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Graduate School

Grad School

Before deciding on graduate school, either at the masters (2 years) or doctorate level (4-8 years), it is strongly encouraged that you fully explore every aspect of your chosen career.

Ask Yourself

  • Should I go directly into grad school vs. taking some time off to work?
  • Do I have the determination to devote the next 2-8 years in a specific field?
  • Will grad school give me greater personal and professional development?
  • Is a graduate degree necessary to gain entry into my chosen career field?
  • Will I advance faster in my career?
  • Is grad school worth the financial investment?
  • Will I have a higher earning potential after grad school?

Thoroughly explore your options. Talk to your Academic Advisor, Faculty, graduate students, Career Services and professionals in a variety of fields. Some online resources include:

Action Plan

When You Decide Grad School is Right for You

  • Clarify career objectives and determine if graduate school is the best choice
  • Decide what types of programs are right for you and what qualifications are required
  • Get to know your faculty; ask for advice
  • Take your studies seriously and plan to take relevant courses
  • Consider completing internships, volunteering and out-of-class experiences
  • Research graduate and professional school programs
  • Develop your application process timeline
  • Let the Career Services Center help you through this process
  • Continue doing the above throughout this process

Summer Before Senior Year

  • Sign up for required admissions test(s) offered in fall (GRE, LSAT, etc.). If you want time to take it twice, sign up to take it in June after your Junior year.
  • Prepare for and practice to take the admissions test(s)
  • Obtain information and application materials from prospective schools
  • Consult with professionals in the field
  • Research scholarships, fellowships

Fall

  • Secure letters of recommendation and compose your personal statement
  • Take the required admissions tests (you may need to retake these)
  • Visit institutions if possible; talk to faculty and graduate students
  • Verify deadlines for admissions and financial aid materials
  • Register with the LSDAS if you are going to Law School (do this 6 weeks before you plan to apply for law school)
  • Order transcripts from all post-secondary schools
  • Complete applications forms
  • Re-evaluate your goals and your progress
  • Request Dean's Appraisals if needed (law school)

Winter

  • Submit Graduate School applications (may be earlier depending on date)
  • Submit Financial Aid applications
  • Follow-up with institutions to confirm that they have received your materials
  • Prepare for personal interviews if required

Spring

  • Visit campuses, if you have not done so, to see if this is where you want to spend the next segment of your life
  • Evaluate offers and decide; thank your recommendation letter writers
  • Prepare to transition (i.e. find a place to live, get familiar with the area, complete the FAFSA and other financial aid, etc.)

Evaluating a Program

Overall Program

  • What will this graduate degree do for me that my undergraduate degree won't?
  • What characteristics distinguish this program from others in the same field?
  • What's the average length of time students spend in the program? Is summer attendance required?
  • Is the program accredited (i.e. certified by a national board)?
  • What opportunities for leadership are provided?
  • Does the program require a thesis, dissertation or passing comprehensive exams?
  • What practical experiences are included in the program? (Ask for examples of internship placements.)
  • What percentages of students attend full time/part time?
  • What is the level of student retention (students enrolling vs. students graduating)?
  • What is the student satisfaction with program? Also consider student demographics, academic ability, and professional accomplishments of graduates.
  • May I have the names of current graduate students so that I can discuss it with them?

Faculty

  • What is the size of the faculty and faculty/student ratio? Are the faculty teaching or conducting research?
  • What have faculty members published? How often do they publish?
  • Does the faculty focus on an area that is of interest to you? What is their training?

Financial Aid

  • What is the cost of attending and will you have to pay out-of-state tuition (compare to other schools)?
  • How many and what types of financial aid awards are offered: fellowships, grants, scholarships, assistantships, subsidized (government pays interest while you're in school) and unsubsidized loans?
  • What are the process and deadlines for applying for the financial aid options?
  • What criteria are used for choosing recipients?

Student Life and Campus Facilities

  • What are the social and cultural activities of the department, university, and community?
  • How adequate is the library, computer center, and study facilities?
  • What about cost, i.e., cost of living, health insurance, on/off-campus housing, car insurance, etc.?

Career Information

  • Where are alumni employed? What can you tell me about last year's graduates?
  • What career planning and job-hunting assistance is available?
  • What will be your earning potential?

Applying

Entrance criteria vary between programs and can even change from year to year within a program depending on the quality of applicants. Deadlines are usually 7-8 months before your entrance date. Determine all deadlines for graduate school applications, financial aid, and assistantship applications. Send in applications early!

Don't worry if you shine in some areas but are lacking in others. Most programs use a trade-off approach to gain an overall picture of an applicant. Criteria for admissions will typically include:

  • GPA: Most minimum requirements range from 3.0-3.5, although students can get in with lower GPAs. Official transcripts from all colleges attended will be required.
  • Admissions tests:
  • Letters of recommendation (3) can really make a difference so think carefully about who you ask. Choose people that can truly attest to your academic or work life. Tips:
    • Ask for letters in person (consider asking 4 people in case one doesn't get finished on time).
    • Provide your qualifications/resume that may include your personal attributes (shows you are well-rounded), goals, and what program you are seeking.
    • Give recommenders the deadlines.
    • Provide addressed envelopes with stamps.
    • Waive your right to see recommendations.
    • Send a thank-you letter to show appreciation.
  • Personal statement. Include your academic and professional background, long-term goals, and how the program will help you meet your goals. Demonstrate what makes you more qualified than other applicants. If you really want to make a strong impression, relate your interests to the research interests of the faculty. Get your personal statement reviewed at the Career Center and UNCW's Writing Center.
    • Personal Statement Guide
    • Additional Personal Statement Resources
  • Field/Research Experience. Plan early (sophomore year) so you'll become invested in the research with faculty who could write recommendation letters for you.
  • Clubs and organizations may be good if they provide you with experiences that graduate schools value.
  • Resume and interviews (usually required by more competitive programs).

More Info

Graduate School Information

Personal Statement Information

Info for Health Graduate Programs

Contact Information

Career Center

Fall & Spring Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Express Hours: Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday - Friday: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.