Important Topics:
Graduate School
Students choose graduate school for many reasons, including intellectual curiosity and professional
advancement. Some choose grad school because they aren't sure what to do or don't feel ready for a
job. However, these are bad reasons to attend graduate school. Graduate school requires an intense
commitment of time and money. If you're not sure you're ready then it's best to wait. Graduate school
is different from college because it requires a higher level of academic commitment. You must enjoy and
excel at reading, writing, and analyzing information. Speak with professors and graduate students to get a
better idea of what's involved in graduate study. Most first-year graduate students are overwhelmed and
remark that they had no idea of what they were getting into. Seek a first-year student's perspective for a
reality check.
Academic Requirements
It is expected that students will maintain at least a 3.0 average during graduate school. Some programs
deny funding to students with less than a 3.33 average. The coursework will be challenging. Going to
graduate school affects the rest of your life. There are both pros and cons to continuing your education.
Seek information from multiple sources including the career-counseling center, your family, graduate
students, and professors. Take your time with it. Most importantly, trust your judgment and have faith
that you'll make the choice that's best for you.
Graduate School Research
There are some careers, such as law or dentistry, which require an education beyond a bachelor degree.
If you are aware that your career will take you into further and higher education beyond that level, you
can plan ahead. Graduate school is very narrow and specialized in any given field. Given time, you can
decide early about what program applies to you. It’s also very important to consider your interests and
favorite courses. Seek advice from professors about the difference among the various specialties of your
field and research existing employment opportunities for each specialization.
Researching graduate schools is an exciting task. Just like with your undergraduate university, look for a
school that meets your needs. Most employers like their employees to be diversified within their
education, which means looking beyond your current university. Look for a university with a location
that is relevant to your field; i.e. Business Administration universities should be located in a big
metropolis. When deciding on which university and where, always factor in the cost of relocating or
commuting. Graduate school will be expensive, then add in the cost of moving and you have incurred a
big expense that you may not have planned.
Standardized Exams
Like the SATs, graduate school standardized tests permit students from a variety of universities and
colleges with differing grading standards to be compared. Standardized tests are also the basis for
awarding fellowships and other forms of financial assistance. Most standardized, graduate-school tests
are designed to identify potential success or capacities for success, rather than measure specific
knowledge or achievement. Remember that although performance on standardized tests is a strong
factor in the admissions process, it is not the only element that will net you an acceptance to the
graduate school of your dreams. Undergraduate transcripts, recommendation letters and a personal
statement are other considerations.
Student Money Management Center | 237 Nebraska Union | Lincoln, NE | 68588-0461
http://www.unl.edu/smmc | smmc@unl.edu | 402-472-9093
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Important Topics:
Graduate School
Recommendation Letters
Like standardized exams, recommendation letters should be familiar to you. Nearly every graduate
program requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation. Don't underestimate the importance
of these letters. While your transcript, standardized test scores, and personal statement/admissions
essay are vital components to your graduate school application, an excellent letter of recommendation
can make up for weaknesses in any of these areas. A well written letter of recommendation provides
admissions committees with information that isn't found elsewhere in the application. A letter of
recommendation is normally written by a faculty member and consists of a detailed description of the
personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the
programs to which you've applied.
Most graduate programs require two or more letters of recommendation. Choosing your letter-writers
often is difficult. Consider faculty members, administrators, internship/co-operative education
supervisors, and employers. The persons you ask to write your letters should know you well enough to:
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Write with authority
Know your work
Have a high opinion of you
Know where you are applying
Know your educational and career goals
Be able to write a good letter
Keep in mind that no one person will satisfy all of these criteria. Aim for a set of letters that cover the
range of your skills. Ideally, letters should cover your academic and scholastic skills, research abilities
and experiences, and applied experiences (e.g., co-operative education, internships, related work
experience).
The Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of the graduate school application. It provides the
admission committee a chance to distinguish you from other A+ applicants and the opportunity to get
to know you at a more personal level. Your personal statement has the ability to determine if you will
be accepted or rejected by a school. Therefore, it is necessary that you write an essay that is honest,
interesting, and well structured. Many students write personal statements that are fascinating but
incomprehensible to the reader and as a result, they may be rejected. Thus, the structure and
organization of your essay is a crucial component to your personal statement. With a well structured
essay, the reader will not only be interested in the content of your essay but will also know that you
have the capacity to create a legible essay.
Accepting Admission
When you receive and are ready to accept an offer of admission to graduate school, call or email your
contact for the program and follow up with a written letter that is faxed and then mailed to the
program. A short professional looking note indicating that you've made your decision and are pleased to
accept their offer of admission is adequate.
Keep in mind, like your undergraduate studies, your time in graduate school is important. You are again
investing in your future that will open up even more opportunities than your undergraduate degree.
Work and study hard, and soon you will receive the benefits of a great education.
Student Money Management Center | 237 Nebraska Union | Lincoln, NE | 68588-0461
http://www.unl.edu/smmc | smmc@unl.edu | 402-472-9093
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