Prepare for Graduate School

The answer depends on your goals. Graduate school can make sense if: 

• Your field requires it: Some professions like being a professor, therapist, or a highly specialized researcher require a master’s degree or higher 

• You need the credibility: You’re trying to move faster into a specialized field or leadership track 

• You’re genuinely interested in deeper learning: You want to study something in-depth for 1 to 7 more years because you love it, not just because a job requires it 

• You’ve done your research: You’ve talked to professionals who confirmed that an advanced degree is necessary for creating opportunities 

Graduate school does NOT make sense if: 

• You’re avoiding a job search 

• You want the prestige of an advanced degree but have no idea why it matters 

• The debt-to-career-benefit ratio doesn’t work for your financial situation 

Before you start applications, invest time in self-reflection. Ask: 

• Why do you want a graduate degree? Not what people expect—what you actually want 

• What will you do with it? Be specific about career goals or interests  

• What does success look like 5-10 years after you graduate? Not “what title will I have?” but “what problems do I want to be solving”? 

• Can you achieve those goals without graduate school? 

You don’t apply to “graduate school”—you apply to specific programs at specific universities. This matters because: 

• Program quality varies widely within and across universities 

• Funding is program-specific: Some programs fund all students; others fund few 

• Culture and mentorship differ: Who you can learn from matters more than the prestige of the university itself 

How to research programs: 

1. Start with schools known for your field: If you want to study marine biology, look at schools with strong coastal research 

2. Check funding models: Does the program fully fund graduate students? Are students expected to pay? 

3. Talk to faculty in your field: Ask them which programs are strong in your specific area of interest and why they think that 

4. Read professor bios and research: You might work closely with an advisor for 2+ years; their interests and mentoring style matter 

5. Check placement: Where do graduates go? Do they get jobs or postdocs you’d be interested in? 

Some people go straight from undergraduate education into graduate school while others wait. Which works best for you depends on several factors: 

Why some people join immediately: 

• They’re already in school mode 

• Tuition might be discounted if it’s within the same university 

• Some fields (like STEM) can be easier to enter while its still fresh 

• The program they’re interested in accepts students without post-undergraduate experience 

Why some people choose to wait: 

• To take time to decide what they want to study 

• To build professional experience (some fields require work experience before joining) 

• To understand their motivation 

• To save money 

Either path is a legitimate choice. The right one for you depends on your goals, finances, and readiness. 

Work backward from your intended start date. 

Most graduate programs require: 

1. Statement of Purpose (or Personal Statement)  

• 1-2 pages explaining your academic interests, career goals, and why this specific program fits 

• Demonstrates you’ve thought seriously about this specific program and not just that you’re good at school 

• Requirements for what to write and how to write it (and whether generative AI can be used) can be found on the program’s website 

2. Letters of Recommendation  

• Typically 2-3, usually from professors or research supervisors 

• Choose recommenders who know your work well and can speak well to your strengths, not just people who have name recognition 

• Give them at least 2 months’ notice and provide context about the program and why you’re applying 

• Follow up politely if they haven’t submitted after 1 month 

3. Transcripts  

• Graduate schools look at your overall GPA and grades in relevant courses 

• A strong application typically has a 3.5+ GPA in major courses, though this varies by field 

• A weak GPA can be overcome by strong test scores, relevant experience, and a compelling statement of purpose. If you’re not sure, join us to get help communicating why you’re an excellent applicant 

4. Standardized Test Scores  

• Different programs require different tests. Research your target program’s website to understand requirements. 

5. CV or Resume  

• List research experience, publications, work experience, relevant skills, awards 

• Research or internship experience in your field often strengthens your application 

6. Application Fee  

• Typically $50-100 per program 

• Some waive fees for applicants who meet specific requirements, like having a low-income background