Thinking of Applying to Grad School? Start Here!
Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start. I put together this collection of resources to make the process feel a little less scary. These blogs cover everything from choosing your program and putting together an application, to figuring out funding and preparing for life as a graduate student. Whether you're just beginning to consider graduate school or are already working on applications, the below resources can help you understand the process and prepare for the transition ahead!
Choosing a Graduate Program
Choosing the Right Program for Me
If you're not sure how to narrow down all of the graduate programs out there, this is a good place to start! It walks through some of the questions to ask yourself when figuring out what kind of program will actually be a good fit for you.
Getting Started With Applications
Have Questions About Applying to Grad School? Here's Where to Start
If you're at the “I have no idea what I'm doing” stage of the process, start here! This blog breaks down some of the basics and can help you get a better sense of what you should be thinking about before you apply.
Resources I Used When Preparing for Graduate School
Sometimes the hardest part of applying to graduate school is just knowing where to look for information. This is a collection of resources that can help you start researching and preparing without having to figure everything out on your own.
Working on Your Application
Writing Your Graduate School Personal Statement: Where to Start
If you're staring at a blank page and wondering how you're supposed to write a personal statement, this blog offers some helpful direction on where to begin and how to approach the process without feeling completely stuck.
Everything You Need to Know About Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters can feel like an awkward part of applying, especially when you're not sure who to ask or how far in advance to reach out. This blog walks through the process and offers advice for making it easier on both you and your recommenders.
Tests and Requirements
English Proficiency & GRE Test Scores: Requirements & Waivers
If you're trying to figure out whether you need to take the GRE or an English proficiency test, this blog is a helpful starting point for understanding these requirements and whether you might qualify for a waiver.
Paying for Graduate School
Funding Your Graduate Degree
Figuring out how to pay for graduate school can be just as important as choosing your program. This blog introduces some of the different funding options available and gives you a starting point for thinking about the financial side of graduate school.
Preparing for Graduate School
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Graduate School
Sometimes it's more helpful to hear from someone who's actually been through it. This personal reflection shares some of the things a current graduate student wishes they had known before starting graduate school.
The Transition from Undergraduate to Graduate Study: Learning to Ask the Question
Graduate school can be a pretty big change from undergraduate life. This blog gives some perspective on that transition and what it can feel like to move into a more independent style of learning.
For International Students
A Reflection on My Visa Process
For international students, applying to graduate school can come with another layer of steps and planning. This blog reflects on what navigating the visa process can look like and what you may want to think about ahead of time.
Hopefully, these resources make the graduate school process feel a little more manageable, and remember, you don't have to read everything at once! Start with the resources most relevant to where you are now, and use the others as you move through the application process.