3.6 Plan for Future
As you prepare to enter Step 4 - Winning the Game, it’s important to begin building a plan for your future. In this section, we will talk about how to manage the graduate school application process as well as begin the search for a permanent position after graduation.
Evaluate the programs on your list - do the classes match your interests and goals? Research where their alumni have gone on to work. Register and begin studying for any entrance exams (if required). April 8 months out
Begin researching schools that have graduate programs in your field(s) of interest and make a list of programs to consider - you’ll narrow this down as you go. March 9 months out Go on campus visits if at all possible. If you cannot attend in-person, seek out a virtual campus tour. Take any required entrance exams. June -July 5 - 6 months out
Reach out to faculty to ask questions about their program, research or assistantship positions, and to connect with current students or alumni for another perspective. May 7 months out August 4 months out Polish your resume and cover letter - seek feedback from faculty and your Career Coach . Decide who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation. Narrow down your school choices - on average, students apply to five graduate or professional schools.
3.6a Graduate School
If you know that graduate or professional school is something you want or need to pursue for your career, here are some tips for evaluating graduate programs and a basic timeline to follow for applying. Evaluating fit of a graduate program first involves some self-reflection. What skills or experiences are you hoping to get out of your graduate or professional program? Not all grad schools are created equal, so it’s important to look at format, number of credits, required research or practicum experiences, and more. It’s also important to consider if there is a specific aspect of your chosen subject of study that you are most interested in or an area you want to specialize in within your field - this can help you narrow down your choices for both degree-type and where to attend graduate school. Graduate school timeline Here is a broad timeline to follow for grad school applications based on December application deadlines for a fall start date. This will vary by program and field:
Ask your recommenders if they would be willing to write you a positive recommendation letter. Remember, they will need time to work on their letters, so try to give them a month’s notice. If they agree to write a letter for you, give them all necessary application details, a run-down of your intended programs, and a copy of your resume. physically mailed, be sure to send it out at least 2 weeks before the deadline! September 3 months out October 2 months out November 1 month out Follow up with your recommenders. Make sure they have everything they need and are ready to submit/send their letters. Start working through applications and writing essays. Spread the work out over a few days for each application if you can. Fine-tune your application. Make sure you have answered all questions and proofread your essays. If some or all of your application needs to be
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