Prepare for Graduate School

Consider what your ultimate career goals are and research what graduate degrees would best support these goals. Trusted faculty, alumni, and professionals in your area of interest may be able to offer helpful insights. There are also numerous online tools that can help you identify programs that may be a fit for you. Starting this process early – such as during junior year for undergraduate students – will allow you to thoroughly research and reflect upon your options.

Graduate programs may offer different concentrations or tracks, so be sure to carefully read through the degree pathways to choose the one that best fits you. Review faculty bios, as their research and professional work can give you a better sense of the opportunities and mentorship available. It’s also helpful to look into the career outcomes of recent graduates. Many programs share data on job placement and industries alumni work in. This can give you a realistic picture of how the degree may support your long-term goals.

Nowadays, there are many types of programs for people to consider based on what would work best for them and their lifestyle. Programs are delivered in a variety of ways: in person, hybrid, remote, and can be completed on a part or full time basis. There is no “best” format, rather what would work best for the individual. For example, some people may prefer to do a part-time program online while working full time, while others may want to do a full-time program in person and work part-time. Oftentimes, graduate programs require students to pursue experiences outside of the classroom, like an internship or practicum. A format that works for one person may not work for another, so it is imperative to consider what the best option is for you.

Graduate school can be a significant financial investment, but there are many ways to offset the cost. Graduate assistantships, teaching and research assistant roles, and fellowships are common ways students receive funding. These positions involve part-time work for the university, such as helping with instruction, conducting research, or supporting departmental operations in exchange for tuition remission or a stipend. Scholarships for graduate students are also available, both through the institution and outside sources. Additionally,

Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement to employees pursuing degrees relevant to the work they do. It’s important to explore all available options early in your application process and reach out to your intended program’s financial aid office or graduate coordinator for guidance on what may be available.

Most graduate programs require applicants to take standardized admissions exams and submit results. Some programs require one discipline-specific exam. For example: the typical entrance exam for law students is the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Other programs may offer you options, such as choosing from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Consider taking practice tests using tools like Test Prep Review to get a sense of what these exams are like and prepare to take yours. Applicants should plan to take admissions exams well in advance of application deadlines as scoring may take time and there is a waiting period before an applicant can retake an exam should they choose to do so.

It’s common that graduate programs require three letters of reference. These can be a combination of faculty members who can speak to your strengths in the classroom, employers who can speak to your strengths in the workplace, or others – like club advisors or volunteer coordinators – who can reasonably address skills and knowledge you’ve demonstrated that are relevant to the program at hand. Letters of reference take time to write, and faculty may be writing letters for numerous graduate candidates. Be sure to request letters early – at least one month in advance of the application deadline. In your request, identify what program(s) you’re applying for and why you are asking this individual to be a recommender. If they say yes, provide the program description, your CV, any notes about specific experiences, skills, or qualities that you may want your recommender to highlight in their letter, and instructions for submitting the letter. You are responsible for ensuring all letters are submitted in advance of the deadline, so agree upon a date by which your recommender will submit and be sure to politely follow up if they’ve not submitted their letter by this time.

Official transcripts must be requested through the university on the Solution Center website and should be requested in advance of application deadlines. UMass Lowell will send your official transcripts directly to the schools you indicate.

A graduate application essay (often called a personal) is your chance to share your story and explain why you’re pursuing that particular degree. Be sure to follow any prompts the application has provided, and tailor each essay to the program at hand. Click below for guidance on how to write your grad school essay.

When you’ll hear back from a program will depend on a number of factors, including: whether the application has a hard deadline or rolling admissions, the size and competitiveness of the program, and whether or not there is a required interview. This information is typically included on the program’s website.

Grad school interviews may include meetings with faculty members as well as current students. Interviewers will want to know why you’re interested in the school, program, and career field, as well as how you’ll be a strong student in the classroom and a strong professional in this line of work. See our Prepare for an Interview page for about anticipating questions, developing your questions, and other important interviewing tips.