CSU-SB CG 2024-25 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 30
Graduate School
Preparation for graduate school starts from the beginning of your college career. Graduate school can be an
enriching experience as it allows you to explore your ability to think critically and build a network with experts in
the feld of your choice. However, before attending graduate school, it is essential to understand what you want to
do with your career and how earning a graduate degree will help you reach that goal.
Below are some critical steps to take in your preparation for graduate school, along with resources to help guide
you through the research, evaluation, and planning process.
Step 1: Research
Step 2: Evaluate
" What do you want out of a program? What is your
purpose for attending?
" What type of school do you want to attend? Public,
private, large, small, etc.
" Where do you want to attend? How much do you
want to spend?
" Research options using online resources.
" Start a list of potential graduate schools/programs
using a spreadsheet to organize information such
as deadlines, cost, test requirements, etc.
" Make sure the graduate schools/programs are
accredited.
" Ensure they ft in with your philosophy, purpose,
and long-term goals.
" Determine the level of commitment and how it
can ft into your current commitments.
Step 4: Finance your Program
Step 3: Prepare
" Aim for a 3.0 GPA or higher. Most graduate
programs require at least a 3.0. The higher your
GPA, the more competitive you will be.
" Build professional connections, you will need 2-3
letters of recommendation for your application.
At least two of these letters will typically need to
be from faculty.
" Work on your personal statement; every program
has diferent requirements.
" Brainstorm essential qualities, why you are
interested in that feld, and what sets you apart
from other candidates.
" Prepare for and take admissions exams (i.e., GRE,
GMAT, LSAT, etc.).
" Complete the FAFSA - you are considered
independent in graduate school and will not
qualify for state and federal grants. However, you
will still need a FAFSA for scholarships and student
loans.
" Consider the feasibility of working and attending
school to help cover the fnancial commitment
and increase your marketability upon graduation.
" Work on scholarship applications.
" Obtain graduate assistantships or fellowships to
help pay for or ofset the cost of attending.
For more information
on recommendation
requests, writing
personal statements,
and more.
30 | Career Guide
