Graduate Admissions Guide

Graduate school offers intensive academic training that centers on research and leadership development. Master’s programs generally take two years to complete, while doctoral programs usually take 4-6 years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about three million students enrolled in postbaccalaureate programs for fall 2018.

This guide helps teach you how to apply to graduate school, covering common criteria like GPA requirements and standardized tests and providing answers to frequently asked questions.

By completing graduate school, you can open the door to more employment opportunities and higher salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that master’s degree holder earn a median annual salary that is about $13,000 higher than workers with only a bachelor’s degree. They also experience a lower unemployment rate than bachelor’s degree-holders.

You should go to graduate school if entry into your professional field requires advanced credentials.Master’s and doctoral programs can also provide efficient paths to career advancement, especially if your employer will help pay for your degree.

With the flexibility of part-time enrollment, evening/weekend classes, and online learning, anyone can attend graduate school if they prepare correctly.

The full graduate school application process can take more than a year. If you want to enroll in the fall, start planning in May of the previous year (i.e., about 15 months in advance) by compiling a list of prospective master’s or doctoral programs. Take a practice version of the required standardized test to gauge how much preparation you need before registering for the exam. Give yourself at least three months to study.

In general, you should apply to at least four graduate schools. If the programs are highly competitive, it might benefit you to submit up to 10 applications. Although universities generally set their graduate application deadlines in December/January for fall enrollment, your institution may accept early applicants in September.

The following section covers common graduate admission requirements, like a bachelor’s degree and work experience. You can also learn about general application materials, including test results, statements of purpose, and recommendation letters.

The undergraduate and graduate admissions processes share similar requirements. Both applicant groups often need to submit transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements. However, master’s and doctoral programs require relevant professional experience.

Since graduate schools typically admit fewer students than undergraduate programs, they tend to evaluate applicants more rigorously, often requiring candidates to visit campus and complete interviews with instructors and program directors.

Both master’s and Ph.D. programs prepare graduates for advanced roles in their fields.

Master’s degrees are typically more versatile, delivering theory-focused coursework for students pursuing academic careers and practitioner tracks for professionals interested in applied skill development. Terminal Ph.D. programs center on research, preparing many students for careers as professors and researchers.

Many master’s programs require a 2.5 minimum GPA, while Ph.D. and other doctoral programs often require a 3.0 or higher. Doctoral programs also tend to evaluate experience more rigorously. Program directors and professors dedicate a lot of time and resources to doctoral students, so they want to ensure that the students they admit have the skills, knowledge, and commitment needed to succeed.

Standardized test scores provide data-driven markers of a student’s academic capabilities. The GRE is the most common test for master’s and doctoral programs. It is somewhat similar to the ACT and SAT.

Most business, law, and medical graduate schools require applicants to submit GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT scores, respectively. However, a growing number of master’s and doctoral programs no longer require test scores due to the increasingly popular argument that standardized testing provides an advantage to students with the money to pay for test preparation courses.

The following sections provide overviews of these graduate school exams, including their structure and content. You can also learn how to apply to and study for these tests.

Personal statements let graduate schools get to know candidates on a deeper level. These essays are usually 500-800 words in length.

Topics differ by field of study and school. One of the most common prompts asks candidates to explain how enrolling in a particular program will help them achieve relevant career goals. Ph.D. programs typically focus their prompts on the student’s research experience and how their academic interests fit with a faculty member’s area of expertise.

While you may receive similar essay prompts from prospective schools, it is important that you customize these statements to connect to each program’s distinct mission and culture. Support a clear narrative with personal anecdotes and current ideas and trends in the field.

A letter of recommendation provides in-depth insight into a candidate’s personal characteristics and professional accomplishments. Master’s and doctoral programs typically ask for 2-3 references. Prospective students should not submit more letters than requested, since busy committee members will usually ignore extraneous material.

Letters of recommendation can come from faculty, college advisors, internship supervisors, and employers. When deciding whom to ask, prioritize people who know you professionally, understand your goals, and can describe your work positively.

After you have chosen these sources, schedule a conversation to formally ask for a recommendation. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write letters, paying close attention to their upcoming schedule. To help them craft a persuasive recommendation, provide them with academic transcripts, personal statements, and a resume or CV.

While not all graduate schools require interviews, applicants should prepare for the possibility, especially if they are vying for a spot in a competitive program. Many doctoral programs require 30-minute interviews. In lieu of a campus visit, universities may conduct interviews using a video conferencing platform.

Through extensive research and practice, you can prepare to answer the most challenging interview questions. Analyze the department’s website and reach out to administrators, faculty, and current students to identify major talking points. Make sure you understand the format of the interview, as some graduate schools prefer group interviews over a one-on-one approach.

Spend the bulk of your preparation time refining answers to common interview topics. These questions typically ask you to talk about your personal background, academic interest, and professional experience, as well as how these factors will help you succeed in and contribute to the program.

During the interview, provide personal stories and ask relevant questions concerning the program’s priorities, culture, and funding.

Graduate schools that maintain a December or January deadline usually send out official replies around the middle of March. Programs that accept applications on a rolling basis take about eight weeks to make a decision. While you wait, analyze your financial status and other factors that will come into play should you need to relocate to pursue a master’s or doctorate.

Graduate programs receive hundreds of applications from qualified candidates each year, so try not to take rejection personally. If you do get admitted, take the time to celebrate with loved ones and thank recommenders before evaluating your options, clarifying financial and curricular details as needed.

You usually have about a month to officially accept an offer; decision deadlines are typically around April 15 for fall enrollment.