1. Thinking About Graduate School
Graduate College

2. Why go to graduate school?
Intellectual Curiosity
Professional Advancement & Development
Graduate College

3. Why not go to graduate school?
I don’t know what to do next
I don’t want a job
Graduate school is an investment of time and money. You should approach it with a plan.
Graduate College

4. Should you go to graduate school?
Graduate College
Yes, if you…
No, if you…
Want to learn more within a field
Enjoy research/teaching
Want to be more competitive in the job market
Are interested in a field where a graduate degree is required to practice (i.e law, social work, health care)
Are not able or willing to make the commitment
Are only interested getting the degree to make more money
Are tired of being in school
Have no plan for why you want a graduate degree

5. What if I’m not sure?
Graduate College
Wait a year or two – many people do not go to graduate school directly after they graduate.
If you decide to wait, ask your professors for letters of recommendation now, and ask them questions about graduate school.
Gain experience within your field by working or volunteering.
Do some research on graduate programs while you wait.

6. What if I want to change Fields, Is It too late?
Graduate College
NO! It is never too late to change fields.
Do not be afraid to ask professors about this - it is common for people to change fields between their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
In some cases it could require additional undergraduate coursework, in others it won’t.

7. What is graduate school like?
Graduate College
It’s not like your undergraduate experience
More work, higher expectations – Reading & Writing.
More opportunity for research & projects.
More opportunity to work closely with faculty.
Fewer classes per semester – more in-depth, focused learning.
More self-directed: need to be able to set goals and keep working toward them without constant supervision or deadlines.
New and diverse peers.

8. Different types of programs
Graduate College
Masters Programs
Research Oriented (MA, MS)
Professional (MBA, MSW, PSM, etc.)
Research and Professional (MA Public History)
Doctoral Programs
Research Oriented (PhD)
Professional (MD, JD, DVM, etc.)
Research and Professional (EdD)

9. Entrance Exams GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Graduate College
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
General Test and Subject Tests
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
VCAT (Veterinary College Admission Test)
OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

10. Resources at UNI for Entrance Exams
Graduate College
Rod Library: Offers study books to prepare as well as online study materials.
Online training programs (usually for a fee).
Academic Learning Center, offers courses to prepare for GRE.

11. How many schools should I apply to?
Graduate College
It is a good idea to apply to several schools; depending on your field.
Apply to a mix of places ranging from “aspirational” programs (i.e. very highly competitive) to strong programs and one or two attainable options.
Apply to a range because your application is always relative to the pool of other candidates in any given year.

12. How to pay for graduate school
Graduate College
Need-Based Financial Aid
FAFSA available for completion October 1st.
Assistantships/Fellowships/Tuition Waivers - Most common in research-oriented Doctoral programs & some Masters’ programs.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs.
Loan Forgiveness Programs (i.e. Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs).

13. Applying to professional programs
Graduate College
Professional programs often have very specific requirements. If interested in this type of program, speak with a faculty member in the program.
If the program is not offered at UNI, we may still have an advisor you can talk to: i.e. pre- law, pre-med, pre-veterinary advisors.

14. programs: Sophomore/Junior Year
Applying to graduate
programs: Sophomore/Junior Year
Graduate College
Keep your GPA up, get involved with clubs, volunteer, internships, professional organizations, etc.
Talk to faculty members.
Identify 3 faculty members who can write letters of reference for you. Get to know them.
Find opportunities for undergraduate research or internships depending on your field.
Begin researching schools. Look for scholars who you might work with.
Identify a paper to use as a graduate writing sample if needed - work with a professor to improve it.

15. Applying to Graduate Programs: Senior Year
Graduate College
Finalize list of schools to apply to.
Register to take required entrance exam.
Draft personal statement and give to faculty for feedback.
Ask faculty for letters of recommendation.
Finalize writing sample (if needed).
Prepare for interview (if needed).
Submit applications.

16. Asking for letters of recommendation
Graduate College
Ask faculty for letters at least one month before they are due. Give letter writers the following:
List and description of programs you are applying to with deadlines
Resume
Personal statement
Any other required written materials (i.e. writing sample)
Follow up in the spring: thank your letter writers and tell them where you were accepted and where you are planning to go.

17. Applying to UNI application fee waived for UNI grads! UNI requires
Graduate College
UNI requires
Application for Graduate Study (
Transcripts for bachelor’s degree and any post-baccalaureate coursework
TOEFL or IELTS if first language is not English
Department/Program may require
Letters of recommendation
A personal statement
Departmental application
GRE/GMAT scores
Other—contact the department/program of interest!
Also ask your department/program about
Applying for assistantships & scholarships

18. Questions? If you have question later contact
Graduate College
If you have question later contact
Susie Schwieger, Director of Graduate Student life
Dr. Gabriela Olivares, Interim Associate Dean

19. Our Wonderful Staff Rubina Chowdhury: Graduate Secretary
Graduate College
Our Wonderful Staff
Rubina Chowdhury: Graduate Secretary
Lisa Steimel: Assistantships/Scholarships
Susan Schwieger: Director Student Graduate Life
Janet Witt: Thesis/Dissertation
Patrick Pease: Interim Dean of the Graduate College
Gabriela Olivares: Interim Associate Dean