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Graduate & Professional School
Choosing graduate or professional school is part of planning for your lifestyle and career. The process of preparing to get an advanced degree is similar to searching for a job. Take time to assess your interests, explore your options, research opportunities, and refine the components of your application. There is a wealth of support for you on campus.
It is important to consider what kind of program appeals to you and what you hope to gain from further education. Research the following areas:
Academic Programs: focus or strengths of the program; class sizes; accreditation; length of program; reputation and specialties of faculty members; resources, opportunities and facilities on campus; availability of financial assistance; graduation requirements.
Faculty: educational and/or professional experience; availability; size of the department; advising system.
Student Body: size of student body; racial, ethnic and gender make-up of the class; average age of students in the program; characteristics of students who thrive.
Location/Environment: cost of living; available housing; cultural opportunities and lifestyle issues.
Post-Graduation Opportunities: types of jobs attained by recent graduates.
Study Web sites of programs
that interest you and request application packets. Pay close
attention to application deadlines and required components.
It is a great idea to connect with instructors to get a better
sense of how you would fit in the program. You can also request
the names and contact information of current students to get
first-hand insight.
Career Planning I & II Workshops
Benefit from activities that help you identify your interests, skills and values and learn how self-assessment impacts your educational and career exploration.
Check out our Calendar of Events to RSVP for workshop dates and times.
All About Grad School in the Arts
& Sciences Workshop
Learn what grad school is like, if it is right for you, how to apply and how to fund your education. Check out our Calendar of Events to RSVP for workshop dates and times.
Other Skill-Building Workshops & Special Events
Attend a Resume & Cover Letter Writing workshop and an Interviewing
Skills 101 workshop. Sign up for a mock
interview if you will need to interview for a position
in your desired program. Check out our Calendar
of Events to RSVP for workshops and learn about special
programs related to your interests.
Junior Jumpstart
Juniors should plan to attend this conference that takes place after classes finish in mid-May. Attend workshops about applying to graduate, law or medical school, and searching for a job or transitional program. Early registration begins in March.
Recommendation Letters
Talk to faculty about your plans and get to know potential
recommenders during your sophomore and junior years. During
the summer or early fall of senior year ask faculty to write
letters for you. Log onto WebREC
to create your online recommendation file.
Graduate Entrance Exams
Many graduate and professional school programs require an entrance exam. Be sure you are aware of which exam you should take and plan to study and sit for the exam in time to submit your application.
Application Timeline
Check out this Application
Timeline to plan for your junior and senior years.
Academic Faculty & Advisors
Take advantage of the incredible resources in academic departments at WU.
Your professors and advisors have valuable connections and insights about their fields.
Find mentors and talk to them about their experiences. Ask what it is like to work in academia,
what research areas are emerging in the field, and what you can expect from the grad school
application process. You can also ask your TAs about their graduate school experiences.
Career Advising
You may simultaneously plan for a job or transitional program and graduate or professional school. Get individual attention, support and advice for all of your post-graduation options. Call 935-5930 to schedule an appointment.
Mock Interviews
Are you preparing for your admissions interview? Make an appointment
for a mock interview. During a mock interview, an advisor
will ask you practice questions you can expect during the
real thing and provide personalized feedback. Call 935-5930
to schedule a mock interview.
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