Key takeaways
- When choosing your graduate school, it’s important to research different schools and compare their grad programs thoroughly to find the best fit.
- Before applying for grad school, you should first consider your academic and career goals, whether it is financially feasible, and what you hope to get out of it.
- You can prepare for grad school by making sure you know what entrance exams you’ll need to take, visiting campuses, starting your application in advance, and practicing for possible grad school interviews.
Flickr user NKCPhoto
Did you know that how you prepare for grad school is very similar to how you prepared for your undergraduate degree? Just like with your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to consider your academic and career goals, compare schools and programs, and even visit the campus. Before you can apply to grad school, you’ll need to obtain an undergraduate degree in your intended field of study and be able to provide a strong academic record in hopes of being granted admission.
Let’s look at eight ways to start preparing for grad school now.
How to Prepare for Grad School
Preparing ahead for graduate school not only increases your chances of getting accepted into a top program, but it can also open doors to future job opportunities. If you’re considering grad school, look at these tips to help you feel confidently prepared.
1. Consider your goals
Before you start applying to grad schools, you’ll want to give considerable thought to your goals in your education, finances, and future career field. Here are some questions you’ll want to think through:
Is a Master’s required for your career goals?
- If yes, begin researching programs that align with your career goals and what qualifications you’ll need.
- If not, is there another reason you’d like to continue pursuing this degree? For example, earning a master’s degree can lead to higher earnings and even advanced career positions.
Is it financially feasible for you to continue your education?
- Graduate school can be very expensive. In fact, the average cost of a master’s degree is $62,820.
- Review your finances, any current student loan debt you may have, and your goals for your financial future.
- Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and start looking into scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for to make the cost of graduate school more affordable.
What do you want out of the graduate program and school?
- Not all grad programs are alike. Consider what you’ll need from your experience—supportive faculty, research opportunities, internship connections, collaborative projects—that will help you succeed in your intended career.
Ultimately, you’ll want to conclude if grad school is right for you, and if so, what program will be the best fit for your goals.
2. Weigh the pros and cons
If you’re still not sure after thinking through the questions above, consider weighing the pros and cons of graduate school:
Pros:
- It could advance your career.
- You could see a higher salary and more job opportunities.
- You’ll further your education and skill set.
- It may be required for certain positions you may want.
- Earning a master’s degree can strengthen your professional reputation and credibility in your field when applying for jobs.
Cons:
- It can be expensive.
- It’s additional years of education before entering the workforce.
- There are no guarantees you will make more money upon graduation.
- It can be stressful and time-consuming— especially if you’re working or have a family.
- The demands and expectations are typically more rigorous, as students are required to manage heavier workloads.
3. Research schools thoroughly
Like you did with your undergraduate school search, you’ll want to create a running list of universities that could be strong contenders for your graduate education. When making your list, think about what’s important to you, what you want out of a school, and where you’d like to live for the next couple of years. While some students may choose to continue their education at their undergraduate school, it may not be an option—or the best option—for others.
Take the lessons you learned from your undergraduate search and experience to help you decide on potential grad schools. Consider the following:
- What you liked/disliked
- Your preferred learning environment
- If you prefer a small or large campus
- The cost and location of the school
- Private vs. public
4. Compare programs
Once you’ve got a list of possible schools, you’ll want to start narrowing down their programs based on your academic and career goals. How do they stack up against one another? Compare the following when selecting a specific degree program:
- Types of programs offered: Some careers require a master’s, while others require a doctoral, or PhD. Ensure you know what your intended career path requires when comparing programs.
- Program curriculum: Do the programs you’re looking at offer the coursework and classes you need?
- Research facilities: Many master’s degrees require a substantial amount of student research. Look into the research facilities at each program and what they offer.
- Mentorship or assistant opportunities: Are the professors available after class to help you, and are there assistant opportunities should you wish to learn more under the faculty?
- Internship opportunities: Are there opportunities to get connected with reputable internship programs?
- Program reputation: Ask other grad students about their personal experience in the program.
- Graduate employment rate: How many students are finding employment after graduating with their master’s degree?
- Reviews: Just as you might check out restaurant reviews before deciding where to eat, don’t underestimate the reviews on universities.
5. Visit campuses
It’s always a good idea to visit university campuses if you can. You’ll want to tour the facilities as well as the surrounding area. These visits can give you a true idea if the school is right for you or not. Don’t forget to see if you can talk with professors, deans, and even other students while you’re there. Networking this way can build relationships, help you learn more about the program, and may even open doors to future opportunities.
An official tour can be a great place to get started but be sure to do your own exploration too. If visiting isn’t an option, many schools offer virtual tours on their websites!
6. Know what exams you’ll need to take
Yes, many graduate programs do require entrance exams. Depending on your field of study, you may need to take one of the following:
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): A computer exam that tests if students are ready for the rigor of grad school
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): An exam commonly required for business programs.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): An exam students must pass to gain admission to law school.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): An exam students must pass to be accepted into medical school.
7. Start the application process early
From searching for the correct graduate program to submitting your application, applying takes a lot of time. You should not wait until the last minute to decide on a school. In fact, for a smooth and successful admission process into graduate school, it’s recommended that you start the application process about six months before you apply. This way, you ensure that you’ve had ample time to gather and complete everything that is needed for your application.
Typically, graduate programs require the following:
- Personal information
- Personal statement or essay
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Relevant test scores, such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT
- Student resume that outlines relevant work experience and extracurricular activities
8. Practice for grad school interviews
Many grad school programs require an interview before sending out acceptance letters. These interviews are to assess your qualifications and determine if you are a good fit for the program. To successfully prepare for a grad school interview, you should:
- Do your research on the school
- Practice common grad school interview questions
- Prepare questions for the interviewer
- Present yourself professionally
How to succeed in grad school
Once you’ve been accepted into grad school and officially begin your classes, remember these tips to help you succeed:
- Use your resources: Grad school coursework is rigorous. Take advantage of your professors’ help, office hours, research labs, and academic services to keep you on track.
- Stay organized: Graduate school often means managing heavier workloads, multiple deadlines, and ongoing research. Find ways to stay organized to help reduce stress.
- Maintain a school-life balance: Graduate school can be demanding, and burnout can creep up fast. It’s important to find time to rest and recharge so that you stay motivated.
Finding the right grad school for you
If you believe grad school is on the horizon, it’s never too early to start researching and preparing. Preparing for grad school doesn’t have to be scary—after all, you’ve done all this before when you searched for an undergraduate program! Completing these steps will help you ensure you find a master’s program that fits your unique needs and goals when it comes to your education.
Want to learn more about the various master’s programs available to students? College Raptor’s Major Search tool doesn’t only work for undergraduate majors—you can use it to explore graduate programs, too! Check it out and discover more about what you’ll learn in the programs, potential career fields, and the best schools for each major.
