PREPARING FOR
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between a Graduate Degree
Program and a Professional Degree
Program.
Create a list of steps necessary for
application to, and progression in, a
graduate or professional degree program.
Identify two (2) different offices on the
USC Campus that will aid in advisement
and scholarships in preparation for
graduate education.
Overview
Your motivation for attending
Types of graduate study
Factors to consider in choosing a program
Application process
The graduate school essay
General advice
USC Offices & Career Center resources
True or False?
If I do not go to graduate school now, I may never go.
I can get a job in my field without a graduate degree, but
not in my specialized area of interest.
A graduate degree will significantly increase my entry
level salary.
I am actively exploring both graduate school and direct
entry into the market place.
I like school; I am not ready to leave the academic
environment.
I am unsure of my career goals and graduate school will
help me clarify my interests.
Types of Graduate Study
Professional Schools
Includes dental, medical, veterinarian, law, paralegal
and business schools
Evaluate applicants according to responses to
application essay questions or personal statements
(ethical, philosophical and scenario)
Interested in community service, leadership,
organizational involvement, and work experience
Look closely at results of tests such as the LSAT,
MCAT and the rigor of coursework taken
More students go directly into professional school
from undergraduate education
Types of Graduate Study
Graduate Schools
Determining specialty area is important
For example: Counseling = M.Ed. (Masters of
Education) in Counselor Education, MA (Master of
Arts) in Counseling Psychology, or MSW (Master of
Social Work).
Interested in community service, leadership,
organizational involvement, work experience and
standardized tests (general and subject)
Undergraduate degree may be more important
Some industries and schools prefer students to take time
off between undergraduate and graduate studies
Factors to Consider
Choosing a Program
Geographical area
Finances
Experiential learning
Reputation & quality
Demographics & culture
Publications and research of faculty
Requirements
Preparation/placement record
Application Process
Junior Year: Fall, Spring & Summer
Decide academic/professional and area(s) of interest
Determine financial resources - research scholarships
Talk to advisors and professors about programs
Research institutions and programs
(criteria/deadlines)
Visit schools or call program coordinators or students
Register for appropriate graduate admissions tests
Obtain needed application materials
Write resume and have it critiqued at Career Center
Ask for letters of recommendation
Application Process
Senior Year: Fall and Spring
Request copies of transcripts
Write application essay and have it critiqued by the
Career Center or Writing Center
Apply for financial aid, student loans, scholarships
Send completed applications
Check before deadlines that all has been received
Visit and/or interview at institutions
Pay deposit to institution of choice
Make housing arrangements (applications?)
Notify other institutions of acceptance (waiting list)
Send thank you notes
Writing the Graduate School Essay
Types of essays:
motivation for graduate study
strengths and weaknesses
values and philosophies
greatest achievements
influential life events
solutions to hypothetical problems
Content:
statement of your ideas or goals
some personal history
keep essay positive and upbeat
Writing the Graduate School Essay
For what is the Admissions Committee looking?
Reflection of writing abilities (grammar & creativity)
Clarity, focus and depth of your thinking - maturity
Reasons for deciding to pursue graduate education
Expectations of the program and career opportunities
Motivation, commitment, and enthusiasm for particular field
of study or area of special interest
Immediate and long-term goals
How previous education relates to your future
Previous research or work experience
Personal uniqueness
Writing the Graduate School Essay
Approaches and Tips
Focus on what makes you unique – what will make
you stand out from other applicants?
Outline the main points you want to cover
Jot down ideas on paper as they come to you - then
organize in a logical sequence
Use catchy title (theme)
Concentrate on the opening paragraph
Open or end with a quote
Have an angle or a “hook”
Tell a story
Some General Advice
Start early!!
Use faculty & department resources
Be realistic about the competitiveness of
programs
Don’t “put all your eggs in one basket”diversify your search
Have a back-up plan (implement a
simultaneous job search?)
USC Resources
Office of Pre-Professional Advising
University Test Prep
Assist students with application process for law, medical
and health related institutions
provide information on community service projects with
area hospitals and agencies
Offer job shadowing in health and law
Provide essay writing workshops, medical school tours
and a trip to the Law School Forum in Atlanta
GMAT, LAST, GRE, SAT, ACT
Makes test preparation affordable and available to
all USC students and staff
The Graduate School
Online forms for applying at USC
The Graduate Studies Bulletin
Career Center Resources
Meet with Career Center staff to discuss:
Meet with a counselor:
(No appointment needed)
Monday – Friday
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Visit the Career Center Web Resources
Motivation for attending
Program selection
Interviewing techniques
Writing Essays – get a critique
Job Search Resource
Graduate School Section:
www.sc.edu/career/preparegradschool.html
Visit the Career Center Library to view:
Graduate program directories
Essay writing advice and samples
Graduate scholarship directories
Free registration booklets for exams
Any Questions?
Thanks for
your attention.