Programs' prerequisites (ex. Work experience, academic preparation, skill set etc.)
- Selectivity of the program
- Acceptance Rate
Where can I start my research?
There are more than 1,800 institutions in the United States that offer graduate degrees. You can learn about these programs through:
- College guides/books
- Program Literature
- News Magazine Ranking guides (ex. U.S. News)
- University libraries and career centers
- Faculty mentors
- Web sites
How can I apply?
- Application deadlines and processes vary—however most require:
- Undergraduate Transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Personal statement
- Admissions tests
- Other specific requirements
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How can I prepare for the testing component?
You will be required to take one of four main exams based on what area you wish to continue your study in:
- Law School - Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Business School - Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT),
- Medical School - Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Other Programs - Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
It is highly recommended that you speak to a person in admissions for the program you wish to apply to determine which exam is required for their program and the average scores of admitted students. This information may also be found on the homepage of the department or schools web site. Once you know this, you should begin to think about your time line of when you will begin studying or taking a preparation course, when you will take the exam, and when your exam scores will be reported for application purposes to the graduate program.
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- The University Learning Center - Graduate School Preparation
- Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
- The Princeton Review
Resources for Taking an Exam:
The University Learning Center Testing Office
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