Preparing for Graduate School
By Tara Kuther, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Graduate School
Most applicants find getting into graduate school a challenging task. Students who begin preparing for graduate admissions early are most likely to gain the skills and experiences that win them an spot in the graduate program of their choice. Here's what you can do now to improve your graduate school application.
- Application Timeline: What to Do When
- About Standardized Admissions Exams
- College Preparation for Graduate Admissions: What You Can Do Now
Is Graduate School for You?
Not everyone is cut out for graduate school. Consider your goals and your abilities before deciding whether graduate school is right for you.
- Should You Apply to Graduate School?
- Attend Grad School Now or Wait?
- Should I Apply to Graduate School with a Low GPA?
Applying to Graduate School: Overview
The first step in preparing to apply to graduate school is to understand the admissions process and what graduate programs look for in applicants.
- Graduate School Admissions 101: Parts of the Grad School Application
- What Do Graduate Schools Want?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Graduate School
- Preparing for Law School Admissions
- Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Medical School
Learning About Graduate Programs
Many students don't realize that graduate programs sometimes vary in their expectations. Learn about programs in your field, especially those to which you might apply, so that you can tailor your educational experiences to enhance your fit to to each program.
- Where Should You Apply for Graduate School?
- Colleges and Universities in the United States
- What is the Difference Between a Master's Degree and a Doctoral Degree?
- What Does a Master's Degree Entail?
- Are There National Rankings for Master's Programs?
- Should I Apply to Graduate School at the Same University Where I Earned My BA?
- How Do I Find an Online Graduate Program?
Application Timeline: What to Do When
Preparing your graduate application is a process that should begin well before you view an application form. Below are admissions timetables, guides of what to do when -- from sophomore year through senior year of college - in order to optimize your odds of success
- Grad School Application Timetable: What to Do When
- How to Prepare for Grad School as a College Junior
- Timeline: Applying to Medical School
- Timeline: Applying to Law School
About Standardized Admissions Exams
Standardized tests are a critical component to your application to graduate school. Prepare early because your scores determine whether you are accepted -- and whether you are awarded financial aid.
- Graduate School Admissions Tests
- Get Acquainted with the Graduate Recored Exam
- Guide to the GRE: How to Ace the GRE
- GRE Analytical Writing Section
- GRE Subject Tests: Overview and Content Material for all 8 Exams
- Introduction to the GMAT
- GMAT Verbal Section Strategies
- Law School Admission Test: About the LSAT
- MCAT Primer
- MCAT Writing Sample
College Preparation for Graduate Admissions: What You Can Do Now
Applicants who win admission to graduate school have a set of competencies and experiences that set them apart from other students in the applicant pool. Seek these experiences to improve your application.
