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Center forCareer and Professional Advising

Graduate School

To avoid false starts, it is important to look to the horizon and envision your ultimate goals. Consider how the degree or credential will help you attain your long term goals.

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Applying

Check admission and application requirements carefully. Some programs may require work experience, specific research experience, or a portfolio. Make sure you've taken the necessary standardized test before beginning the application process.

  • Standardized Tests

    The GRE and GMAT are administered through computer adaptive testing. Scores are generally valid for five years. If you are considering applying for a graduate degree in the near future, you may want to consider taking the standardized test in your Senior year. You should take summer or early fall tests if you plan to apply to graduate school in the upcoming year.

    The following websites will provide you with specific information on test dates and content of testing materials.

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  • Application Cycle

    Many deadlines fall between January and March, but some programs have rolling admission. Read each school's information and plan accordingly! You may have a slight advantage applying at least a month before the deadline. Know the requirements well ahead of time and try to prepare your application 6 months to year in advance.

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  • Letters of Recommendation

    Most graduate programs require three letters of recommendation, but you should always check the school's individual requirements. When asking a professor or employer to write a letter of recommendation, do so in person if at all possible. If they agree, furnish and discuss with them appropriate details such as a transcript, resume/CV, an example of your class work, or any accomplishments, special projects or promotions.

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  • Transcripts

    You can arrange to have your transcript sent to graduate schools through the registrar's office by mail, or in person. If you took classes at other institutions or studied abroad you will need to contact these programs to request an official transcript be sent to your graduate schools.

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  • Essays

    Applicants to graduate school often disregard the importance of essays in the admission process. The manner in which you express your experience and portray your motivations in an essay can have a major impact on the final outcome. Budget a substantial amount of time to writing your essays. Some graduate programs, such as business school or psychology, require more than one essay.

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  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

    Be sure to include a current and well organized resume or CV in your application. While you have an opportunity to discuss your experience, academic background and career goals in your essays, the resume or CV helps the admissions committee to easily review and summarize your experience.

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  • Interviews

    There is nothing mysterious about the interview; just be yourself and be prepared to talk about your work experience or research, academic interests, future goals and why you want to pursue graduate or professional school. It also wise to research the program prior to an interview, so that you are clear on why you wish to pursue the degree and how this specific program fits your goals.

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Reference Letters

Most graduate programs require the writers’ of letters to directly upload their letters to their online application platforms, to which you designate the names in the platform. The CCPA maintains a file of general letters of reference (credentials) for students and alumni to be used when applying to some graduate schools or jobs (mostly teaching).

  • Open a File
    1. Credentials files are opened and serviced only through your degree granting institution.
    2. Submit the Credential Release form. This opens your file.
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  • Obtain References
    1. The Center for Career and Professional Advising will provide a Letter of Reference (pdf) form for you to offer to each potential reference writer. Each form should indicate whether or not the specific letter of reference is to be confidential and be signed by you before being given to the writer. You may choose to have some letters that are confidential and some that are not.
    2. A reference writer may write directly on the form or attach the form to a letter written on stationery from their Department. All completed letters of reference should be sent directly to CCPA.
    3. Several (3-5) letters of reference should be part of your file. Ask people who know you well (professors, employers, or others) to write on your behalf.
    4. Personally seek letters of reference and discuss the purpose of the letter with the writer (e.g. graduate school, employment). It may be helpful to provide a resume/vitae for the writer.
    5. You are responsible for contacting reference writers, following up on their compliance with your request and checking to see that the letters have been received in our office. Wait approximately three weeks before checking to see if we have received them.
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  • Send Credentials to an Academic Institution
    1. Letters of reference from your file will be copied and sent out only with your written permission. Phone and e-mail requests will not be accepted. Please submit the Request for Credentials form.
    2. The first seven packets of materials mailed at your request are free. After the first seven mailings, a fee of $3.00 per packet of mailed credentials is charged.
    3. We cannot fax or email letters of recommendation. Please plan accordingly.
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Resources

These resources represent some of the most frequently utilized websites. CCPA recommends each applicant do extensive research beyond the links presented here.