Planning Ahead

Follow these steps to make the process of planning for and applying to graduate school as seamless as possible.

1. If you know you want to go to graduate school, but don't really know what kind of program you are interested it, start by spending some time in the Career Planning section. The Degree Finder Tool can also help you determine what graduate degrees are needed for certain occupations.

2. Once you have decided what graduate program you would like to pursue, find out which schools offer your program, and gather information from each. The Degree Finder Tool can help you with this. The College Search Tool may also be useful.

3. Talk to faculty at your current school and professionals in your career field and find out which schools they recommend. You can also use the Compare Colleges Tool to look at schools side-by-side.

4. Visit campuses, and talk with grad school admissions representatives. We've provided contact information for all the graduate admissions offices.

5. When you know where you want to apply, contact the program department of each, or visit their websites to get the specific admission requirements, procedures, and deadlines. Click here for the graduate admissions websites.

6. If a graduate school admission test is required, sign up for the test and start preparing. Study guides are available at most bookstores. We've also provided info about the most common tests (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT) and links to online help. See the helpful resources section.

7. Apply to each school you have chosen. Be sure to meet their admission deadline, follow the instructions exactly, and pay the application fee (usually $20-$50). See the usual Admission Requirements.

Many graduate schools or programs will require a letter of intent. Be sure to include your objectives and your qualifications for the program you are applying to.

If required, ask faculty members or professionals you have worked with to write letters of recommendation. Provide recommenders with a copy of your resume and a pre-stamped envelope addressed to the colleges you've chosen.

Take your graduate school admission test. Allow six weeks, after taking the test, for each school to receive your scores.

Contact the registrar's office of your current or most recent college and request that an official transcript be sent directly to the schools you have chosen. If you are currently taking classes, make sure your transcript can be sent in time to meet each school's deadline.

Follow up with each school to ensure that your application and all required items have been received.

8. Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and check into other financial aid that may be available through state programs or each school. Be sure to apply as soon as possible after January 1.

9. Make sure you have a backup plan. Start looking for potential job opportunities in case you're not accepted into a graduate program.