{"id":17850,"date":"2021-04-01T12:24:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T12:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=17850"},"modified":"2021-08-23T21:49:55","modified_gmt":"2021-08-23T21:49:55","slug":"the-grad-school-application-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/the-grad-school-application-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying to Grad School: The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Applying to grad school can be stressful and time-consuming. If you don\u2019t plan ahead enough, you may miss critical deadlines, not give recommenders enough notice, or not turn in the best application possible. Whether you are just beginning to think about grad school, getting ready to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/gre\">prep for the GRE<\/a>, or about to start working on your applications, we\u2019ll tell you what you need to know. We\u2019ll give you a timeline of what the application process looks like and answer some common questions that applicants have.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div  style=' margin-top:10px; margin-bottom:30px;'  class='hr hr-custom hr-center hr-icon-no   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner  inner-border-av-border-none' style=' width:50px;' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h5    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_heading  '><h5 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Jump To Section<\/h5><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#when\">When to Apply for Grad School<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#timeline\">Grad School Application Timeline<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#requirements\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\">Grad School Admission Requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#score\">What GRE Score Do You Need?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#howmany\">How Many Grad Schools Should You Apply to?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#best\">What are the Best Grad Schools?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#interview\">Applying to Grad School: Interview Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pay\">How to Pay for Grad School<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"when\"><\/a><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >When to Apply for Grad School<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each graduate program has its own application deadline, so research the specific programs that interest you before beginning work on your applications. In general, though, you should plan to submit your applications during the fall or winter of the year before you wish to matriculate. Continue reading to learn more about graduate school application timelines and materials, how to choose a graduate school, and more.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a id=\"timeline\"><\/a><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Grad School Application Timeline<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applications for most grad programs don\u2019t open up until about 9 months before you would start school. However, grad school will likely be on your mind sooner, and you should start setting yourself up for success long before.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As&nbsp;a general overview, here&#8217;s what your grad school application timeline should look like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>2 years before grad school:<\/strong>&nbsp;Start planning.&nbsp;Research schools and narrow down your interests.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 year before grad school:<\/strong> Start preparing. Take the GRE, begin gathering your application materials, and look into financial aid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>9 months before grad school:<\/strong> Apply. Get your application in as early as you can.<\/li>\n<li><strong>6 months before grad school:<\/strong> Decide. Weigh the pros and cons of each school to which you&#8217;ve been accepted and decide where you&#8217;d like to matriculate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Planning for Grad School<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe you already know what you want to study in grad school, or maybe you\u2019re still deciding. About <strong>2 years before you want to go to grad school<\/strong> narrow down your interests and determine your field before forging ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Compile a list of disciplines and programs that interest you.<\/strong> Find advisors at your school to offer their perspectives on various professions and degree paths. If you are already in the workforce or out of school, talk with supervisors, mentors, and trusted colleagues. Visit programs\u2019 websites, request brochures, and attend open houses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Learn the difference between master\u2019s, professional, and doctoral programs in your field.<\/strong> Which best suits your timeline and career goals?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Research specific schools.<\/strong> Consider factors like location, cost, reputation, competitiveness, and whether the school is public or private.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Look into the average credentials of matriculants at your prospective schools<\/strong> to determine which ones you should target.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Explore the earning potential of each of your possible degree paths.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Come up with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/when-is-the-right-time-to-take-the-gre\/\">timeline for taking the GRE<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>,<\/strong> and then schedule your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/gre\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRE prep<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div   class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;<em>W<\/em><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ant to live in a specific state after grad school? Research any state-wide regulations that might affect you in your chosen profession. For instance, some states require a doctorate for practicing clinical psychology; others only call for a master\u2019s.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_promobox  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Prepare for Grad School<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re about <\/span><b>one year away from beginning graduate school<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s time to start gathering your materials and take the GRE. Don\u2019t panic; prepare.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Choose a GRE test date and reserve your seat.<\/strong> The GRE is offered nearly every day at most test locations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Study for the GRE.<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/how-to-study-for-the-gre-in-3-months\/\">Allow yourself at least 3 months<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before your test date to study and prepare for the GRE.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Register for the FAFSA and start looking into private scholarship and grant applications.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Create a calendar of deadlines for all of the grad schools you are applying to,<\/strong> including financial aid deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Identify professors or individuals to write letters of recommendation.<\/strong> You\u2019ll want to reach out to them as early as possible to give them enough time to meet submission deadlines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div   class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/gre\/free\/gre-practice-test-options\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free practice GRE<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;early to see where you stand. Consider a&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/gre\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRE course<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;to help boost your score.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Apply to Grad School<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applications are usually released about <\/span><b>nine months before graduate school<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> program start dates. Stay organized and focused.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Start working on applications early<\/strong> so you\u2019ll have enough time to review, revise, and perfect. Polish your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/how-to-write-a-graduate-school-personal-statement\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal statement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get feedback.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Get all required materials<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> organized<\/strong> and be sure they are included with your application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Double-check that everything is accurate.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Submit your applications on time.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Before each interview<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>, research the particular program and school.<\/strong> Anticipate common questions and prepare your answers. Review your personal statement and be prepared to expand on it in your interview.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div   class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are waitlisted, be patient. Talk to your advisor about ways to enhance your application at this stage.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Choose a Grad School Program<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><b>six months before matriculation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ve likely received some acceptance letters! Keep these things in mind when narrowing down your top choices.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Weigh the pros and cons of each program.<\/strong> Think about which program may be the best fit for you, taking into account the school\u2019s mission statement, student culture, location, faculty, and how you felt if you had a campus visit.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Consider non-academic factors,<\/strong> including climate, extracurricular opportunities, cost of living, and financial aid availability.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Look into ways to <a href=\"#pay\">finance your education<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a id=\"requirements\"><\/a><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Grad School Admissions Requirements<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Admissions requirements will vary by program, but you will most likely have to include the following with your application:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cumulative undergraduate GPA (and major GPA)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRE scores<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">letters of recommendation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personal statement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">admission interview<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always research the specific requirements of the programs to which you are applying to make sure you are fulfilling all requirements and to tailor your applications to each specific program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"letters\"><\/a><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How To Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Grad School<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>There are two fundamental rules of requesting letters of recommendation for graduate school: ask early and ask nicely.<\/p>\n<p>As soon as you decide to go to graduate school, you should start identifying potential writers for your letters of recommendations and let them know that you may ask them for a recommendation. This will give your letters of recommendation writers plenty of time to think about what to say. Once they\u2019ve agreed, let them know about deadlines well in advance to avoid potential scheduling conflicts. The more time they have to write your letter of recommendation, the better the job they\u2019ll do recommending you for grad school.<\/p>\n<p>As for asking nicely, you should let these people know that you think highly of their opinion and that you\u2019d be happy and honored if they would consider writing you a letter of recommendation for graduate school. You can help your recommenders by scheduling brief appointments with them to discuss your background; providing a list of due dates for each application; providing any forms required by the program; listing which recommendations will be submitted in hard copy and which will be submitted online; providing any forms required by the program; supplying stamped, addressed envelopes for hard-copy submissions; and following up with the recommenders.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"score\"><\/a><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What GRE Score Do You Need?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/gre\/what-is-the-gre\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The GRE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam required for admission to graduate programs. It measures your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and college-level vocabulary. More importantly, it assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, think critically, and solve problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like your undergraduate GPA, your GRE score provides graduate admissions committees with common measures to evaluate your qualifications and preparedness for graduate-level academic work.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/whats-a-good-gre-score\/\">high score on the GRE<\/a> will have a direct, positive impact on your graduate school application.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When considering your GRE score goal, look at the requirements\u2014or minimums, if applicable\u2014at the graduate programs you\u2019re applying to. If you can find the mean or average GRE score of admitted applicants, you\u2019ll be able to determine what GRE score will make you competitive in that program. Not all graduate programs publish the GRE ranges of accepted students, but they&#8217;ll likely share that information if you give them a call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As you prep for GRE Test Day, it\u2019s important to develop an approach that makes you comfortable with each question type and content area on the GRE. If you\u2019re comfortable with the content, have a strategic approach, and pace yourself carefully, you\u2019ll meet or exceed your goals.<br \/>\n<a id=\"howmany\"><\/a><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How Many Grad Schools Should You Apply to?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about applying to grad school as marketing yourself. There are many things you can do make sure that your application is as strong as it could be, and to present yourself in the most persuasive and appealing way possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number of applications submitted will vary considerably from candidate to candidate, but the golden rule is that you should only apply to a graduate program if you have enough time to make your application outstanding. If you have time to perfect only three applications, then you should focus on applying to just three schools, rather than applying to five different schools and submitting only \u201caverage\u201d applications. Be realistic about your limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of a target number\u2014assuming that time is not a factor and you can commit yourself to all of your applications\u2014five or six is generally optimal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll want to divide your schools into three general categories:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Dream Schools:<\/strong> places you\u2019d love to attend, but where your chances of acceptance are uncertain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Target Schools:<\/strong> programs you\u2019d like to attend, and where your grades and GRE score are close to the median<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Safety Schools:<\/strong> programs where your numbers make acceptance highly likely<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Ultimately, each applicant has their own risk profile and timing to consider, but for most candidates, applying to too few schools can increase the risk of not being admitted, and applying to too many can be overkill. Make sure you are budgeting your time well as you\u2019ll want to submit the best application possible to each of your prospects.<br \/>\n<a id=\"best\"><\/a><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What are the Best Grad Schools?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer to this question is different for everyone. What you need to consider is: what are the best grad schools for you?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your prospective programs, you will likely have dozens\u2014if not hundreds\u2014of options. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a grad program.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-16  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue841' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Location<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Are you interested in moving for grad school? If you are open to relocating, think about where you may want to live\u2014and what kind of resources different areas can provide you on your academic and professional path. Do you prefer a school in a large city or a remote setting? Do you want to live on a college campus, or perhaps closer to family? Which locations best suit your career interests?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8a8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Reputation and Prestige<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Which schools in your field are most highly regarded? What is the program\u2019s reputation for job placement following graduation? What does alumni involvement and contribution look like?<\/p>\n<p>If these factors are important to you, see if you can find stats on the school\u2019s website that address your questions about a program\u2019s reputation. If you can\u2019t find this information online, a phone call to the program\u2019s admissions office can point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue843' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Curriculum and Program Features<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Look into whether the program focuses on your particular areas of interest. Consider the school\u2019s requirements, as well. Are there prerequisites for the program that you haven\u2019t yet completed?<\/p>\n<p>Maybe there is a particular professor on faculty you\u2019d like to work with or a particular facility that\u2019s notable. Feel free to reach out to those parties and tell them you\u2019re considering applying. You may fit a certain area they\u2019re looking for\u2014and you might even get an ally on the admissions committee.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue8bc' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Career Services<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Find out if prospective employers recruit from the programs you\u2019re considering. Major industries or organizations will often visit campuses to interview candidates. Are your dream employers visiting the schools you want to attend?<\/p>\n<p>Consider other career and job placement services that the graduate program provides, too. If the programs you\u2019re thinking about are in academia, find out if recent grads have accepted academic positions, how long their searches took, and where they\u2019re working now. Are they getting tenure positions or one-year contracts? Are they working at top schools?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue860' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >School Culture<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>School cultures vary dramatically from one to the next\u2014and cultures between graduate programs in a specific school can vary. Find out not just what the school is like overall, but also the program. What&#8217;s expected of the class? Will you be able to keep up with the workload? What class size is standard, and what is the level of involvement with faculty? Find out if the program fosters a collaborative environment or expects more individual work. Then consider which learning style works better for you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p><a id=\"interview\"><\/a><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Applying to Grad School: Interview Tips<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every graduate program requires an interview, but for many, it&#8217;s an important requirement. Also, some schools use interviews to evaluate borderline cases. If you are a candidate who has been contacted about an interview, make sure to schedule it as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Programs vary on who conducts the interview. It may be someone on the admissions committee, or it may be a local alumnus of the school. Either way, get the logistics established as early as possible so you can begin to prepare for interview day.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-18  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Top 8 Tips for Grad School Interviews<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Know who you are\u2014and who you say you are.<\/strong> Review your application to the school before your interview day. Remember that all the interviewer knows about you is what they\u2019ve read on paper, so they will likely start with what they know. You should know it, too.<\/li>\n<li><b>Track the highlights. <\/b>Think ahead of time about your role in leadership, volunteer, or professional positions. Be ready to relate several stories on how you\u2019ve taken initiative and been a role model for others. Consider how you might apply those abilities to your new graduate environment\u2014whether from an academic or community perspective.<\/li>\n<li><b>Ask the right questions. <\/b>Prepare some questions ahead of time about the program, the school, or the graduate community. Make sure that your questions show you\u2019ve done your homework. For example, if your question can be easily answered on the program\u2019s website or literature, dive a little deeper.<\/li>\n<li><b>\u201cWhy here?\u201d <\/b>The interviewer will inevitably ask why you are interested in the particular school and program. Be prepared to give a compelling answer. Remember that honesty wins. \u201cIt\u2019s close to my family, affordable, and has a great post-graduate career network,\u201d is a perfectly acceptable answer\u2014and much better than, \u201cthis has been my dream school since I was 12\u201d \u2026 if it hasn\u2019t.<\/li>\n<li><b>Focus on presentation\u2014inside and out. <\/b>Project professionalism and friendliness. It\u2019s important to look the part in proper business attire, but that doesn\u2019t mean you have to wear the most expensive labels. You\u2019re evaluated on your presentation, not your price tag.<\/li>\n<li><b>Preparation leads to calm. <\/b>Stay as relaxed as possible. Not only will this help you project overall confidence and friendliness, but it will keep fidgeting to a minimum. Be aware of your other nonverbal communication, as well. Practice good eye contact and posture before the interview. It might help to hold mock interviews with trusted friends, family members, or even professors you\u2019re close to. Make these as official as you like\u2014from running through questions over a video call, to putting on your interview suit and playing the part for a whole hour. Go about it however will make you feel the most relaxed on interview day.<\/li>\n<li><b>Extend courtesy to all. <\/b>If you are meeting with other members of the program\u2019s administrative staff, apply the same interview rules to those interactions\u2014no matter how brief. The perceptions of all administrative staff members may be highly valued, and can have an effect on your overall evaluation.<\/li>\n<li><strong><b>Be yourself (you know this one). <\/b><\/strong>Always be open and honest. A genuine truth beats a beautiful lie any day.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a id=\"pay\"><\/a><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_video  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Pay for Grad School<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>Before you decide to pursue a graduate degree, be sure to research your programs of interest to get a firm understanding of the financial costs. In addition to school tuition, books\/materials, and fees, you\u2019ll want to factor in living and moving expenses, especially if you are relocating to a different state. The good news is that a graduate degree is often a sound investment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently shows higher earnings for graduates with master\u2019s, doctoral, and professional degrees.<\/p>\n<p>Some grad programs will be fully-funded through an assistantship or fellowship, which will cover the full cost of your tuition and sometimes even provide a living stipend. However, many programs will require to get creative about financing options. The good news is that there are many grants, loans, scholarships, and other options out there where you will be able to find money to put towards your graduate degree.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EyX0M3K5Aa8' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"GRE Financial Aid: Deciding How to Finance Graduate School | Kaplan Test Prep\" width=\"1333\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EyX0M3K5Aa8?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_video  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Start with FAFSA<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Your first stop for figuring out how to pay for graduate school is the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It will take you less than an hour to fill out, and unlike on your FAFSAs from college, you won\u2019t need your parents\u2019 information.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAFSA unlocks all federal and state aid for graduate school\u2014including federal loans, federal and state grants, work-study, and school student assistance. Submit FAFSA as early as you can each calendar year, as many aid sources are first come, first serve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aid package you receive from FAFSA will help you figure out how much money you need to find from other sources. If you are currently a student, start by setting up an appointment at your school\u2019s financial aid office. They may be able to point you toward some financial sources you haven\u2019t yet thought of.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-22  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Merit-Based Aid<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re eligible for merit-based aid, look into scholarships, fellowships, and research or work-study opportunities, which offer funding that does not need to be paid back. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.fastweb.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fastweb.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a good place to start locating these.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look into the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/us.fulbrightonline.org\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fulbright grant programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for graduate students.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.marshallscholarship.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marshall Scholars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are fully funded for graduate study in the United Kingdom.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rhodesscholar.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhodes Scholars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are provided with fully funded graduate studies opportunities at the University of Oxford.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching assistantships let you earn your tuition by assisting a professor, teaching a seminar, or leading a section.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research assistantships let you conduct research with faculty in your field while earning your tuition.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stipends are often a part of teaching or research assistantships.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-23  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Other Grad School Funding Sources<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Faith-based organizations.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many faith-based scholarships available. They vary widely in their requirements, but they\u2019re worth looking into if applicable to you. Even if the requirements are specific, that\u2019s not a bad thing if you can find your niche. Remember that tighter qualifications can also mean less competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Military benefits.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you or your spouse served in the armed forces, you may be eligible for generous tuition help. The post-9\/11 GI Bill will pay your full graduate tuition at a public school, and up to almost $22,000 a year at a private or foreign school. (Some private schools will waive the difference in what\u2019s called a Yellow Ribbon program.) The amount you\u2019re entitled to is determined by the number of months you served after September 11, 2001.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Your employer.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some workplaces have generous tuition reimbursement programs. If you\u2019re currently in the workforce, start with a call to your company\u2019s HR department to find out if your employer will pay for all or some of your advanced degree. Many are willing to contribute, particularly if your degree will help advance their business.&nbsp;<\/span>Make sure you ask HR if there are any conditions for their tuition reimbursement programs; for instance, some employers require that you stay at the company for a certain amount of time while earning your advanced degree, or even after.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-traditional scholarships.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students over 25 or 30 are sometimes referred to as non-traditional students. There are more than 200 scholarships aimed directly at these students. If this is you, keep it in mind as you search for funding.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Your IRA.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve been in the workforce and have started an IRA, you are allowed to borrow against it without penalty to pay for graduate school.&nbsp;<\/span>This is a route that should be considered carefully: The true magic of retirement accounts is in their compounding over time\u2014and by taking money out early, you are sacrificing future returns. Plus, an IRA withdrawal may affect your offer of financial aid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A home equity loan.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you own a home, you can borrow against the value of your house and use that money for school, either as a loan or as a line of credit (HELOC).&nbsp;<\/span>Weigh this option carefully, however, since your home is on the line if you can\u2019t make your payments or if the housing market drops. You also won\u2019t qualify for student loan forgiveness programs if you go this route, and your interest rate could rise, given that not all home-equity loans have fixed rates.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Student loan forgiveness programs.<\/strong> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you graduate, there are ways to get your debt written off if you meet certain qualifications. Only a few types of federal loans are eligible, and you have to have been making on-time payments toward them.&nbsp;<\/span>Most importantly, you need to be a federal employee or working in public service or at a qualifying nonprofit, with a salary beneath a particular threshold. Find more information at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.ed.gov\/sa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">studentaid.ed.gov<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_sidebar  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Grad School Student Loans<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re thinking of taking out loans to either fund grad school or supplement other funding, you might have trouble determining which are the best types of loans for you to target. We&#8217;ll help you understand different types of loans and associated terminology.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Student loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Money advanced for educational purposes by the government or private institutions. A student borrows the principal and pays it back to the lender in installments\u2014with interest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Subsidized loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: While only available to undergrads, a subsidized student loan is issued by the federal government and eligible for interest benefits. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you&#8217;re enrolled in school at least half-time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Unsubsidized loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These loans are available to grad students and not based on financial need, making the amount you are allowed to take out higher. The interest on unsubsidized loans begins accruing immediately, though you are not required to begin repayment on the principal or the interest until after school.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Interest rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The proportion of a loan, expressed as a percentage of the principal, that is charged by the lender to the borrower.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Grace period<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The period of time between the actual due date of a payment and the date you can begin payment without accruing fees or penalties. In the context of student loans, this is the time period\u2014usually six months\u2014between the date you graduate (or drop below half-time status) and the date you must begin repayment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Repayment period<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The entire period in which a borrower is responsible for repaying a loan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Federal Stafford Loan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Subsidized or unsubsidized, low-interest federal loans that are available to undergraduate and graduate students who fill out the FAFSA.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Federal Perkins Loan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Low-interest loans available to undergraduate or graduate students. The government issues the loan through the student&#8217;s school, which contributes a share and acts as lender. The interest rate for Perkins Loans is fixed at 5%.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Pell Grant<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>:<\/strong> Okay, this one&#8217;s not a loan, but you must fill out a FAFSA form to be eligible. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the 2019-2020 award year is $6,195. 98% of recipients have a family adjusted gross income of less than $60,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-25  el_after_av_heading  avia-builder-el-last '><div id=\"text-70\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"a78fe19e226d385662749ccaadcdccd7ecdcab651c77e3b874bfcb76a80605a7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text-71\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"185e834399a9fdd414ded52f3f51a4735f464b8c612f006f44ffba835a649b4f\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying to grad school can be stressful and time-consuming. If you don\u2019t plan ahead enough, you may miss critical deadlines, not give recommenders enough notice, or not turn in the best application possible. Whether you are just beginning to think about grad school, getting ready to prep for the GRE, or about to start working [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37380,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[68],"tags":[328,69],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17850"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17850"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38619,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17850\/revisions\/38619"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}