Graduate School
Suggestions for applications, entrance testing, financial aid, and transition from work or undergraduate school is available in the Career Services Office.

• Graduate & Professional School Guides
  Resources are available in the Career Services Office on graduate admission essays, graduate schools in the United States, preparing for the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, PCAT, DAT and LSAT, how to write a personal statement for graduate school, the application process, entrance testing, financial aid, and much more.
• Graduate Record Exam Information(GRE) http://www.ets.org/gre
• Graduate Management Admission Test Information (GMAT) http://www.testprepreview.com/gmat_practice.htm
• Law School Admission Test Information (LSAT) http://www.lsac.org
• Medical College Admission Test Information (MCAT) http://www.e-mcat.com
• Pharmacy College Admission TestInformation (PCAT) http://www.testprepreview.com/pcat_practice.htm
• Dental Admission Test Information (DAT) http://www.testprepreview.com/dat_practice.htm
• Test of English as a Foreign Language Information (TOEFL) http://www.ets.org/toefl
• Ideas for Graduate/Professional Schools http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/rankindex_brief.php
• Graduate and Professional School Directory http://www.gradprofiles.com/doi-geo/geo-home.html
• Peterson's Graduate Planner http://www.petersons.com/graduate_home.asp?path=gr.home
• Graduate School Resources: http://www.dbq.edu/careerservices/careerlibrary.cfm
• University of Dubuque's Graduate School (www.dbq.edu/academics/grad11.cfm)
• GrantsNet (www.grantsnet.com)
  A one-stop resource to find funds for training in the sciences and undergraduate science education.
• Gradschools.com (www.gradschools.com)
  In-depth, comprehensive, and up-to-date listings of graduate and post-graduate educational programs.
• The Shropshire Group, Inc. (www.shropshiregroup.org)A non-profit organization aimed at attracting more minorities to graduate and professional school. The main purpose of the database is to provide a link to minority students in seeking resources (scholarships, etc..) and academic material from graduate and professional school programs the across the country.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Am I ready to commit to a career field by pursuing an advanced degree?
• Do I need a break from school?
• Do I want to go full-time or part-time?
• Would I benefit by gaining some practical experience before pursuing graduate studies?
• Am I considering graduate school because I am not ready for the world of work or to avoid some tough decisions?
• Am I sure that my career path is right for me?
• Will I be able to obtain a better job by attending graduate school?
• Will a Master's degree be adequate for my career goals or will I need a Doctorate?
• Do I have the personal traits needed to be successful in graduate school?
• Where will I choose to go?
• How will I finance it?

• Continuity is maintained between undergraduate learning and the specialization of a graduate field.
• Easier to finance graduate school prior to other financial obligations that could occur if graduate school is delayed (marriage, mortgages, etc.).
• It can be advisable to get educational preparation "out of the way" prior to one's starting in their career development.
• Can defer repayment of undergraduate loans in certain circumstances.

• Uncertain about your career path.
• Goals conflict (I want to travel, start making money, gain work experience, etc.).
• More school loans.

• Acquire work experience which provides knowledge of field(s) of interest.
• Some schools (MBA and some Law) seek applicants with prior work experience.
• Refreshed and motivated to pursue academic work.
• Establish financial stability prior to further education.
• Ability to obtain internships, fellowships, etc. for assistance during graduate school.

• Talk with experts in the field (faculty, advisors, friends, alumni, counselors, etc.).
• Consult books and on-line resources.
• Write to individual departments requesting information.
• Visit schools and specifically the program of interest.
• Talk with students enrolled in the program you are considering.
• Interview with graduate school recruiters and attend graduate school fairs.

FACTORS IN SELECTING A GRADUATE SCHOOL

Admission Requirements

• Is it a realistic expectation that you will be accepted?
• How competitive are the admission requirements to the program?
• Do you meet admission requirements (GPA, test scores, course background, etc.)?
• Does the specific department prefer candidates who are recent graduates or those with prior work experience?

• Does the graduate school have the curriculum you plan to pursue?
• Does the primary emphasis of the program suit your educational goals?
• Will the curriculum provide you with the background you desire?
• How do the program requirements compare with those of other institutions?
• How many courses/credits are required?
• Is a language required?
• How many and what type of qualifiers (written and/or oral comprehensives, thesis) are required?
• How long will it take to complete the program (typically 1-2 years for Master's, 4-8 years for Doctorate)?
• Does the program include practical experience?

• What is the reputation of the college/university, department, faculty, and alumni?
• What type of reputation does the program have in your field of choice?
• What do students and faculty think of the program?
• Is the program accredited? By whom?

• How many students complete the program?
• What percentage of graduates locate employment prior to graduation, within 6 months, a year?
• Are placement services available to help students find employment?
• What is the most common job accepted by program graduates?
• Will the degree allow for employment flexibility or does it actually narrow your employment options?

• How many faculty members are there in the program?
• Does the department's reputation depend on one or two people?
• What is the faculty/student ratio?
• Are faculty committed to teaching, research, or service?
• What have the faculty published recently?
• Are the faculty well known?
• How available to students are the faculty?

• Do you want to attend a large or small college?
• How large is the enrollment in the department?
• In what geographical area do you want to attend college?
• How far from family and friends do you want to be?
• Do you want to be located in a city, suburban, or rural area?
• Does the community offer the social, recreational, and cultural activities you enjoy?
• Is graduate housing available?
• How difficult is it to find off-campus housing?
• Is public transportation available to and from campus?

• What is the cost of the program?
• Has the cost of the program risen over the past few years and is it expected to rise in the future?
• How much financial aid is awarded in the form of fellowships, assistantships, internships, and loans?
• Does existing financial assistance extend beyond the first year?
• How much of a stipend, if any, will you receive?

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application and Fee

• Each graduate/professional school requires its own application and nonrefundable application fee.
• It is important to submit a neatly typed, thorough application and fee by the deadline date indicated; preferably a month prior to the deadline.
• Deadlines usually fall between February and March, but some are as early as November.
• Apply early to schools with rolling admissions as applicants are admitted as applications are submitted.

• The admission test required for every program varies from institution to institution.
• Research requirements through a guide to graduate programs, a catalog, or call the department.
• Preparation books highlight directions and typical questions on examinations.
• Courses review directions, format/content of exams, test-taking strategies, and give practice exams.
• Career Services Office can provide you with materials that will assist in preparing you for the required test.

• GPA is one important factor for admission.
• How GPA is weighed varies from institution to institution.
• Talk with the Registrars Office on how to compute grade point average.

• An official transcript can be requested from the Registrar's Office.
• Demonstrates receipt of an undergraduate degree and shows course work taken and grades received.

• Usually 2 to 3 letters of recommendation are requested.
• Ask individuals in a position to best assess your ability to achieve well in your selected program.
• Also ask individuals who an attest to your good character and interest in the field.
• Graduate schools generally request recommendations from faculty.

• For entrance to some programs, examples of your work will be required.
• Most often these include writing samples, art portfolios, etc.
• Some programs require evidence of part-time, full-time work or internship experience in a related field.

• Some programs require either one or several undergraduate majors or courses from specific disciplines.

• In this statement of purpose, you should articulate your goals.
• Indicate why you are interested in the field and your related background.
• Emphasize what you have to offer the program and how you can benefit from it.
• Career Services has resources on writing graduate admission essays.

• Some programs require previous work experience to indicate commitment/desire to continue in the field.
• Input about work experience enhances the educational program.
• It enables you to relate your work experience to what you are learning.

• An interview is required for entrance into some graduate programs.
• Usually not part of the admissions process unless applying for assistantships or internships.
• You can schedule an interview if you believe it will help your admission or if you have questions.
• Representatives from various graduate programs may participate in graduate school fairs.

THE ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION LETTER

Deferring Enrollment

• Some graduate schools will allow you to defer your attendance for one or two years.
• Deferment guidelines vary widely among programs so contact the department chair or dean for policy.
• It is wise to discuss deferment plans with an academic advisor or a faculty member.

• Contact the graduate school or program department to ask why you were rejected.
• Get suggestions of what action you can take for future admittance.

FINANCIAL AID

Fellowships

• On the graduate level, fellowships are equivalent to scholarships.
• Fellowships are a straight monetary award given on the basis of scholastic record.
• Funds may come from endowments, current income, private foundations, industry, or government.
• Catalogs outline institutional fellowships and directories identify other sponsors.
• Ask departments about applying for fellowships.

• Individual departments award teaching and research fellowships.
• You work part-time while pursuing your studies.
• A stipend serves as remuneration and sometimes tuition remission.
• Inquire about assistantships within the departments.

• Resident directors work in residence halls while pursuing their graduate studies.
• Resident assistants usually receive tuition remission and a stipend.
• Some programs offer credit.

• The Federal Government offers low interest loans which you repay over a long period of time.
• Repayment begins several months after graduation.
• Check with the financial aid department and local banks for information.