Graduate School

Preparing for Graduate School

Decide if Graduate School Is Right for You

Graduate school is a commitment, so it is important to give careful thought and consideration to whether to attend, and if so, when the time is right. The testing and application process can be pricey, so the more forethought you can give your decision, the better. Ask yourself the following questions before making the decision to pursue an advanced degree:

  • Have you spent some time really thinking about your vision for your future?
  • Do you have enough experience to make a graduate degree helpful to obtaining employment after graduate school?
  • Are your career goals well defined?
  • Are you sure that attending a particular program is the correct path to that particular career?
  • Are you prepared for the rigor of graduate study?
  • Are you excited about the prospect of being a student for several more years?
  • Do you need an advanced degree for the career to which you aspire?
  • Can you manage the expense of a graduate education, including the year(s) of income you will lose?

Identify and Research Graduate or Professional Programs

As a student in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, you are likely looking at graduate school opportunities in related fields. You might even be looking into graduate programs offered at Luddy Indianapolis.

Luddy Indianapolis Career Services can help you navigate applying to graduate school. As you consider a graduate degree, take the following into account:

Do you plan to pursue a master degree or a Ph.D.? Luddy offers an opportunity to participate in accelerated master degree programs which shorten your time to obtain a master degree. However, remember that the length of your program should always be considered.

What do you specifically want to study? Talking to alumni or other people in your network who have obtained the degree you are considering or who have the type of career you would like can be very helpful.

Do you have limitations and/or preferences on where you want to be geographically? Where is it most important for you to attend graduate school? Do you have a personal reason for wanting to be in a particular area, or is there a part of the country that is most beneficial to your research interests?

Are your current GPA and admissions scores between the 25th and 75th percentile for that particular school or program? Many programs require at least a minimum GPA of 3.00. Below are some helpful links for researching graduate schools, but current faculty members can also be a great resource.

Take Admissions Tests and Complete Applications

This part of the process requires a high attention to detail. Keep all your application materials organized, read them carefully, and develop a system to track what is needed for each program application and when you sent your materials.

The first part of this step includes registering for your standardized test, studying for the exam, and, finally, taking the test. Although the test you take depends on the type of graduate program you choose, it is most likely that you would be required to take one or more of the following:

  • GRE online (admissions test used for most graduate programs): ets.org/gre
  • Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (admissions test used for business programs): www.mba.com/exams/gmat

Preparing for your admissions test is critical. Being familiar with the format and style of the tests and refreshing your skills in writing as well as analytical and quantitative reasoning will lead to a better score. The sites below will also offer information on test preparation courses and programs.

Applications

There are two main rules when it comes to applications: follow instructions and adhere to deadlines. In some cases, the earlier you complete your application, the better your chances for admittance. Applications for graduate study are usually due between December 1 and March 1 prior to the fall of admission, however this will vary by program. Although each application is different, they typically feature four key sections: 

The application form is straightforward and will ask you information similar to that of college applications. Most graduate school applications will be found on the individual university sites, and a resume is often required as part of the application. Applications for graduate study are usually due between December 1 and March 1 prior to the fall of admission.

Personal statements vary widely from application to application. Some ask you to respond to a series of questions, while others provide a list of questions to cover in a single essay. It is important that you answer all questions and adhere to the length guidelines provided. Plan to write several drafts of your personal statement and receive feedback from others before submitting it. You can make an appointment with a Luddy Career Coach to have a review of your personal statement.

Make sure you carefully check the instructions for each application and select the correct mix of recommenders, including faculty members, staff advisors or supervisors, and internship or employment supervisors who know you well and will speak highly of you. You should ask your recommenders as soon as possible, preferably in the summer prior to your senior year or in the first month of classes, giving them at least one-month notice for each recommendation. You will also want to provide each of your recommenders with any necessary information ahead of time, including your resume and personal statement.

To complete your graduate school application, you will need to request official transcripts from the registrar’s office and allow enough time for your transcripts to be processed.

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Once you have completed and mailed your applications or submitted them online, it is important to contact the graduate admissions office and, in many cases, the graduate program itself to make sure that your materials have been received and your application is on file.

Choose the Best Program for You

After you have navigated the application process and received your acceptances, it is time to decide which program is the best ft for you. Before beginning the application process, you should have narrowed your choices to only those schools you would be willing to attend, so now your analysis should get more specific. Consider the following criteria in making your decision:

  • How flexible is the program? Are there opportunities to take elective courses?
  • Can you minor in an area of key importance to you?
  • Does the program offer opportunities for practical experience?
  • Is the retention rate good? Do most students who begin the program finish completely?
  • Are there organizations for students and opportunities to socialize outside of class?

  • What is the student-faculty ratio?
  • What is the background/reputation of the faculty who teach in the program?
  • Are there faculty members with research areas similar to your interests?
  • Is the faculty diverse both socially and academically?
  • How accessible and available are the faculty to students?

  • How up-to-date is the technology? How comprehensive are the labs and other learning facilities?
  • Are there specialized research facilities available for graduate student use?

  • What types of positions do graduates of the program secure after graduation, and where?
  • What percentage of new graduates have secured employment within the first year after graduation?
  • How will the school and/or program help you with securing employment? What services are available?
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  • Will you have a good-sized cohort?
  • Is the student body diverse socially, geographically, and/or economically?

Find Ways to Fund Your Future Education

Funding for graduate or professional school can come from many different sources, including graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships, resident assistantships, loans, and college work-study.

Graduate assistantships usually take the form of teaching or research assistantships. They are typically salaried and half-time (20 hours per week) positions in your graduate department.

These really come in two types – institutional and private. Check with your graduate program for fellowships or scholarships for which you might be qualified.

Many larger universities hire graduate or professional students to be residential coordinators. This position typically pays a salary and room and board.

This is one of the most common paths chosen by graduate and professional students to fund their education. The government does allow graduate students to take larger loans than undergraduate students, so be cautious.

Even graduate and professional students qualify for work-study. The pay is hourly and similar to what you make as an undergrad, but if you have the time, it is a better alternative to larger loans.

It is important to fully research all issues related to financing your graduate or professional education prior to entering. Contact the financial aid administrators at any program you are considering to gain a complete understanding of the process at each school. Following are some links to more information on funding: