1. Applying to Graduate School
November 6, 2018
Presented By Hayli Cox, Graduate Admissions Counselor
Northern Michigan University

2. Why Graduate School Career goals Earning potential
Personal fulfillment
Professional requirement

3. Choosing a Program Factors to Consider (Match & FIT)
Type of degree (terminal, professional, research, etc.)
Selectivity
Residency
Location
Degree completion requirements
Prerequisites
Time to completion
Tracks
Accreditation
Placement record
Faculty & alumni
Funding packages/availability

4. Common Application Requirements
Transcripts (degree, language, and GPA requirements)
Standardized tests
Letters of recommendation
Resumes and CVs
Personal statements/letters of intent
Mentor/adviser support
Samples of work
Additional & accrediting body requirements (clinical hours, teaching or research experience, certifications, background checks, etc.)
Additional requirements for international applicants
Application fees

5. TESTS GRE (general, subject), GMAT, LSAT, MCAT
Prepare 5 months before test
Find a testing center
Budget time and money for studying, testing, reporting

6. Tips Plan to submit your applications early
Consider which programs you will apply for (typically 5-8, but varies)
Give your recommenders plenty of time
Find all you can on the website
Familiarize yourself with the requirements and application system
Call the graduate or department office
a faculty member
Visit campus
Attend an open house
a current student
Look at faculty publications and research
Look at past student work

7. Tools and resources NMU Workshops Free webinars Your faculty adviser
People currently in the profession
Online resources:
Thegradcafe.org
PhDs.org
GradSchools.com

8. Get Organized Ahead of Time
Just one way to get organized:
Program
Deadline
Highlights
Faculty
Funding
Application
Contact
Top Choice University
2 Year Master’s
12/15/2019
Full Residency
Assistantship, partial tuition scholarship
Official Transcripts
X 11/06
GRE General
X 10/13
Letters

9. Suggested Timeline
Timelines will vary by program and which semester you plan to enter. The following is an example for fall admission.
Senior year and before: request information, draft personal statements and goals, review for examinations
September: request recommendations and recommender advice, narrow down choices, register for tests
October: take GRE or other tests, order transcripts, revise and tailor statements
November & December: Submit completed applications, follow up with recommenders, ensure supporting document arrival
January & February: Visit prospective programs
You may also consider FAFSA, fellowships, and external applications in this timeline. Many programs will make admissions offers available around April.

10. Questions?