Graduate School Entrance Guide
Prepared by: Andréa M. Prater
This comprehensive guide is designed to take students through certain processes in preparation for graduate school. The information provided will help students prepare for and gain entrance into the graduate school of their choice.
Contents
Choosing the Right Graduate School ............................................................. 3 Applying for Entrance .................................................................................... 4 Entrance Exams .............................................................................................. 6 Interviewing Techniques................................................................................. 6 Summary ......................................................................................................... 7
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Choosing the Right Graduate School
Before making a choice about which graduate school is right for you, ask and answer these three questions: 1. What type of degree do I want to pursue? 2. Where do I want to attend graduate school? 3. What course of instruction do I want to pursue? Contemplating these three questions will help you to narrow your options into something that is more manageable. Your answers will give you the necessary framework to move forward and make informed decisions about your continued education.
What type of degree do I want to pursue?
The masters and the doctorate are the two fundamental graduate degrees. Students with an interest in pursuing medicine or the law may elect to attend professional schools that specialize in these fields. The master’s degree is considered to be the more practical of the two because students learn the philosophy that drives the aspects of the teachings. The doctorate degree is viewed as more specific and more intellectual because the teachings delve more into the theory that drives the teachings. Before pursuing any of these graduate degrees, be sure to give ample consideration to the differences between the two programs. In order to have a successful outcome, you will want to be certain that you have chosen the program that best suits your investment of time and effort.
Where do I want to attend graduate school?
Ask yourself some very candid questions before selecting the location of your graduate school. Here are some key points to consider: Are you single, married, or in a committed relationship? Do you have professional affiliations that need to be considered? Would moving to another city adversely impact on any of these items?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, the geographical location of your school of choice will be significantly different from a graduate student who does not have to consider those factors. The choice that you make regarding the school’s location must be one that will have a minimal impact on your ability to fully commit yourself to the coursework that you are about to undertake. Many graduate programs are now offered on line.
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What course of instruction do I want to pursue?
Ask yourself … ‘is there a particular segment within the field that interests me more than others’? Students take graduate coursework in order to become experts within a particular aspect of their chosen field. Understanding the general aspects of the entire field of study will help when choosing a program that is best suited for you.
Applying for Entrance
You should begin processing admission into graduate school during your senior year. The following timeline outlines the tasks to be performed; and details what you will need to take care of in order gain admittance into your graduate school of choice. S um m er/ S ept em ber 1. Take one of these standardized tests for admission. The tests will depend on what your program requires: a) b) c) d) e) Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) Dental School Admissions Test (DAT)
2. Collect and review graduate program brochures and further narrow down your choice. 3. Decide which faculty members y