BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council

Nov. 2024 – Graduate School Preparation

Steps to Graduate School Success

If you are an upperclassman like me, you may be thinking a bit about what you are going to be doing post-graduation. I know, thinking about the future can be nerve-wracking but, it doesn’t have to be! With proper preparation, you can rock the upcoming graduate school application cycle. Here are some things to help you through this important season of your life!

(Psst! If you’re an underclassman, don’t leave! There is no problem with exploring possible options early! Keep these tips in the back of your mind as you approach senior year.)

Questions to ask yourself

What am I looking to get out of this degree?

Think about career paths that you are interested in. Take note of the skills needed for these careers. See if you will be able to develop/gain these skills in the graduate programs you are interested in!

If the skills align with the program, it may be the right fit for you! If not, keep searching for that right fit!

What method of instructional delivery am I most interested in?

Many programs may offer online, hybrid, and/or in-person options. Make sure to consider which may be the best fit for you and your preferences.

Where do I want to complete the program?

Many colleges and universities may offer the same graduate school program at different locations. If the program you are interested in has multiple locations, you should determine which program is most convenient for you.

Note: It is possible for there to be slight changes in the program at the different locations. For example, the program at one location may only offer a clinical concentration of the degree while another location may include a clinical and policy concentration. Make sure when deciding which location to choose you are certain that the program offered there aligns with your goals.

How do I plan on financing graduate school?

There are several ways you can finance your graduate school education!

  • Loans: FAFSA is still an available options for graduate school students. The 2025-2026 Application should be coming soon; make sure to apply as soon as you can as funds are generally limited.
  • Scholarships: Colleges and universities you apply to may give need-based or merit-based scholarships based on your application.
  • Assistanceships: Assistanceships are a part-time job available to graduate students to help finance their education in the form of stipends, tuition assistance, and more. These jobs can range from teaching-based, research-based, or administrative-based. Make sure to check out what type of opportunities are available to graduate students in the program you are interested in.
  • Fellowships: Fellowships are paid opportunities that include advanced study on a specific topic. Fellowships can also be research-based or professional training-based. Compared to assistanceships and scholarships, fellowships will generally fund multiple years of your graduate education and generally do not include work requirements. However, these opportunities tend to be limited so, if you find a fellowship you are interested in, apply early!

I’ve decided I want to go to graduate school; what now?

Congratulations on the big decision! There is still much to consider now that you know you want to advance your academic career. Here are some ideas to guide your next moves before getting to the application.

#1: Choosing Schools

  • Create a list of programs and schools you would like to apply to.
  • Take note of the program’s requirements (credit, professional training hours, research, etc.)
  • Create a pros and cons list of each school’s programs.

#2: Reaching Out

  • Reach out to faculty in the program that have research interests that align with your interests to discuss inquiries your have about their role in the program.
  • Reach out to current students or recent alumni about their experience in the program.
  • Attend prospective student information sessions.
  • Tour the schools you are interested in, if able.

#3: Preparing for Standardized Tests

  • For most graduate schools: prepare for the GRE
    • Note: Some schools may be GRE-optional. However, it could be in your best interest to still try the exam. Talk to faculty (at the prospective school and your current school) about their opinions on GRE-optional applications.
  • For law schools: LSAT
  • For medical schools: MCAT

#4: Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!

  • Application deadlines can vary by school but, applications are generally due between December to February.

What do graduate school applications generally include?

Now, you may be in the space to start the application process. It is not too different from the first time you applied to college; however, there may be some differences to look out for. Here are some key elements of graduate school applications you should keep in mind!

Personal Statements

A personal statement is an essay meant to be an opportunity for you to express why you would be a good candidate for their program. In your personal statement, you should be honest about your experiences, the skills you are bringing to the program, and how you can help elevate the program. Try not to repeat too much information from your resume to avoid redundancy; introduce a new, unique aspect of yourself that they have not seen from your application here!

Letters of Recommendations

Letters of recommendations should come from faculty, staff, and/or employers that can speak on your skills and your growth during your undergraduate experience. Applications may require between 2 to 3 letters of recommendations.

When asking for letters of recommendation, make sure to inform the individual about the program you are applying to so they can match the skills the program is looking for to the skills you currently possess. In addition, ask for these letters of recommendation well in advance of the application’s due date. You do not want to wait last minute for these; anything can happen!

Standardized Test Scores

As mentioned previously, most graduate schools will ask for GRE scores. However, some schools may be GRE-optional. It is ultimately up to you if you still want to take/submit GRE scores, if the program is GRE-optional.

For standardized test scores, try to take the exam well before the application’s due date. That way, you can decide that if you did not get a score you were happy with, you have time to retake! In addition, know that the GRE and other standardized tests do cost! The GRE costs $220, however, there are opportunities for fee reductions. To see if you are eligible for a fee reduction, check out this website!

For information about the LSAT and the MCAT, scroll down!

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are records of your academic performance and progress. To request one from UMD, please follow the steps in this website.

More on the LSAT and the MCAT

The LSAT

Main page
What is included in the exam?
  • About 3 hours (4 35-minute sections, 10 minute intermissions between 2nd + 3rd section)
  • 5 sections:
    • Analytical Reasoning (22-24 Q’s)
    • Reading Comprehension (26-28 Q’s)
    • 2 Logical Reasoning (24-26 Q’s each)
    • Experimental (not scored, 22-28 Q’s)
  • Can be done online or in-person
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
  • Look over the do’s and don’t’s 
  • Buy or rent self-prep books (practicing online or workbooks)
  • Find peers to study with (there’s power in numbers!)
How do I register for the LSAT?
On-campus resources for LSAT prep

The MCAT

Main page
What is included in the exam?
  • About 6 hours; each section is about 95 minutes 
  • 4 sections:
    • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 Q’s)
    • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 Q’s)
    • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 Q’s)
    • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 Q’s)
  • In person only
How should I prepare for the MCAT?
  • Look over the do’s and don’t’s 
  • Buy or rent self-prep books (practicing online or workbooks)
  • Find peers to study with (there’s power in numbers!)
How do I register for the MCAT?
On-campus resources for MCAT prep

What’s Up With DSAC?

The BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council always has some amazing events planned each month so, what’s happening this month? Take a peek below!

November

Senior Send-Off

Location: Ledo Pizza College Park | Date: November 18th | Time: 6 to 8 P.M

Congratulations, fall graduates! Come celebrate your accomplishments with us at Ledo Pizza! RSVP here.

Legal Studies Guide Lecture Series

Are you interested in law? Hear from professionals in different disciplines about their experiences and what you should know about their fields! To RSVP, please use this link.

BSOS Etiquette Dinner

Date: November 12th | Time: 5 to 7:30 P.M.

Elevate your dining etiquette and impress potential employers by attending this exclusive event! Business causal attire is recommended. To RSVP, please use this link.