SELECTING & APPLYING TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Research Programs
Application Form
Transcript
Curriculum Vitae
Entrance Exam
Personal Statement
Recommendation Letters
Interview
ACCEPTANCE
www.uh.edu/ucs
713-743-5100
ucs@uh.edu
Location:
Student Service Center 1
Room 106 (First Floor)
#524 on the UH campus map
P: (713) 743-5100
W: www.uh.edu/ucs
E: ucs@uh.edu
SELECTING & APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
IS GRADUATE SCHOOL RIGHT FOR YOU?
G
raduate study requires a significant commitment of time and money. Before spending this
kind of money and the time it takes to complete a graduate program, you should first
contemplate and clarify your goals. You will want to know about the:
 Working conditions, employment outlook, earnings potential, and specific
requirements of the field you plan to pursue
 Demands of the programs for which you are applying
Knowing this information will help you find a good match between your skills, interests, goals, and
needs.
Graduate degrees are usually either academic or professional in orientation. Academic degrees
focus on original research, while professional degrees focus on practical application of particular
knowledge and skills. Masters degrees take anywhere from one to three years to complete, and a
doctoral degree will usually take an additional four to seven years to complete.
For many fields, a Master’s degree is sufficient for employment. These include the Master of
Business Administration (M.B.A.) and the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). For other fields such as
medicine (M.D.), law (J.D.), or teaching at the college level (Ph.D.), a doctorate is necessary. Once
you have determined that you want to pursue graduate study, you will want to start researching
your options. As you research choices for graduate school, consider the following questions:

What are my long-range and short-range career goals? Career counselors can help you
identify these goals if they are unclear.

Is graduate school necessary for me to achieve these goals?

In my field, is it easier to attend graduate school directly after receiving my undergraduate
degree, or would I benefit from a couple of years of work experience?

What is the cost of graduate school – direct (tuition/books/fees) and indirect (loss of
potential earnings)?

At present, do I have other needs that conflict with pursuing a graduate degree?

Will my job and salary prospects be enhanced by graduate studies?

Are there employers who would assist in paying for graduate school?
Why should you not attend graduate school?
There are many reasons to attend a graduate school; however, here are some reasons why graduate
1
DEBT BURDENS OF GRADUATE STUDENTS BY DEGREE PROGRAM
Graduate Education Debt
Graduate and Professional
Degree Programs
All Education Debt
(Graduate and Undergraduate)
Percent
Borrowing
Cumulative Debt
Percent
Borrowing
Total
56.40%
$40,297
69.60%
$47,503
Master’s Degree
55.20%
$31,031
69.40%
$40,208
Doctoral Degree
45.80%
$57,860
56.30%
$58,967
Professional Degree
86.20%
$87,308
87.90%
$98,711
Master of Business
Administration (MBA)
55.50%
$31,927
68.90%
$41,676
Master of Social Work (MSW)
72.30%
$35,516
77.70%
$49,017
Master of Science (MS)
49.80%
$30,684
63.50%
$40,362
Master of Arts (MA)
60.80%
$29,975
73.70%
$40,500
PhD
35.40%
$44,995
48.00%
$45,455
EdD
65.10%
$43,812
73.30%
$44,880
Law (LLB or JD)
88.60%
$80,081
88.60%
$92,937
Medicine or Osteopathic
Medicine
81.90%
$119,424
83.20%
$127,272
Pharmacy (PharmD)
82.20%
$63,412
85.00%
$81,838
Cumulative Debt
(Source: www.finaid.org)
2
Source: Center on Education and the Workforce
school might not be a good option for you:
→ Uncertainty about your career goals or career direction
→ Fear that you will not be able to find a job
→ Desire to get rich quick
→ You are burned out with school and studying
→ Other obligations or priorities in your life will keep you from being able to invest the
appropriate time and effort into your graduate studies
3
SELECTING THE RIGHT PROGRAM
A
n assessment of your skills, interests, values and goals will help guide you in selecting a
graduate program that is right for you. In order to select a school that meets your needs,
follow the steps below:
1. Identify potential schools
→ Use guides such as Peterson’s - available online at: www.career.uh.edu/links/
GradProfessional.cfm#3
→ Ask faculty members for recommendations of programs to consider
2. Research schools
 Request catalogues and application materials directly from the graduate programs
 Check rankings in several publications (e.g. US News & World Report: www.career.uh.edu/
links/GradProfessional.cfm#3)
 Visit campuses: talk to students and faculty, and attend a couple of classes
3. Compare the following about graduate schools/programs
 Your interests, goals, needs. UCS offers vocational assessments, which can help you
determine what career areas are a good fit based on your personality, values, and interests.

Financial aid opportunities, cost and residency requirements

Ability to gain practical experience during the program (assistantships, research)

Ratio of applications to acceptances

Current research, publications, and professional involvement of the faculty

Rating and/or accreditation of the program

Housing options and community environment

Entrance requirements

Flexibility of the curriculum and length of the program

Availability of placement services and placement outlook (e.g. Percentage of students who
have a job at graduation, average salary of graduates)
4. Make a decision about which schools to apply to
 Apply as early as possible
 Narrow down your list of schools to 4-8
 Apply to “reach schools” (schools you have a slight chance of being admitted to),
“probable admits” (schools you have a good chance of being admitted to) and at least one
“safety school” (schools you have a very good chance of being admitted to)
4
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Y
our application is the picture of yourself that you present to an admissions committee.
Therefore, it is important that you put the necessary time and attention into it. Staying
organized during the application process will reduce stress. Keep in mind the following suggestions
as you complete each step in the process.
Application Forms
 Read and follow instructions carefully - paying attention to deadlines
 Have at least 2 people proofread your information
 Tailor your responses to the specific aspects of the graduate program which attract you
 Always make copies for your records before sending – it is recommended that you send
materials by registered mail or return receipt requested mail for documentation
 Mail in your application early, and confirm that the institution has received it
Reference Letters
 Strong letters are an essential part of your application. Select individuals who know you and
your work well (professors, supervisors, etc). Provide them with a copy of your personal
statement and perhaps a resume

Use institutional forms if provided by the graduate school and provide the recommender
with a self-addressed stamped envelope

Give the recommender plenty of time to complete your letter and always follow up to
ensure completion

Send a thank you note or card to the recommender
Did you know about Credential Files through UCS?
UCS has partnered with Interfolio.com to offer online reference letter/portfolio services. Click on
the Credential Files link at www.career.uh.edu to learn more about this service.
Transcripts
 Give the Registrar’s Office at least two days to process transcripts
 Schools will require official transcripts, not student copies
University of Houston transcripts may only be ordered at www.uh.edu/academics/forms/
#transcripts or in person, by mail or by fax. Each transcript is $10. The transcript office is located
in 128 Welcome Center and is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. (713-743-1010)
Essay or Personal Statement
5

This is an extremely important part of your application; spend the time it takes to show the
reader what is unique about you

Be concise and specific. Think about how your background, skills, abilities, and goals match
the school’s program and philosophy.

Address what aspects of the program appeal to you above other programs

Have your essay critiqued by a faculty member, a career counselor, and by the University of
Houston Writing Center (Appointments are required: www.uh.edu/writecen/ or 713-743
-3016).
Interviews
 Some programs will require an interview as part of the admissions process. This can be
especially helpful for candidates whose GPA, application, or personal statement may not
best represent their capabilities

This is a great opportunity for you not only to find out more about the school, but also for
you to highlight your unique attributes and your knowledge of the school

Make yourself aware of the faculty’s research, and about the program’s philosophy and
training objectives. One of the easiest ways to do this is to visit the department’s website.
Many departments will have faculty listings with biographies, which may show research
interests, educational background, and other pertinent information. Read the catalog of
the school and become familiar with any special facilities or programs it has to offer

Schedule a mock interview with a career counselor at UCS to learn how to market yourself
and improve on your interviewing skills

Prepare for your interviews by researching the programs you are interested in. This will
help you avoid asking obvious questions and will show the interviewer your interest in their
institution and program. At a minimum, you should know the following types of
information:
— Degrees offered, majors or areas of emphasis or concentration,
research options and the percentage of students attending full-time
vs. part-time
— Size of the department, diversity and type of research and teaching
interests of faculty, and publications and affiliations of faculty
Questions to Ask Graduate Programs
 What are the largest and the most typical class sizes for a graduate class? Are classes restricted
to graduate students or are undergraduates common in your graduate classes?
6
 What are the criteria and processes for selecting teaching assistants (graduate student hired to
perform teaching duties), research assistants (employed to assist a faculty member with
research), and fellows (temporary appointment involving substantial research or scholarship)?
 I will probably need financial assistance. Can you tell me how most students fund their studies
here?
 Will I get to develop my own topics, or will I be expected to work on a professor’s ongoing
research?
 What is the average time to complete (a) class work, (b) research, (c) dissertation / thesis? (e.g.,
what is the average time to complete the Ph.D.? Ask about the program as a whole.)
 What is your attrition rate? Of those who don’t finish, what are their reasons?
 How reliable is your financial support year to year? Is the first-year offer always sustained given
attainment of academic goals?
 Can you tell me about your placement rates and types of jobs and perhaps even salaries obtained
by recent graduates? (Avoid relying on testimonials and anecdotal evidence.)
 May I meet some currently enrolled students (in person or via phone or email)? (Be sure to ask
about their research topics and be sure to take notes on specific professors mentioned.)
 How can I be a strong candidate for a program like this?
Adapted from Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher (Ten Speed Press, 2000)
Graduate Entrance Exams (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, DAT, PCAT, etc.)
Plan to register for the test at least six weeks before the actual test date to ensure proper
preparation, minimal cost and availability of test dates. Most of these tests are offered at the
University of Houston through University Testing Services. You can find out more about test
dates, and registering for tests at: www.las.uh.edu/UTS/.
Study and prepare to take the test. Utilizing test preparation study books and resource guides can
improve test-scoring potential. Taking tests early will give you time to retake them if necessary and
allow enough time for score reporting. The Test Prep link on the UCS website has additional
resources.
Consider taking a preparation class from a test preparation company. These same companies often
offer free practice tests.
FINANCIAL AID
F
inancing your graduate degree can be a source of concern and an obstacle in obtaining the
degree. Often graduate candidates are able to get part or all of their education financed
through financial aid. The key with financial aid is to cover all of your bases – that is, research and
apply for all of the sources you can find for financial aid. Financial aid information can be found in
7
most graduate school catalogs and departmental brochures, as well as from the Financial Aid
Office. The following are some of the sources of aid that you should explore:
1. Outright Assistance: Fellowships, Grants, Traineeships, and Scholarships
2. Aid in Return for a Service: Resident, Graduate, and Teaching Assistantships
3. Loans: The Federal Graduate Stafford Loan is a simple interest, government guaranteed, no
collateral loan. Students borrow while in school and begin repayment six months after leaving
school or graduating.
4. Additional Sources: Contact the University of Houston Financial Aid Office (www.uh.edu/
enroll/sfa/) for the FAFSA form. FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov/) is the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid, and is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants,
loans, and work-study. It is also used by many states to award non-federal student financial aid.
 Besides FAFSA, students should also check with professional, fraternal, religious, and
community organizations for financial aid opportunities.

The best place to find out about student financial aid is from the financial aid office
at the school you plan to attend. The financial aid advisor can tell you about aid that is
available from the state, the school itself, and other resources.
 Keep in mind that financial aid deadlines are usually earlier than the deadline for other
materials in the application. Applying early can help, especially with programs that have
rolling admissions and are awarding financial aid packages. Apply ASAP after January 1st.
GRADUATE SCHOOL TIMELINE
Spring – prior to applying
— Talk to a career counselor about career options and career decision making
— Research areas of interest, institutions, and programs
— Talk to advisors about application requirements
— Register and prepare for appropriate graduate admission tests
— Investigate national scholarships
— Get involved in student organizations
— Work or volunteer in your area of interest
— If appropriate, obtain letters of recommendation
Summer – prior to applying
— Take required graduate admissions exams. Go to www.las.uh.edu/uts/ to find out which of
these exams are offered at University Testing Services at the University of Houston
— Write for application materials
— Visit institutions of interest, if possible
8
— Write your application essay and have it reviewed for comments by faculty and by the UH
Writing Center
— Check on application deadlines and rolling admissions policies
Fall – application time
— Obtain letters of recommendation
— Send in completed applications
— Pick up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Financial Aid Profile
from the Financial Aid Office. Submit ASAP after January 1 st
Spring – follow-up
— Check with all institutions before their deadline to make sure your file is completed
— Visit institutions that accept you
— Send a deposit to your institution of choice
— Notify other colleges and universities that accepted you of your decision so they can admit
students on their waiting list
— Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letter, informing them of
your success
RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH, INFORMATION, AND ASSISTANCE
UCS career counselors can be a great resource. You can schedule an appointment with a career
counselor to discuss how graduate school will help you with your career goals. Also, take part in a
mock interview, or have your resume/cv critiqued. You can schedule an appointment via the UCS
website (www.career.uh.edu) by going to the “Contact UCS Staff” link, or you can call 713-7435100 to get connected with your counselor.
University of Houston provides Pre-Law Services for students and alumni in a three-way
partnership with UCS, Academic Advising Center (ACC), and Dr. Carp.
University Career Services provides career counseling and career exploration. You can schedule an
appointment with the pre-law career counselor to discuss:
Choice of major/career counseling
Personality, interest, skills, values assessments
 Current employment and internship opportunities
 Legal profession employment outlook
 Legal career and education preparation resources


Academic Advising Center / University Scholars provide academic advising for PreProfessional and Post-Baccalaureate Services. These services are located in room 56 of University
9
Libraries. To find out more about these services, you can go to their website: http://
uscholars.uh.edu/aac/uschol_aac4.htm
Dr. Robert Carp in the Political Science department provides personal statement review and
assistance in law school choice. Contact Dr. Carp in room 402 Hoffman Hall (PGH), or call for an
appointment at (713) 743-4008.
University Career Services also provides Pre-Health Services for students interested in Health
Care careers. Services include career counseling and career exploration, mock interviews (e.g.
Pharmacy, Optometry, and Medical School mock interviews), and job search assistance. Request
an appointment with the pre-health career counselor by clicking on “Contact UCS Staff” at
www.career.uh.edu or by calling (713) 743-5100. If you are applying for professional schools, you
should also read the handout entitled “Preparing for a Successful Health Related Professional
School Admissions Interview.”
The Internet has an enormous amount of information about graduate programs, but not all of it is
accurate. It is best to use the web to research schools you are already interested in. You can find
specific information about universities, departments, and faculty members. For example, it is
helpful to use the web to find out what faculty members’ research interests are. Check out the
Graduate/Professional School section of the Links page at www.career.uh.edu. It includes
information on everything from test preparation, to school rankings, to financial aid.
Ten Things To Do If You Don't Get In
1. Apply earlier (avoid the last six weeks before the deadline).
2. Apply to more schools (six is usually considered a prudent minimum: two safe
schools, two middle of the road schools, two reach schools).
3. Apply to more safe schools (even 4.0 students can and do get rejected).
4. Visit and wow 'em.
5. Go to summer school in the targeted subject and wow 'em (it's easy to get into
summer school, even at Harvard).
6. Take one class at a time in the targeted subject and wow 'em (remember: your
most recent grades count the most).
7. Get volunteer or internship experiences in the targeted field (even part-time, even
unpaid).
8. Work in a "real job" in the targeted field (there's no substitute for actual experience,
and recommendations from supervisors in the profession).
9. Get an intermediate degree (such as a Masters or even just a credential).
10
10. Get older and try again (many times, that's all it takes).
 Don't forget that the best time to apply is early in the fall to start graduate school the
following fall, so be sure to plan ahead!
Adapted from Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher (Ten Speed Press, 2000).
April 2014
11