Elevating Your Educational Journey
At Presbyterian College, we believe your undergraduate journey is just the beginning. Whether you aspire to pursue an advanced degree immediately after graduation or plan to gain professional experience first, we provide the foundation and resources needed to make your graduate school ambitions a reality.
Is Graduate School Right for You?
It’s an important question that deserves careful thought. Consider what you’re hoping to gain from an advanced degree by asking yourself these questions:
- Will it directly help with my career goals?
- Am I genuinely passionate about deeper study in your field?
- Does my field of interest require an advanced degree?
- Am I a good candidate for graduate level work?
- Is now a good time to pursue an advanced degree?
- Am I willing to invest the time AND financial resources?
Graduate school isn’t necessarily the right path for everyone, and that’s completely okay. What matters is finding the option that best fits your personal circumstances and aspirations.
COLLEEN HIRT ’23
PC’s Career and Professional Development Office supported me throughout college, helping build my resume and LinkedIn profile. The Career Preparation class provided essential interview skills and professional development that prepared me for both graduate school and my career.
Researching Programs That Match Your Goals
- Curriculum review
Examine course offerings and degree requirements to ensure alignment with your interests.
- Faculty expertise
Investigate faculty research interests and opportunities for mentorship.
- Graduate outcomes
Research where alumni are employed and whether they’re pursuing work that interests you.
- Program distinctiveness
Identify what makes each program unique compared to similar offerings.
- Admission priorities
Understand how programs weigh test scores, grades, and recommendations.
- Financial support
Explore assistantships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
Resources to help you prepare for grad school
Exploring graduate school options can be overwhelming, but the right tools make all the difference. Use the trusted resources below to search programs, compare schools, and prepare for exams as you take the next step toward your advanced degree.
Application Timeline
If you plan to apply to medical school, please note that acceptance is very competitive. Due to rolling admissions, many schools will begin reviewing applications as soon as they are received beginning as early as June for the following year. Therefore, your letters of recommendations from faculty and a résumé review should be completed in the spring semester of your junior year.
Whether you’re planning for medical school or another graduate program, the following junior-year tasks are essential to stay on track:
- Identify fields of interest and begin researching programs.
- Investigate financial aid options including grants, assistantships, and scholarships.
- Prepare for and schedule entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.).
- Request information from prospective schools.
- Maintain strong academic performance in courses relevant to your field.
- Identify potential references and discuss your graduate school goals with them.
- Meet with academic advisors to align coursework with graduate study goals.
- Complete relevant internships, research projects, or volunteer experiences.
- Review application requirements and deadlines for each program.
- Begin drafting personal statements and application essays.
- Take required entrance exams.
- Schedule campus visits or interviews when possible.
- Update your resume highlighting experiences relevant to your field.
- Finalize application materials and personal statements.
- Secure letters of recommendation from faculty and mentors.
- Request official transcripts to be sent to your chosen programs.
- Submit applications well before deadlines.
- Follow up to confirm receipt of all application materials.
- Research and apply for graduate fellowships and assistantships.
- Review acceptance offers and financial aid packages.
- Notify schools of your decision to accept or decline.
- Thank your references and update them on your decisions.
- Complete the FAFSA for federal financial aid.
- Send final transcripts after graduation.
- Prepare for your transition to graduate school.
Graduate School Testing
Most graduate programs require at least one standardized examination as part of their admissions process, with requirements varying significantly across disciplines and institutions. Identify which test your intended programs require and prepare effectively.
Personal Statements
Personal statements—whether called application essays or statements of purpose—require you to explain your graduate school aspirations. You must make important choices when writing, including whether to focus more on your personal background or professional goals. No standard formula exists, but these resources can guide your writing process:
Consider these questions:
- What makes you a unique individual which sets you apart from other applicants?
- What personal characteristics and skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
- Who or what has influenced your decisions over the years?
- What are some encouraging words others have said to you or about you?
- What motivates you to do well?
- What work and/or college experiences led you to pursue your career direction?
- What have you learned about yourself?
- What are some of your accomplishments (what are you proud about)?
- Consider your undergraduate research and coursework – refresh your memory about projects and courses.
- Introduction: Think of how you will draw your reader in to learn about you as this is your first paragraph. Avoid cliched statements, quotes and Bible verses unless they specifically support your narrative.
- Body: This will be several paragraphs to support your interest in your chosen field. You will need to have detailed evidence to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Start a new paragraph when you are transitioning to a new idea.
- Conclusion: This is your last paragraph and will summarize the main points.
Edit. Write a second draft and edit. By a third draft ask a trusted editor to read it (like a faculty advisor, English professor, or career coach in Career & Professional Development). A few tips:
- Place your full name in the upper right corner and name your file document with your full name (Last name_first name_20xx Personal Statement).
- Follow the permitted length – do not exceed the maximum word count. Generally, it should not be more than two pages.
- Proofread for proper grammar and punctuation.
- Use scholarly or academic language. Yes, this is about you, but do not write casually.
- No whining or excuses – keep the overall tone positive.
- Did you demonstrate skills and qualities using stories? Were you specific and not shallow?
Ready to Explore Graduate School Options?
Schedule an appointment with our career development team to discuss your graduate school interests and develop a personalized application strategy. Whether you’re just beginning to consider advanced education or ready to prepare applications, we’ll help you navigate each step of this important journey.