How To Prepare For Graduate School | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Prepare For Graduate School

What you need to keep in mind before taking the next big step.

7
How To Prepare For Graduate School

This is a huge stressor for college aged students, especially as an upperclassman. I'm here to provide some advice to those underclassman looking to apply to Graduate school sometime in the near future. The summer going into your senior year of Undergrad is probably the most vital time.


  1. Take a GRE (or whatever standardized test you need to take) diagnostic test to see where you stand. Make sure to sign up for an online practice course, or buy a book to keep yourself motivated. I would suggest taking the test the month classes start, so that you have ample time to retake it if need be.
  2. Keep yourself involved with your professors over the summer. Working in a lab, going to get coffee, and helping teachers with their work gets you more experience in the field (as well as putting you on the right track towards a letter of recommendation).
  3. Make a list of the schools you are considering and keep researching them to make sure you are interested in the programs they offer. Try to keep it to around 8 schools, including 2-3 safety schools, 3 target schools, and 2 reach schools.
  4. Email the professors at these programs you are interested in and ask them about their research and what they are looking for in a prospective student.
  5. Many of your programs will have different due dates, applications, and required materials. I would suggest making a spreadsheet to keep yourself organized.
  6. Start working on your personal statement for Grad school applications. Most applications will have at least one question pertaining to your personal goals, and you will need to have those well rehearsed and prepared.
  7. Create a list of program-specific questions and answers for interviews to practice. The earlier you begin thinking about possible questions, the easier it is to plan out a response.

The most cliché (and important!) piece of advice I can give you is to be yourself. Your enthusiasm and positivity about your interests will shine through to professors.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18197
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7759
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5676
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4930
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments