Are you thinking about going to graduate school? The University Career Center (UCC) offers a range of services and resources to help KU students who want to extend their education and pursue an advanced degree.
Self-Assessment
As with any major career decision, it is essential that anyone considering graduate school begin by conducting a thorough self-assessment of their interests, values, strengths, and goals. Think critically about why you want to pursue a graduate degree and what kind of program you want to attend.
You can begin by doing a self-assessment on your own; you can use the UCC's
Considering Graduate School Worksheet to help organize your thoughts. If you would like additional assistance, schedule an appointment with a
UCC career coach; your career coach can help you explore your interests, identify your strengths, clarify your goals, and develop a graduate school action plan. As part of your self-assessment, you may consider completing a career assessment; visit our
Career Assessments page or contact our office to learn more about how career assessments might help you as you explore graduate school options.
Researching Graduate Schools
Once you have a clear idea of why you wish to attend graduate school and the type of program you're looking for, you can begin researching potential graduate programs. The UCC has created a
Graduate School Research Form to help you collect information about each program; using this or a similar form to organize your research will be helpful during your search process.
To find programs in your field, begin by using internet databases like
GradSource.com,
GradSchools.com,
GradView.com,
Peterson's Guide,
Princeton Review, or
US News & World Report. Most of these sites will connect you directly to graduate programs' websites so you can learn more about each school. Online research shouldn't be the only method you use; contact faculty, current students, or alumni when possible to learn details that may have been left off the program's website. Also, consider scheduling a campus visit if you can; physically visiting the campus and meeting people connected to the program can be a great way to learn about the school.
If you would like assistance jump-starting your search for graduate programs, schedule an appointment with a
UCC career coach.
Applying to Graduate School
After you have identified graduate programs you are interested in applying to, it's time to get organized! What are the application requirements for each program? When are application materials due? Do you need to take the GRE or other entrance exams? It is important that you know what is required for each program and create a timeline for yourself accordingly. The application process is often lengthy and complicated; start as soon as possible to avoid rushing to meet deadlines.
For additional application tips and more tips on the self-assessment and research process, click on the Considering Graduate School Power Point image to the right; to download the presentation, click on the "Menu" icon in the bottom left and select the "Download Presentation" option. The Graduate School PDF at the top of the page on the right also has great tips!
If you would like someone to review your application materials, like your admissions essays, personal statements, or resumes, please schedule an appointment with a
UCC career coach. We are happy to help you perfect your application documents! If your admissions process requires an interview, you can also meet with a career coach for a mock-interview.
Graduate Studies at KU
Considering applying to a graduate program at KU? Visit the
Graduate Studies website for more details regarding available programs, admissions standards and procedures, funding resources, and other helpful information.