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Researching Graduate School 
The basics of researching and planning for admission to graduate & 
professional programs post Evening Degree. 
This publicat ion was created by the Evening Degree Program. For quest ions 
contact our office at 206-543-6160 or advisers@pce.uw.edu
Why Graduate School? 
(Excerpted from Kaplan Test Prep) 
When weighing whether or not to go to grad school, you should realistically assess what you 
expect from a graduate degree and exactly what program will suit you best. There can be many 
reasons why a student wants to attend a graduate program including: 
ď‚· Career Change 
ď‚· Career or Salary Advancement 
ď‚· Switch From Practitioner To Administrator 
ď‚· Professional Licensing 
ď‚· Love of Learning 
Grades and test scores are important factors in the grad school 
application process, but they are only one part of the total 
picture. Aside from basic coursework, begin to pay attention to 
other aspects and experiences that you have that make you a 
stronger candidate. These include lab work, volunteer or work 
experience, awards and honors and extra-curricular activities. 
As you prepare your application, gather any information and 
materials that demonstrate these accomplishments including 
letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a resume, 
which many schools are now requesting along with your 
application. 
Where Should You Apply? 
Aim high—do not underestimate your competitiveness. Applying can be expensive, so become 
familiar with the entrance requirements such as minimum test scores, GPA, and curricular 
requirements of your prospective programs to make sure that your choices are ambitious, but 
also realistic. 
It is important to align your interests with faculty interests when making graduate school 
choices. Review the research areas of the faculty. Are there professors who are doing research 
in areas that interest you? Do the courses and specializations offered fit with your interests and 
career goals? You increase the likelihood of being offered a research or teaching assistantship 
if your interests match those of professors and/or courses in the graduate program.
Choosing Between a Master’s or PhD Program 
The PhD, or doctor of philosophy degree, prepares you for a career in research and teaching, in 
business, in government, or the non -profit sector. By talking to professors in your chosen field 
and consulting career resources, you can gain a better understanding of the career possibilities 
open to you. 
Master’s degree programs provide specialized preparation in a field 
of study. Some master’s degrees are designed as an intermediate 
step toward the PhD. In many fields, however, students enter the 
PhD program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. A 
“terminal” master’s degree is the highest professional degree 
awarded in some fields—for example, the Master of Business 
Administration, Master of Architecture, or Master of Fine Arts. Some 
professions require a master’s degree in order to work in that field. Master’s students can 
usually expect to pay at least a part of their graduate education expenses. Once you have an 
idea about what area of study and what kind of degree you want to pursue, you can begin 
exploring graduate programs. You might discover new options when you learn about graduate 
programs and the degrees they offer. 
Research Process - Basic Steps 
Step 1: Gather graduate program options 
There are several ways to learn what programs might be available. Resources include: 
ď‚· College guidebooks There are several guides published every 
year that provide rankings of schools, as well as data about 
acceptance rates and median GPA and GRE scores. In addition, 
some rank schools according to their reputations among 
students, professors, or prominent people in the field. Sample 
Guidebooks include: Princeton Review, Peterson’s Guide, and 
Kaplan Guide 
ď‚· Internet Research There are several website which may be 
helpful as you begin your research. Here are a few: 
o PHDs.org, http://www.phds.org/ 
o GradSchools.com, http://www.gradschools.com/ 
o BrainTrack.com, http://www.braintrack.com/ 
o PhDData.org, http://phddata.org/ 
o GradSource.com, http://www.gradsource.com/ 
 Talk to your professors Your professors can give you an insider’s perspective on 
programs: Which programs are on the cutting edge in your chosen field? Where are the 
best research facilities in your chosen field? From which programs are the most 
promising young scholars in your field graduating? 
ď‚· Professional Organizations National professional organizations in your discipline may 
offer helpful hints in identifying programs and learning about the graduate admissions 
process in your field.
o Talk to your undergraduate adviser 
o Talk to your friends and/work colleagues 
o Contact the UW Career Center 
o Contact UW GO-MAP (Graduate Office of Minority Achievement Program) 
o If you are planning on applying to law school, medical school, or another health related 
program, UW Undergraduate Advising Center has excellent pre-law and pre-health 
websites. The information on the websites is appropriate for students searching for 
admission to any law or pre-health program, not just at the UW. 
 UW Seattle Pre-Law Information website, 
http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prelaw/ 
 UW Seattle Pre-Health Information website, 
http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prehealth/ fields/premed.php 
Step 2: Create an Application Strategy (Excerpted from Gradtips.com) 
As you go gather some possible graduate programs, you need to do some in depth research for 
each program that interests you. Then you will be able to segment the programs/schools into 
your “dream”, “reach” and “safety” school. Although this may sound time consuming, carefully 
considering your options is worth the time and effort. An application strategy might include 
schools in three general categories: 
ď‚· Dream schools - places you'd 
love to attend, but where your 
chances of acceptance are up in 
the air or even unlikely 
ď‚· Reach schools - programs you 
would like to attend and where 
your grades and GRE score are 
close to the median 
ď‚· Safety schools - schools where 
your numbers make acceptance 
likely. 
Most prospective grad students, but not all, apply to between 4 and 7 schools. How many you 
should actually apply to, though, is best determined by your strength as an applicant, the 
difficulty of admission at schools to where you're applying, and the general difficulty of getting 
into any program in your discipline. All of the following criteria should be considered when 
considering a graduate school: 
 School’s Reputation Even though a program has a high ranking and a sound reputation, it may 
not be the best choice for you. Although general evaluations and resource guides do offer a 
broad perspective on a school, your own focus is much narrower and harder to characterize. The 
key to selecting the ideal program for you is to know yourself and what you want to study. A 
program may have an excellent reputation, but may not, for example, have the faculty or facilities 
to support your studies Also, you may have to relocate to attend a program of your choice and 
you will need to research the location as well as the student life at that school. 
 Program’s Reputation The program’s reputation may be different from the reputation of school. 
The program’s reputation in a particular field may carry weight in the job market, however the 
school’s reputation would not. Also it is important to note if the program’s reputation is known 
regionally or nationally. A good question to ask is if graduates of the program go on to leadership 
and well-paying positions in the field. 
ď‚· Outcomes of graduates 
ď‚· Faculty The faculty will influence the daily life of a graduate student unlike the days of the 
undergraduate program. In graduate school the classes are smaller and the interaction between 
faculty and students is much closer. You might also consider the status of the professors. It is 
advisable to choose programs that have associate and full professors in your area of interest. If 
the only professors in your area are assistant professors or professors emerita (retired), they may
not remain for the duration of your program. You need professors in your specialized area of 
study to supervise your research and thesis, and their research will influence the direction and 
development of your own scholarship. Senior professors are likely to have more resources such 
as laboratories and grants to support their students. In addition, your professors will serve an 
important role as you make the transition to your career. 
ď‚· Mentor The question about choice of a mentor may also enter into the discussion about 
selecting a graduate program. Some graduate programs will assign faculty mentors/advisers 
while in other programs, the student finds and selects their faculty mentor within the program after 
admission. 
ď‚· Location The location of the school is critical if the student is place bound. If a student is place 
bound due to work/family commitments, the choice of graduate programs may be limited. 
However, with the increase in strong regionally accredited colleges/universities across the United 
States offering online or low residency programs, location may not always be an issue for the 
student. 
ď‚· Format/Time Schedule Some graduate programs offer classes only during limited school hours 
and offer no flexibility with course scheduling. However, other graduate schools may offer some 
course flexibility such as offering program which accommodate working professionals, online 
degrees, low residency options. 
ď‚· Length of Program Many programs also have 
different time requirements for the degree. Some 
professional programs require less time on 
internships and class attendance. Moreover, certain 
schools offer longer breaks between semesters and 
more holidays. 
ď‚· Admissions criteria & deadlines 
ď‚· Financial aid/scholarship/fellowships (and 
deadlines) 
ď‚· Curriculum & Graduation Requirements 
ď‚· Student Support Services 
Step 3: Qualify the program in more depth 
Once you have completed your preliminary research (reading guide books, talking to 
professors, and reviewed the program/university’s websites) and categorized the schools, you 
should do some additional investigation and qualify the program in greater depth. 
ď‚· Attend a recruitment event (e.g. information sessions, open houses, graduate fairs). 
Recruitment events are excellent ways to learn more about a program and are often overlooked 
by prospective students. Go to these events! Don’t forget to ask about financing your graduate 
education and any scholarship opportunities the college or program may offer. 
ď‚· Meet with a graduate adviser or faculty member within the program. There are two thoughts 
on meeting with graduate advisers or faculty. Some programs require interviews with the 
admissions committee or faculty member(s) as a part of the formal application process. Other 
programs/universities do not conduct admissions interviews and will base your admission upon 
the written application and supporting materials. 
ď‚· Contact the Admissions Office or Graduate Adviser within the program. Ask if an 
admissions interview is a part of the application process and if you should schedule the interview 
at this point in time or if asked by the faculty (part of the process). If the admissions interview is 
not part of the formal admission process, then ask if there are opportunities to meet with a 
graduate adviser or faculty adviser to discuss the program in more depth. Regardless of whether 
you meet with a graduate program in a formal interview or within the admissions qualification 
process, come very well prepared to the meeting having done your research about the faculty, 
achievements of graduates, publications, the curriculum, your goals for seeking entrance to the 
program and what you can bring to the program. At this meeting, you want to ask pertinent, in-depth 
questions about the program.
Don’t forget, while graduate schools are looking for talented students and while admissions may 
be competitive, you, are also qualifying whether or not their graduate program is a good fit for you 
and your professional/education goals. 
ď‚· Ask to speak to a current graduate student or alumni . As a follow up to the admissions 
interview or another recruitment event, ask if it is possible to speak to a current graduate student 
or alumni about their experience in the program. Brochures, websites, and advisers can tell you 
only so much. Speaking with current graduate students and/or alumni will most likely give you a 
realistic picture of what it’s like to attend the program. 
ď‚· Sit in on a class and take a guided campus tour (if possible). Sitting in on a class and taking 
a campus tour can give you a good feel for the classroom and campus culture and environment. 
Schedule a guided tour during the week while classes are in session. It is likely that a large 
majority of the student body and faculty will be unavailable for discussion during the weekend. 
Step 4: The Application 
The admission process for graduate school is different from the application process for 
undergraduate in several notable ways. First, graduate schools do not have an Office of 
Admissions with admissions counselors, rather they have admissions committees. These 
committees are composed of faculty members who teach the graduate courses. These faculty 
members have a vested interest in selecting the best students because they will be working 
closely with these students throughout their program. 
Once the admissions committee receives the applications that have met the cutoff, they will 
place values upon the strength of the applicant’s statement of purpose, resume, letters of 
recommendations, work and research experiences and internship or volunteer experiences. The 
value of each piece of the application is unique for each program and depends on the faculty 
members’ perception of importance for predicting a successful graduate student. In this way, 
one can view graduate school application as a qualitative process. Applicants are encouraged 
to speak with academic advisers, their current faculty members and graduate students about 
the strength of their application. 
Depending on the college/university, you might be applying to both the university’s Graduate 
School and the academic department simultaneously. Take the time to review the Admissions 
criteria and application process for all of the programs you are applying to.
In general, components of a graduate admissions application may include the following: 
ď‚· Application 
ď‚· Application Fee 
ď‚· Statement of Purpose (Admissions Essay) 
ď‚· Letters of Recommendation 
ď‚· Test Scores (GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT) 
ď‚· Resume/Curriculum vitae 
Additional materials might include: 
ď‚· Admissions Interview 
ď‚· Writing Samples 
ď‚· Portfolio/Audition (for visual/performing arts programs) 
Standardized Tests (GRE, GMAT, MAT) 
(Excerpted from Braintrack.org) 
Scores on standardized assessment tests play a key role in getting into graduate programs at 
almost all American colleges and universities. Written in English and consisting of multiple 
choice questions, these tests measure general aptitude as it relates to graduate-level study, or 
proficiency in specific subject areas. 
Depending on the field of study and individual school admission requirements, students may be 
required to provide scores from one or more of these tests: 
 Graduate Record Examination® (GRE) General Test 
ď‚· GRE Subject Tests 
ď‚· Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) 
ď‚· Miller Analogy Tests (MAT) 
Schools of law, dentistry, medicine, and veterinary 
medicine often have special examinations. 
Below are additional details about each test. 
GRE 
The GRE General Test measures skills in: 
ď‚· Verbal Reasoning 
 Analyzing and evaluating written material and synthesizing information. 
 Analyzing relationships among sentence components, and recognizing relationships 
between concepts and words. 
ď‚· Quantitative Reasoning 
 Understanding concepts behind basic arithmetic, geometry, algebra and data analysis . 
 Quantitative reasoning and problem solving 
ď‚· Analytical Writing 
 Examining claims and the accompanying evidence, and articulating complex ideas 
effectively and clearly. 
 Supporting ideas with relevant examples and reasons, and sustaining coherent, well - 
focused discussion. 
 Controlling the elements of standard written English
The GRE General Test can be taken electronically throughout the year at test centers 
worldwide, or on paper in areas where computer-based testing is not offered. 
The GRE Subject Tests help predict an applicant's potential for academic success at the 
graduate level. The GRE Subject Tests assess skills learned through undergraduate study in 
eight fields (majors): 
ď‚· Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology 
ď‚· Chemistry 
ď‚· Biology 
ď‚· Physics 
ď‚· Mathematics 
ď‚· Computer Science 
ď‚· Psychology 
ď‚· Literature in English 
The subject tests are given on paper at test centers around the world three times a year in April, 
October, and November. 
GMAT 
Almost every graduate-level business or management program requires that applicants take the 
GMAT in addition to other standardized tests. The GMAT assesses basic mathematical, verbal 
and analytical writing aptitude. 
Tips for doing well on the test, test preparation materials for purchase, and free test prep 
software are available through the Graduate Management Admission Council®. 
Miller Analogy Tests (MAT) 
For graduate school applicants seeking to enter the fields of education or psychology, the MAT 
may be required in addition to the GRE. The one-hour test uses problems stated as analogies to 
test high-level mental ability -- specifically analytical thinking and verbal comprehension -- rather 
than memorization. 
The MAT is available in both computerized and paper versions, and administered through 
Controlled Testing Centers (CTCs). Each CTC sets its own testing schedule, fees and 
application process. 
Standardized Admissions Test Notes 
 Tests and admission - Standardized test scores are only one part of the application -- 
although good scores are important, they do not guarantee admission 
 Timing - Tests should be taken one year prior to the start of the targeted graduate 
program, and a minimum of six weeks prior to deadlines for applications and financial 
aid forms 
 Preparation - Preparing for standardized tests can be done through self- study 
(including software, online practice tests and books), one-on-one tutoring, study groups 
and preparatory courses 
 Results - Students typically receive reports of their scores 6-8 weeks after the test date. 
It is recommended to have the scores sent directly to schools (rather than waiting to 
receive the results, then submitting them to the school
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose (Excerpted from UW Geography Dept. Advising) 
The personal statement provides the applicant with the opportunity to express who they are and 
why they want to attend a specific program. It is an extremely important part of the application 
and should be written specifically for each particular program. Some guidelines for the letter of 
intent are: 
ď‚· Outline your educational and professional objectives. 
ď‚· 
ď‚· Describe your academic interests and the area in 
which you would like to do research if you are 
applying to a research based program. If possible, 
identify how your interest in working with a specific 
faculty member. 
ď‚· Provide evidence of your research skills and 
interests. 
ď‚· Demonstrate a commitment to your field of study. 
Explain how you became interested in this area 
and discuss your experiences that led you to this 
decision. 
ď‚· Indicate any unique skills or abilities you have that 
are relevant to graduate study (i.e. computer skills, 
language skills, etc.). 
ď‚· Explain your reasons for wanting to attend a particular school. Show there is a good match 
between your goals and the goals of the program. Research the goals/orientation of the program 
before you write your letter of intent. 
Make sure to answer any specific questions posed on the application and stick to the page 
limits. 
Regardless of a student’s level of writing skills, students should not submit a statement without 
having several people read and critique it. Faculty members, graduate students and the UW 
Writing Centers are good resources. 
Resume or Vita 
The vita or resume is a description of the academic, professional and volunteer experiences an 
applicant has completed. It should include: 
ď‚· Name and contact information 
ď‚· Professional and educational goals 
ď‚· Educational accomplishments listing degrees awarded or to be awarded, honors, scholarships, 
awards, majors, minors and specializations 
ď‚· Research experiences including a description of the research project and your specific role. 
Include information on the researcher and the responsibilities you had. 
ď‚· Teaching or tutoring experiences 
ď‚· Work and fieldwork experiences that are related to geography or your sub-field in geography. 
Other positions held may be listed, but emphasis should be on work experiences that will be the 
most impressive to the admissions committee. 
ď‚· Papers or professional presentations 
ď‚· Professional or extra-curricular affiliations 
The UW Career Center, in Mary Gates Hall, can provide examples of resumes and vitas and 
counselors are available to provide feedback.
Securing Letters of Recommendation (Excerpted from UW English and UW Geography Advising Departments) 
In general, applicants will need two or three strong letters of recommendation. Most programs 
require that at least two of these letters come from faculty members. Students will want to build 
solid professional relationships with the faculty members from their courses and research 
experiences. The letters of recommendation should discuss the applicant’s research interests, 
academic ability, written communication skills, professional identification, emotional stability, 
and interpersonal skills. All of these factors go into predicting overall success in a graduate 
program. 
Applicants should ask for letters of 
recommendation at least two months before 
they are due. A conscientious applicant will 
provide their recommenders with a resume, 
copy of their letter of intent or statement of 
purpose, all proper forms and a 
stamped/addressed envelope for each 
program. After an applicant has received 
notice that the graduate programs have 
received the letters of recommendation, they 
should send thank you notes to their 
recommenders. 
If a student is thinking about taking some time off after receiving their bachelor’s degree, they 
should make contact with their faculty members while they are still undergraduate students to 
request letters of recommendation. 
Students may start a file in the UW Career Center in Mary Gates Hall to collect their letters of 
recommendation. 
Tips for Getting to Know Faculty 
Take advantage of faculty office hours. All UW faculty members are required to hold weekly 
office hours, and they are happy to use this time to speak with you about your plans for 
graduate study, to answer your questions about the process, to recommend programs, and to 
discuss their own research. Office hours are a good time for a more leisurely and in-depth 
conversation -- much better than attempting to chat with professors directly before or after class. 
Consider taking more than one course from a professor whose area of specialization is a good 
match with your own graduate study aspirations. 
Consider engaging in undergraduate research under the mentorship of a faculty member. 
Admissions Interview 
Some graduate schools an admissions interview. The interview is the crucial step in the 
graduate school selection process with the highest return on investment. The little time spent 
interviewing, if successful, has a greater chance of landing you the position than any other step 
in the graduate selection process. It is your moment to shine, and you want to be well polished. 
UW students are encouraged to contact the UW Career Center for times/dates on mock 
interviewing.
Funding your Graduate Education 
(Excerpted from Kaplan.com) 
A graduate degree is an investment in your future. You will need to determine how your 
education will be financed. You will first need to do some financial and personal planning. 
You will need to look carefully at the estimated cost of attendance as well as any other funding 
opportunities offered by the college/university. Always contact the University’s Financial Aid 
Office to learn more about your funding options for graduate school. 
Besides Federal Government Student Loans, some graduate program may offer the following 
types of funding: 
 Assistantships — Research, Teaching, and Other One of the most common means of funding 
graduate education in the U.S. is the graduate assistantship. Graduate assistants perform 
services for the University to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of their education. A typical 
assistantship includes a stipend (money amount), tuition remission (waiver or reduction in tuition), 
and health benefits. There are several types of assistantships which are available at most 
institutions. 
ď‚· Research Assistants are prevalent in the science and engineering fields and in some social 
science fields. Students work in laboratories, or in the field, assisting faculty with research 
projects. This option provides relevant experience and field specialization that will be useful after 
attaining your degree. There is no set way to become a research assistant with parameters 
varying by institution and department. The first step should be to identify a professor or project 
that you would be interested in working with. Once a project is identified, investigate how 
research assistants are chosen and take the necessary action to apply. 
ď‚· Teaching Assistants teach undergraduates and may lead discussion sessions, administer 
exams, grade papers and hold office hours. TA's usually work at least 20 hours per week. Ph.D. 
students with experience may often teach an undergraduate level course. Teaching 
Assistantships are arranged through the University and particular departments. 
ď‚· Graduate Assistants work in a university's administration or support service areas. This work 
does not always relate to a student's field and can cover a wide range of duties from computer 
repair to academic advising to office assistant. Administrative graduate assistants are arranged 
through the University and the academic departments. 
ď‚· Fellowships, Scholarships, and Traineeships are cash awards given by departments, 
universities or outside organizations to candidates who fulfill specific qualifications. The amount of 
money awarded depends on the particular fellowship. Fellowships are unique as they do not 
require any additional work other than the maintenance of a grade point average and progress 
towards a degree. 
ď‚· Tuition Benefits for Military Personnel and Veterans If you are a veteran, learn more about 
tuition benefits at the Veterans Administration Website and contact the Veterans Center at the 
university you are considering. 
ď‚· Employer Tuition Benefits As part of their fringe benefits package, many employers offer to 
pay or reimburse tuition costs if the degree or courses are related to your current position.
Sample Timeline for Applying to Grad School 
(Excerpted from University of British Columbia) 
Create a calendar for recording all dates relative to your grad school application process — 
such as, test dates, application deadlines, dates you requested letters of recommendation, and 
interview dates. Some graduate programs admit once a year while others may admit quarterly. 
You can modify this sample timeline to suit your needs. 
Summer Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May 
Begin draf ting a 
statement of 
purpose/persona 
l statement. 
Review options 
for graduate 
programs in your 
f ield using paper 
guidebooks and 
on-line sources 
and settle on a 
“short list” of 
programs to 
apply to. 
Determine w hich 
standardized 
tests you w ill 
need to take and 
w hen. Consider 
taking a prep 
class. Register 
for prep classes 
and tests and 
take both during 
the summer if 
possible. 
Research 
graduate 
fellow ships for 
w hich you might 
apply and 
prepare 
applications in 
time for early fall 
due dates. 
Make sure your 
undergraduate 
transcript is 
accurate and 
complete. 
Contact the 
Registrar's of f ice 
and request 
corrections if 
needed. 
Meet w ith faculty 
mentors to 
discuss preferred 
graduate 
programs, 
discuss your 
personal 
statement draf t, 
and request 
letters of 
recommendation 
. 
Obtain forms and 
materials needed 
to apply, register 
w ith on-line 
services, and 
otherw ise 
prepare to 
complete 
applications. 
Re-take 
standardize 
d tests if 
needed, or 
take tests 
for the f irst 
time. 
Write or 
revise any 
scholarly 
w riting or 
research 
samples to 
accompany 
your 
application. 
Complete 
and submit 
application 
s w ith early 
deadlines 
or rolling 
admission. 
Submit 
transcript 
requests to the 
Registrar's 
of f ice either in 
person or 
online. 
Determine 
w hich 
programs 
need 
transcripts 
early (before 
fall grades are 
posted) and 
w hich should 
receive 
transcripts 
af ter fall 
grades are 
posted. 
Submit 
applications 
w ith December 
or January 
due dates. 
Complete 
and 
submit 
applicatio 
ns for 
programs 
w ith 
relatively 
late 
deadlines 
. 
Generally 
March 1 
is the 
latest of 
any 
program 
and most 
are 
earlier. 
You may begin 
to receive letters 
of admission, 
of fering you a 
place on a 
w aiting list, or 
politely denying 
your admission. 
It is almost 
alw ays a good 
idea to w ait until 
you have heard 
f rom all 
programs before 
making a f inal 
decision. 
You may be 
invited to 
interview s at 
some of your 
schools. If an 
interview is 
optional, 
consider 
exercising the 
option to gain 
more information 
about the 
program and 
how it meets 
your goals. 
Make sure you 
have completed 
your FAFSA form 
if you w ant to 
apply for need-based 
f inancial 
assistance. 
Financial aw ards 
of a “merit” 
nature w ill 
generally be 
included in your 
letter of 
acceptance. The 
application for 
need-based aid 
takes longer to 
process. 
You may w ant to 
make last-minute 
visits to schools 
that have of fered 
admission, either 
to see them for 
the f irst time or to 
re-visit those that 
are on your very 
short list. If you 
do visit, plan 
ahead and make 
appointments 
w ith key 
individuals and 
prepare 
appropriate 
questions based 
on careful 
homew ork. See 
“Important 
Questions to 
Consider” 
Generally, most 
students accept 
one of their of fers 
by May 1. By 
accepting an 
of fer and paying 
a deposit, you 
are indicating 
that you have 
decided not to 
accept any other 
of fers. Accepting 
more than one 
of fer to keep your 
options open 
longer is not an 
ethical strategy. 
Not only that, if 
the schools 
compare notes 
(and some do), 
you may 
jeopardize your 
standing w ith 
both 
schools/program 
s.
UW Resources for Graduate School Preparation 
Applying to Grad School 
http://careers.uw.edu/Students/Apply-to-Grad- 
School 
Applying to graduate school PowerPoint slide 
presentation 
http://www.scribd.com/doc/49737065/Workshop- 
Applying-to-Grad-School 
Mock Interviews http://careers.uw.edu/students/mockinterviews 
Letters of Evaluation online http://careers.uw.edu/leo 
Successful Interview Workshop (online) 
http://careers.uw.edu/sites/default/files/all/editors/d 
ocs/workshops/SuccessfulInterviews- 
Tips_and_Strategies/index.htm 
UW Graduate School 
http://www.grad.washington.edu/admissions/prospe 
ctive/ 
UW Go-MAP (Graduate Office of Minority Affairs 
Achievement Program) 
http://www.grad.washington.edu/gomap/about.shtml 
UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & 
Awards 
http://www.washington.edu/students/ugrad/scholar/ 
about_omsfa 
UW Early Identification Program http://depts.washington.edu/eip/ 
UW Financial Aid Office http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/graduate 
UW Women’s Center offers a low cost GRE prep 
course 
http://activenet10.active.com/uwwomenscenter/ser 
vlet/registrationMain.sdi?source=activityframes.sdi 
UW Pre Law Information http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prelaw 
UW Pre Health Information 
http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prehealth/ f 
ields/premed.php 
UW Professional & Continuing Education (fee 
based grad degrees with some offering evening 
format) 
http://www.pce.uw.edu/graduate-degree-application- 
deadlines 
National Name Exchange (UW affiliated ) http://www.grad.washington.edu/nne 
Other Resources 
UW Career Services 
UW Career Services offers several resources for potential graduate students including 
workshops, mock interviewing, letters of evaluation file, and more!
UW English, UW Geography, and UW 
History Department websites on 
Graduate School Preparation 
The University’s English, Geography, and 
History Departments have put together a 
wealth of information about preparing for 
graduate schools. The websites contain 
information about research, preparation, 
letters of recommendation, and writing the 
statement of purpose. Although written for 
students seeking graduate degrees in these 
specific majors, these pages contain 
important information that any prospective 
graduate student could utilize. 
UW English, http://depts.washington.edu/engl/advising/gradschool/gradwhy.php 
UW Geography, http://depts.washington.edu/geog/the-application-process/ 
UW History, http://depts.washington.edu/history/studying/graduate/faq/faq_preparing.php#GS2

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Researching Graduate School: The Basics

  • 1. Researching Graduate School The basics of researching and planning for admission to graduate & professional programs post Evening Degree. This publicat ion was created by the Evening Degree Program. For quest ions contact our office at 206-543-6160 or advisers@pce.uw.edu
  • 2. Why Graduate School? (Excerpted from Kaplan Test Prep) When weighing whether or not to go to grad school, you should realistically assess what you expect from a graduate degree and exactly what program will suit you best. There can be many reasons why a student wants to attend a graduate program including: ď‚· Career Change ď‚· Career or Salary Advancement ď‚· Switch From Practitioner To Administrator ď‚· Professional Licensing ď‚· Love of Learning Grades and test scores are important factors in the grad school application process, but they are only one part of the total picture. Aside from basic coursework, begin to pay attention to other aspects and experiences that you have that make you a stronger candidate. These include lab work, volunteer or work experience, awards and honors and extra-curricular activities. As you prepare your application, gather any information and materials that demonstrate these accomplishments including letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a resume, which many schools are now requesting along with your application. Where Should You Apply? Aim high—do not underestimate your competitiveness. Applying can be expensive, so become familiar with the entrance requirements such as minimum test scores, GPA, and curricular requirements of your prospective programs to make sure that your choices are ambitious, but also realistic. It is important to align your interests with faculty interests when making graduate school choices. Review the research areas of the faculty. Are there professors who are doing research in areas that interest you? Do the courses and specializations offered fit with your interests and career goals? You increase the likelihood of being offered a research or teaching assistantship if your interests match those of professors and/or courses in the graduate program.
  • 3. Choosing Between a Master’s or PhD Program The PhD, or doctor of philosophy degree, prepares you for a career in research and teaching, in business, in government, or the non -profit sector. By talking to professors in your chosen field and consulting career resources, you can gain a better understanding of the career possibilities open to you. Master’s degree programs provide specialized preparation in a field of study. Some master’s degrees are designed as an intermediate step toward the PhD. In many fields, however, students enter the PhD program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. A “terminal” master’s degree is the highest professional degree awarded in some fields—for example, the Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, or Master of Fine Arts. Some professions require a master’s degree in order to work in that field. Master’s students can usually expect to pay at least a part of their graduate education expenses. Once you have an idea about what area of study and what kind of degree you want to pursue, you can begin exploring graduate programs. You might discover new options when you learn about graduate programs and the degrees they offer. Research Process - Basic Steps Step 1: Gather graduate program options There are several ways to learn what programs might be available. Resources include: ď‚· College guidebooks There are several guides published every year that provide rankings of schools, as well as data about acceptance rates and median GPA and GRE scores. In addition, some rank schools according to their reputations among students, professors, or prominent people in the field. Sample Guidebooks include: Princeton Review, Peterson’s Guide, and Kaplan Guide ď‚· Internet Research There are several website which may be helpful as you begin your research. Here are a few: o PHDs.org, http://www.phds.org/ o GradSchools.com, http://www.gradschools.com/ o BrainTrack.com, http://www.braintrack.com/ o PhDData.org, http://phddata.org/ o GradSource.com, http://www.gradsource.com/ ď‚· Talk to your professors Your professors can give you an insider’s perspective on programs: Which programs are on the cutting edge in your chosen field? Where are the best research facilities in your chosen field? From which programs are the most promising young scholars in your field graduating? ď‚· Professional Organizations National professional organizations in your discipline may offer helpful hints in identifying programs and learning about the graduate admissions process in your field.
  • 4. o Talk to your undergraduate adviser o Talk to your friends and/work colleagues o Contact the UW Career Center o Contact UW GO-MAP (Graduate Office of Minority Achievement Program) o If you are planning on applying to law school, medical school, or another health related program, UW Undergraduate Advising Center has excellent pre-law and pre-health websites. The information on the websites is appropriate for students searching for admission to any law or pre-health program, not just at the UW.  UW Seattle Pre-Law Information website, http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prelaw/  UW Seattle Pre-Health Information website, http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prehealth/ fields/premed.php Step 2: Create an Application Strategy (Excerpted from Gradtips.com) As you go gather some possible graduate programs, you need to do some in depth research for each program that interests you. Then you will be able to segment the programs/schools into your “dream”, “reach” and “safety” school. Although this may sound time consuming, carefully considering your options is worth the time and effort. An application strategy might include schools in three general categories: ď‚· Dream schools - places you'd love to attend, but where your chances of acceptance are up in the air or even unlikely ď‚· Reach schools - programs you would like to attend and where your grades and GRE score are close to the median ď‚· Safety schools - schools where your numbers make acceptance likely. Most prospective grad students, but not all, apply to between 4 and 7 schools. How many you should actually apply to, though, is best determined by your strength as an applicant, the difficulty of admission at schools to where you're applying, and the general difficulty of getting into any program in your discipline. All of the following criteria should be considered when considering a graduate school: ď‚· School’s Reputation Even though a program has a high ranking and a sound reputation, it may not be the best choice for you. Although general evaluations and resource guides do offer a broad perspective on a school, your own focus is much narrower and harder to characterize. The key to selecting the ideal program for you is to know yourself and what you want to study. A program may have an excellent reputation, but may not, for example, have the faculty or facilities to support your studies Also, you may have to relocate to attend a program of your choice and you will need to research the location as well as the student life at that school. ď‚· Program’s Reputation The program’s reputation may be different from the reputation of school. The program’s reputation in a particular field may carry weight in the job market, however the school’s reputation would not. Also it is important to note if the program’s reputation is known regionally or nationally. A good question to ask is if graduates of the program go on to leadership and well-paying positions in the field. ď‚· Outcomes of graduates ď‚· Faculty The faculty will influence the daily life of a graduate student unlike the days of the undergraduate program. In graduate school the classes are smaller and the interaction between faculty and students is much closer. You might also consider the status of the professors. It is advisable to choose programs that have associate and full professors in your area of interest. If the only professors in your area are assistant professors or professors emerita (retired), they may
  • 5. not remain for the duration of your program. You need professors in your specialized area of study to supervise your research and thesis, and their research will influence the direction and development of your own scholarship. Senior professors are likely to have more resources such as laboratories and grants to support their students. In addition, your professors will serve an important role as you make the transition to your career. ď‚· Mentor The question about choice of a mentor may also enter into the discussion about selecting a graduate program. Some graduate programs will assign faculty mentors/advisers while in other programs, the student finds and selects their faculty mentor within the program after admission. ď‚· Location The location of the school is critical if the student is place bound. If a student is place bound due to work/family commitments, the choice of graduate programs may be limited. However, with the increase in strong regionally accredited colleges/universities across the United States offering online or low residency programs, location may not always be an issue for the student. ď‚· Format/Time Schedule Some graduate programs offer classes only during limited school hours and offer no flexibility with course scheduling. However, other graduate schools may offer some course flexibility such as offering program which accommodate working professionals, online degrees, low residency options. ď‚· Length of Program Many programs also have different time requirements for the degree. Some professional programs require less time on internships and class attendance. Moreover, certain schools offer longer breaks between semesters and more holidays. ď‚· Admissions criteria & deadlines ď‚· Financial aid/scholarship/fellowships (and deadlines) ď‚· Curriculum & Graduation Requirements ď‚· Student Support Services Step 3: Qualify the program in more depth Once you have completed your preliminary research (reading guide books, talking to professors, and reviewed the program/university’s websites) and categorized the schools, you should do some additional investigation and qualify the program in greater depth. ď‚· Attend a recruitment event (e.g. information sessions, open houses, graduate fairs). Recruitment events are excellent ways to learn more about a program and are often overlooked by prospective students. Go to these events! Don’t forget to ask about financing your graduate education and any scholarship opportunities the college or program may offer. ď‚· Meet with a graduate adviser or faculty member within the program. There are two thoughts on meeting with graduate advisers or faculty. Some programs require interviews with the admissions committee or faculty member(s) as a part of the formal application process. Other programs/universities do not conduct admissions interviews and will base your admission upon the written application and supporting materials. ď‚· Contact the Admissions Office or Graduate Adviser within the program. Ask if an admissions interview is a part of the application process and if you should schedule the interview at this point in time or if asked by the faculty (part of the process). If the admissions interview is not part of the formal admission process, then ask if there are opportunities to meet with a graduate adviser or faculty adviser to discuss the program in more depth. Regardless of whether you meet with a graduate program in a formal interview or within the admissions qualification process, come very well prepared to the meeting having done your research about the faculty, achievements of graduates, publications, the curriculum, your goals for seeking entrance to the program and what you can bring to the program. At this meeting, you want to ask pertinent, in-depth questions about the program.
  • 6. Don’t forget, while graduate schools are looking for talented students and while admissions may be competitive, you, are also qualifying whether or not their graduate program is a good fit for you and your professional/education goals. ď‚· Ask to speak to a current graduate student or alumni . As a follow up to the admissions interview or another recruitment event, ask if it is possible to speak to a current graduate student or alumni about their experience in the program. Brochures, websites, and advisers can tell you only so much. Speaking with current graduate students and/or alumni will most likely give you a realistic picture of what it’s like to attend the program. ď‚· Sit in on a class and take a guided campus tour (if possible). Sitting in on a class and taking a campus tour can give you a good feel for the classroom and campus culture and environment. Schedule a guided tour during the week while classes are in session. It is likely that a large majority of the student body and faculty will be unavailable for discussion during the weekend. Step 4: The Application The admission process for graduate school is different from the application process for undergraduate in several notable ways. First, graduate schools do not have an Office of Admissions with admissions counselors, rather they have admissions committees. These committees are composed of faculty members who teach the graduate courses. These faculty members have a vested interest in selecting the best students because they will be working closely with these students throughout their program. Once the admissions committee receives the applications that have met the cutoff, they will place values upon the strength of the applicant’s statement of purpose, resume, letters of recommendations, work and research experiences and internship or volunteer experiences. The value of each piece of the application is unique for each program and depends on the faculty members’ perception of importance for predicting a successful graduate student. In this way, one can view graduate school application as a qualitative process. Applicants are encouraged to speak with academic advisers, their current faculty members and graduate students about the strength of their application. Depending on the college/university, you might be applying to both the university’s Graduate School and the academic department simultaneously. Take the time to review the Admissions criteria and application process for all of the programs you are applying to.
  • 7. In general, components of a graduate admissions application may include the following: ď‚· Application ď‚· Application Fee ď‚· Statement of Purpose (Admissions Essay) ď‚· Letters of Recommendation ď‚· Test Scores (GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT) ď‚· Resume/Curriculum vitae Additional materials might include: ď‚· Admissions Interview ď‚· Writing Samples ď‚· Portfolio/Audition (for visual/performing arts programs) Standardized Tests (GRE, GMAT, MAT) (Excerpted from Braintrack.org) Scores on standardized assessment tests play a key role in getting into graduate programs at almost all American colleges and universities. Written in English and consisting of multiple choice questions, these tests measure general aptitude as it relates to graduate-level study, or proficiency in specific subject areas. Depending on the field of study and individual school admission requirements, students may be required to provide scores from one or more of these tests: ď‚· Graduate Record Examination® (GRE) General Test ď‚· GRE Subject Tests ď‚· Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) ď‚· Miller Analogy Tests (MAT) Schools of law, dentistry, medicine, and veterinary medicine often have special examinations. Below are additional details about each test. GRE The GRE General Test measures skills in: ď‚· Verbal Reasoning  Analyzing and evaluating written material and synthesizing information.  Analyzing relationships among sentence components, and recognizing relationships between concepts and words. ď‚· Quantitative Reasoning  Understanding concepts behind basic arithmetic, geometry, algebra and data analysis .  Quantitative reasoning and problem solving ď‚· Analytical Writing  Examining claims and the accompanying evidence, and articulating complex ideas effectively and clearly.  Supporting ideas with relevant examples and reasons, and sustaining coherent, well - focused discussion.  Controlling the elements of standard written English
  • 8. The GRE General Test can be taken electronically throughout the year at test centers worldwide, or on paper in areas where computer-based testing is not offered. The GRE Subject Tests help predict an applicant's potential for academic success at the graduate level. The GRE Subject Tests assess skills learned through undergraduate study in eight fields (majors): ď‚· Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology ď‚· Chemistry ď‚· Biology ď‚· Physics ď‚· Mathematics ď‚· Computer Science ď‚· Psychology ď‚· Literature in English The subject tests are given on paper at test centers around the world three times a year in April, October, and November. GMAT Almost every graduate-level business or management program requires that applicants take the GMAT in addition to other standardized tests. The GMAT assesses basic mathematical, verbal and analytical writing aptitude. Tips for doing well on the test, test preparation materials for purchase, and free test prep software are available through the Graduate Management Admission Council®. Miller Analogy Tests (MAT) For graduate school applicants seeking to enter the fields of education or psychology, the MAT may be required in addition to the GRE. The one-hour test uses problems stated as analogies to test high-level mental ability -- specifically analytical thinking and verbal comprehension -- rather than memorization. The MAT is available in both computerized and paper versions, and administered through Controlled Testing Centers (CTCs). Each CTC sets its own testing schedule, fees and application process. Standardized Admissions Test Notes  Tests and admission - Standardized test scores are only one part of the application -- although good scores are important, they do not guarantee admission  Timing - Tests should be taken one year prior to the start of the targeted graduate program, and a minimum of six weeks prior to deadlines for applications and financial aid forms  Preparation - Preparing for standardized tests can be done through self- study (including software, online practice tests and books), one-on-one tutoring, study groups and preparatory courses  Results - Students typically receive reports of their scores 6-8 weeks after the test date. It is recommended to have the scores sent directly to schools (rather than waiting to receive the results, then submitting them to the school
  • 9. Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose (Excerpted from UW Geography Dept. Advising) The personal statement provides the applicant with the opportunity to express who they are and why they want to attend a specific program. It is an extremely important part of the application and should be written specifically for each particular program. Some guidelines for the letter of intent are: ď‚· Outline your educational and professional objectives. ď‚· ď‚· Describe your academic interests and the area in which you would like to do research if you are applying to a research based program. If possible, identify how your interest in working with a specific faculty member. ď‚· Provide evidence of your research skills and interests. ď‚· Demonstrate a commitment to your field of study. Explain how you became interested in this area and discuss your experiences that led you to this decision. ď‚· Indicate any unique skills or abilities you have that are relevant to graduate study (i.e. computer skills, language skills, etc.). ď‚· Explain your reasons for wanting to attend a particular school. Show there is a good match between your goals and the goals of the program. Research the goals/orientation of the program before you write your letter of intent. Make sure to answer any specific questions posed on the application and stick to the page limits. Regardless of a student’s level of writing skills, students should not submit a statement without having several people read and critique it. Faculty members, graduate students and the UW Writing Centers are good resources. Resume or Vita The vita or resume is a description of the academic, professional and volunteer experiences an applicant has completed. It should include: ď‚· Name and contact information ď‚· Professional and educational goals ď‚· Educational accomplishments listing degrees awarded or to be awarded, honors, scholarships, awards, majors, minors and specializations ď‚· Research experiences including a description of the research project and your specific role. Include information on the researcher and the responsibilities you had. ď‚· Teaching or tutoring experiences ď‚· Work and fieldwork experiences that are related to geography or your sub-field in geography. Other positions held may be listed, but emphasis should be on work experiences that will be the most impressive to the admissions committee. ď‚· Papers or professional presentations ď‚· Professional or extra-curricular affiliations The UW Career Center, in Mary Gates Hall, can provide examples of resumes and vitas and counselors are available to provide feedback.
  • 10. Securing Letters of Recommendation (Excerpted from UW English and UW Geography Advising Departments) In general, applicants will need two or three strong letters of recommendation. Most programs require that at least two of these letters come from faculty members. Students will want to build solid professional relationships with the faculty members from their courses and research experiences. The letters of recommendation should discuss the applicant’s research interests, academic ability, written communication skills, professional identification, emotional stability, and interpersonal skills. All of these factors go into predicting overall success in a graduate program. Applicants should ask for letters of recommendation at least two months before they are due. A conscientious applicant will provide their recommenders with a resume, copy of their letter of intent or statement of purpose, all proper forms and a stamped/addressed envelope for each program. After an applicant has received notice that the graduate programs have received the letters of recommendation, they should send thank you notes to their recommenders. If a student is thinking about taking some time off after receiving their bachelor’s degree, they should make contact with their faculty members while they are still undergraduate students to request letters of recommendation. Students may start a file in the UW Career Center in Mary Gates Hall to collect their letters of recommendation. Tips for Getting to Know Faculty Take advantage of faculty office hours. All UW faculty members are required to hold weekly office hours, and they are happy to use this time to speak with you about your plans for graduate study, to answer your questions about the process, to recommend programs, and to discuss their own research. Office hours are a good time for a more leisurely and in-depth conversation -- much better than attempting to chat with professors directly before or after class. Consider taking more than one course from a professor whose area of specialization is a good match with your own graduate study aspirations. Consider engaging in undergraduate research under the mentorship of a faculty member. Admissions Interview Some graduate schools an admissions interview. The interview is the crucial step in the graduate school selection process with the highest return on investment. The little time spent interviewing, if successful, has a greater chance of landing you the position than any other step in the graduate selection process. It is your moment to shine, and you want to be well polished. UW students are encouraged to contact the UW Career Center for times/dates on mock interviewing.
  • 11. Funding your Graduate Education (Excerpted from Kaplan.com) A graduate degree is an investment in your future. You will need to determine how your education will be financed. You will first need to do some financial and personal planning. You will need to look carefully at the estimated cost of attendance as well as any other funding opportunities offered by the college/university. Always contact the University’s Financial Aid Office to learn more about your funding options for graduate school. Besides Federal Government Student Loans, some graduate program may offer the following types of funding: ď‚· Assistantships — Research, Teaching, and Other One of the most common means of funding graduate education in the U.S. is the graduate assistantship. Graduate assistants perform services for the University to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses of their education. A typical assistantship includes a stipend (money amount), tuition remission (waiver or reduction in tuition), and health benefits. There are several types of assistantships which are available at most institutions. ď‚· Research Assistants are prevalent in the science and engineering fields and in some social science fields. Students work in laboratories, or in the field, assisting faculty with research projects. This option provides relevant experience and field specialization that will be useful after attaining your degree. There is no set way to become a research assistant with parameters varying by institution and department. The first step should be to identify a professor or project that you would be interested in working with. Once a project is identified, investigate how research assistants are chosen and take the necessary action to apply. ď‚· Teaching Assistants teach undergraduates and may lead discussion sessions, administer exams, grade papers and hold office hours. TA's usually work at least 20 hours per week. Ph.D. students with experience may often teach an undergraduate level course. Teaching Assistantships are arranged through the University and particular departments. ď‚· Graduate Assistants work in a university's administration or support service areas. This work does not always relate to a student's field and can cover a wide range of duties from computer repair to academic advising to office assistant. Administrative graduate assistants are arranged through the University and the academic departments. ď‚· Fellowships, Scholarships, and Traineeships are cash awards given by departments, universities or outside organizations to candidates who fulfill specific qualifications. The amount of money awarded depends on the particular fellowship. Fellowships are unique as they do not require any additional work other than the maintenance of a grade point average and progress towards a degree. ď‚· Tuition Benefits for Military Personnel and Veterans If you are a veteran, learn more about tuition benefits at the Veterans Administration Website and contact the Veterans Center at the university you are considering. ď‚· Employer Tuition Benefits As part of their fringe benefits package, many employers offer to pay or reimburse tuition costs if the degree or courses are related to your current position.
  • 12. Sample Timeline for Applying to Grad School (Excerpted from University of British Columbia) Create a calendar for recording all dates relative to your grad school application process — such as, test dates, application deadlines, dates you requested letters of recommendation, and interview dates. Some graduate programs admit once a year while others may admit quarterly. You can modify this sample timeline to suit your needs. Summer Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May Begin draf ting a statement of purpose/persona l statement. Review options for graduate programs in your f ield using paper guidebooks and on-line sources and settle on a “short list” of programs to apply to. Determine w hich standardized tests you w ill need to take and w hen. Consider taking a prep class. Register for prep classes and tests and take both during the summer if possible. Research graduate fellow ships for w hich you might apply and prepare applications in time for early fall due dates. Make sure your undergraduate transcript is accurate and complete. Contact the Registrar's of f ice and request corrections if needed. Meet w ith faculty mentors to discuss preferred graduate programs, discuss your personal statement draf t, and request letters of recommendation . Obtain forms and materials needed to apply, register w ith on-line services, and otherw ise prepare to complete applications. Re-take standardize d tests if needed, or take tests for the f irst time. Write or revise any scholarly w riting or research samples to accompany your application. Complete and submit application s w ith early deadlines or rolling admission. Submit transcript requests to the Registrar's of f ice either in person or online. Determine w hich programs need transcripts early (before fall grades are posted) and w hich should receive transcripts af ter fall grades are posted. Submit applications w ith December or January due dates. Complete and submit applicatio ns for programs w ith relatively late deadlines . Generally March 1 is the latest of any program and most are earlier. You may begin to receive letters of admission, of fering you a place on a w aiting list, or politely denying your admission. It is almost alw ays a good idea to w ait until you have heard f rom all programs before making a f inal decision. You may be invited to interview s at some of your schools. If an interview is optional, consider exercising the option to gain more information about the program and how it meets your goals. Make sure you have completed your FAFSA form if you w ant to apply for need-based f inancial assistance. Financial aw ards of a “merit” nature w ill generally be included in your letter of acceptance. The application for need-based aid takes longer to process. You may w ant to make last-minute visits to schools that have of fered admission, either to see them for the f irst time or to re-visit those that are on your very short list. If you do visit, plan ahead and make appointments w ith key individuals and prepare appropriate questions based on careful homew ork. See “Important Questions to Consider” Generally, most students accept one of their of fers by May 1. By accepting an of fer and paying a deposit, you are indicating that you have decided not to accept any other of fers. Accepting more than one of fer to keep your options open longer is not an ethical strategy. Not only that, if the schools compare notes (and some do), you may jeopardize your standing w ith both schools/program s.
  • 13. UW Resources for Graduate School Preparation Applying to Grad School http://careers.uw.edu/Students/Apply-to-Grad- School Applying to graduate school PowerPoint slide presentation http://www.scribd.com/doc/49737065/Workshop- Applying-to-Grad-School Mock Interviews http://careers.uw.edu/students/mockinterviews Letters of Evaluation online http://careers.uw.edu/leo Successful Interview Workshop (online) http://careers.uw.edu/sites/default/files/all/editors/d ocs/workshops/SuccessfulInterviews- Tips_and_Strategies/index.htm UW Graduate School http://www.grad.washington.edu/admissions/prospe ctive/ UW Go-MAP (Graduate Office of Minority Affairs Achievement Program) http://www.grad.washington.edu/gomap/about.shtml UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards http://www.washington.edu/students/ugrad/scholar/ about_omsfa UW Early Identification Program http://depts.washington.edu/eip/ UW Financial Aid Office http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/graduate UW Women’s Center offers a low cost GRE prep course http://activenet10.active.com/uwwomenscenter/ser vlet/registrationMain.sdi?source=activityframes.sdi UW Pre Law Information http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prelaw UW Pre Health Information http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/prehealth/ f ields/premed.php UW Professional & Continuing Education (fee based grad degrees with some offering evening format) http://www.pce.uw.edu/graduate-degree-application- deadlines National Name Exchange (UW affiliated ) http://www.grad.washington.edu/nne Other Resources UW Career Services UW Career Services offers several resources for potential graduate students including workshops, mock interviewing, letters of evaluation file, and more!
  • 14. UW English, UW Geography, and UW History Department websites on Graduate School Preparation The University’s English, Geography, and History Departments have put together a wealth of information about preparing for graduate schools. The websites contain information about research, preparation, letters of recommendation, and writing the statement of purpose. Although written for students seeking graduate degrees in these specific majors, these pages contain important information that any prospective graduate student could utilize. UW English, http://depts.washington.edu/engl/advising/gradschool/gradwhy.php UW Geography, http://depts.washington.edu/geog/the-application-process/ UW History, http://depts.washington.edu/history/studying/graduate/faq/faq_preparing.php#GS2