Tips for Graduate School Acceptance

Having attended graduate school twice at two different times in my life, as well as being a college professor for many years, I have accumulated much information about attending and being accepted into graduate school. Acceptance to graduate school has many variables. It is not a cut and dry process. There are many steps you can take to make yourself a more desirable candidate. Educate yourself about the schools you want to attend. Know why you want to attend graduate school. Set realistic goals. Focus on your goals, communicate with everyone and be flexible. Keep good records and document every mailing you send out and every phone call or email conversation you have regarding your applications.

Apply while still in undergraduate school
The best time to apply to graduate school is while you are still in undergraduate. While there are some schools that do not take students right from college, it is at least good practice to do so while still in school. You have access to more academic connections. You have your college resources at your fingertips. It is easy to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation while you are still in his class and you are still fresh in his or her mind. Talk to everyone and anyone at your school about going to graduate school. You might be surprised with the knowledge around you that you didn't know existed. You may also find a connection or a contact that could be made on your behalf.

Seek out and ask for all monetary assistance
Financial aid and grant money is available. Your current school should have a financial aid office, seek out their knowledge about graduate school. Your school library probably subscribes to a grant or aid database that you could not access on your own. Ask the librarians, find out what is available. Let them know what your purpose is. Then apply for everything you qualify for. Also ask what might be available at the schools you are applying. Ask their registration office as well as any department faculty you might interview with or speak with.