Graduate School Preparation
Printable Version of Graduate School Preparation
Research Graduate Programs
• Talk to professors, graduate students, or professionals who have pursued the program you are considering.
• Go to the Web to look at different programs, course offerings, department expectations, and how well they will meet your needs.
• Go to the Career Services Library to utilize books and binders that have information on the program you are considering
Questions to Ask Graduate Programs
• Number of students who apply each year and number of students accepted
• Average (or range) GPA of students admitted
• Average (or range) GRE scores of students admitted
• What kind of accreditation the program and institution have
• Where are graduates of the program being placed
Uncommon Options
• Take courses in the program as a non-matriculated student prior to applying. This gives you the opportunity to see if the program is a good choice, and to gain a rapport with professors in the department.
• Some graduate programs offer night courses for working students
• Sometimes it is possible to pursue joint degrees (e.g. M.P.A. while getting a J.D.)
• It is possible to work on an interdisciplinary degree involving different professors
What Graduate Programs Look For
• Graduate Schools want more than students with good grades and high GRE scores, they want students to have real-world experience.
• Show your passion for the program you are entering, do not be apathetic about the coursework
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• The Graduate Record Exam is recognized by institutions of higher education throughout the US and by some institutions in Europe.
• A general test is taken and there is the possibility of a subject test.
• The general test consists of three sections: verbal, quantitative and a writing assessment
• The GRE is offered on multiple dates and is computer based. The University Testing Center has information on exam dates
Graduate Record Exam Preparation
• The Marriott Library and the Salt Lake City Library have preparation guides available.
• Computer labs on campus have powerprep software installed on them that will administer practice exams and reviews (labs with the software are located in BUC and MBH).
• If you feel like you need a preparation course, don't spend a lot of money on expensive private courses. The university offers a course through the Division of Continuing Education