Step 1: What is graduate school like? Do I really want to go?

• Does your career field require an advanced degree?
• Do you have a strong interest in the field of study and in obtaining an increased knowledge base?
• Are you enthusiastic about continuing your education?
• Are faculty encouraging you to pursue advanced education based on your academic abilities?
• Will an advanced degree improve your chances for a better salary and job opportunities?

OR

• Are you considering graduate school because you feel you will have no job opportunities with your undergraduate major?
• Are you postponing a difficult job market? Don't feel ready to enter the working world? Will you be academically overqualified without experience for a first job?

Keep in mind: Are your reasons sound ones? Do you really want/need to go to graduate school? These are good questions to be thinking about and discussing. You may make an appointment with a Villanova career counselor as a sounding board as well as professors and targeted industry professionals as you research your options.

Back to Top

Step 2: Research and Discuss Options

• Discuss possible programs with your advisor, professors, deans, counselors, etc.
• Decide on type of program in which you are interested.
• Utilize graduate school reference books and catalogues.
• Check into accreditation, assistantships (teaching/research/administrative) ,fellowships, and financial aid.
• Contact schools for additional information and answers to specific questions.
• Apply to a "workable" number of programs (Average: Approximately 6.)
• Applying to graduate school is much like applying to colleges: you want to apply to a few "reach" schools, a few schools you will be relatively competitive to get into, and a few schools you feel you have a good chance of getting into.
• Specific resources when researching:
  • Professors
  • Peterson's Guides (Career Center Library)
  • Professional Associations (Online)
  • Other Students & Alumni
  • Academic Journals in your field
  • Grad School Open Houses/Fairs
  • Don Asher's Book: "Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice" (Career Center Library)

Back to Top

Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements

• Confirm undergraduate course requirements/proper prerequisites.
• Determine the required graduate test (will be noted in Peterson's Graduate Guide as well as at the academic institutions online site).
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): primarily required by arts & science, engineering, nursing programs, etc.
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): primarily required by business and management programs.
• Identify number and types of references needed.
• Open credentials file at Career Center  which will hold and send your letters of recommendation for you. Your transcript can be added to your file by contacting Registrar's Office.
• Meet deadline and registration dates.

Please note that some programs may require other exams, so check the admissions requirements of the schools you are interested in.

Back to Top

Step 4: Compile and Submit Applications

• FOLLOW EACH SCHOOL'S DIRECTIONS!
• Your admissions essay or personal statement (if required) should meet all of the specific parameters such as length and set-up. It will probably be revised a few times before you send it. Have someone proofread your essay.
• Double check all your application materials before sending; including letters or recommendation, transcripts, written statements, and any other additional forms.
• Photocopy what you send and date them (for your records.)
• Attempt to send all materials together.
• Contact the school to verify that your application has arrived.

Some schools interview potential candidates as a part of their admissions process. To prepare, a practice interview can help to develop your interviewing skills. Practice interviews with a counselor in Career Center will help you to better discuss and sell your skills and abilities. 

Back to Top