Home Campus Directory | A-Z Index

Further Education

Get Started

-Applying to Graduate School
-Finishing Your Master's Degree and Planning Your Next Step
-Application Action Plan

Decide If Graduate School is Right for You

Read more: Applying to Graduate School (PDF)

Identify Graduate Programs & Schools

Research Programs      

  • Visit the school’s website to review program content and areas of
    emphasis
  • Seek faculty with research interests similar to yours
  • Learn about the sequence of courses, practical experiences and other
    opportunities that will enhance your future prospects
  • Ask what recent graduates of this program are doing

Attend  Job Fairs & Career Events

  • Held annually
  • Meet recruiters from over 200 different employers

Follow Application Procedures

  • Adhere to guidelines for application requirements, test deadlines, letters of recommendation, financial aid forms, transcripts, etc.

Take Entrance Exams

TEST
INFORMATION
GRE www.ets.org/gre
GMAT www.gmac.com
LSAT www.lsac.org
Pre-Law Office in 212 Boucke
MCAT www.aamc.org/students
Pre-Medical Office in 213 Whitmore
MAT (Miller Analogies Test) www.milleranalogies.com
DAT (Dental Admissions Test) http://www.ada.org/dat.aspx
TOEFL www.ets.org/toefl/
Others Contact Career Services
Tests are aligned to the left. Information is aligned to the right.

Preparation

  • Follow the suggestions in the registration booklet
  • Before you buy a book or enroll in an often costly review course, decide if you learn better by reading and practicing independently (books), or by instruction and group practice (review course)

Test Preparation Courses

Career Services offers several courses to help students prepare for graduate admissions tests.
Questions? careerworkshops@sa.psu.edu

Complete the Application Process

Read more: Application Action Plan (PDF)

Deadlines

  • To avoid being wait-listed, submit your application as early as possible. Schools may fill their programs prior to their published deadlines
  • Priority Deadlines are used for consideration of scholarships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships (Send in your materials by this date if you need financial assistance)
  • Rolling Admissions accept students on a continual basis until all acceptance slots are full. (After this point, applications will no longer be accepted)

Typical Components

  • Completed application form
  • Application essay or personal statement
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • Financial aid forms
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Test scores
  • Application fee

Application Essay/Personal Statement

Most schools will require that you write an essay or statement about your background and interests as they relate to your field of study. These are often used as an opportunity to see you beyond the “numbers” in the admissions criteria.

Formats

There are two types of essays that most schools require prospective students to write. Always have someone review your essay (a career counselor, advisor, professor or recommendation letter-writer).

Short Answer Essays
  • Usually based on specific questions within your field
  • Assesses your knowledge and understanding of the field you are entering
  • Measures your ability to write, build arguments and think critically
Personal Statements or Letters of Intent
  • Clarifies your career goals and reasons for applying to that institution
  • Demonstrates your specific goals and understanding of how that particular program will assist you in achieving your career goals
  • Highlights your interest in specific research being conducted by faculty or particular classes you are interested in from that institution

 

PSNK Workbench
blank
Nittany Lion Career Network