The process of applying to graduate school is fairly similar to what you went through as an undergraduate – you’ll need to write essays, take certain standardized exams and gather references from your friends and mentors.  However, there are a few key differences in the process you should be aware of.  Read on for a brief overview of the graduate school admissions process:

Choosing a Program

Once you’ve made the decision to attend graduate school, you’ll need to identify the specific programs you’d like to apply to.  If you plan to continue on at the same institution where you earned your Bachelor’s degree, you’ll find that the application process is fairly similar to what you’ve already gone through.  However, if you’re investigating other options, you’ll need to be sure that the institution has a strong program in your area of specialty.  After you’ve identified a few possible schools, thoroughly review the application to make yourself familiar with the different elements of the admissions process.

Taking the GRE

The Graduate Records Examination is required by most graduate school applications, with the exception of those fields that require specialized exams like the MCAT for medical schools or the LSAT for law school programs.  In order to meet grad school application deadlines, you’ll need to take the exam early in your senior year of college.  Because your score on this standardized test will influence which schools you’re admitted to and how much merit-based financial aid you’ll receive, it’s important to take the time to develop and complete a good GRE study program before you take the exam.

Writing Your Admissions Essay

The admissions essay is one of the hardest parts of your graduate school applications, so make sure you allow yourself enough time for several revisions.  First, be sure you completely understand the question posed and outline an essay that responds specifically to the issue.  Try not to wander off track while discussing your experiences.  Once you’ve finished the first draft, as a trusted friend or professor to read through it and provide feedback.  Be sure your spelling and grammar are perfect – many institutions will reject a candidate out of hand for essays filled with mistakes.

Applying for Financial Aid

Just as you did as an undergrad, you’ll want to complete the FAFSA to determine whether or not you’re eligible for financial aid.  On the positive side, since you’re probably no longer considered a dependent of your parents, you’ll probably be eligible for more aid than you were as a Bachelor’s student.  Unfortunately, there are significantly fewer scholarships and grants available for grad students, so you may find that the FAFSA qualifies you for more loans than you’d like.

If you’re concerned about the cost of graduate school, start looking for private grants and scholarships specific to your field as early as possible.  Your undergraduate professors may be able to direct you to these opportunities, and you should also check with any professional organizations in your field.  You can also look into teaching or research assistant positions at your school to help offset the cost of your tuition and provide a small stipend to cover your living expenses.