What to Look For in A Graduate Program | The Graduate School (2024)

FAQs

What should I look for in a grad program? ›

This includes obvious factors such as an institution's reputation, the academic rigor of the curriculum, and the quality of the faculty. You should, however, also look at factors such as how well the program fits your goals, the culture of the department and campus, and the vibe of the surrounding community.

Career paths of the program's graduates (look for career outcomes data, like these) Availability of financial aid. Geographic location.

“Creating a standout application for graduate school requires a thoughtful approach that showcases not only your academic achievements but also your passion, potential, and unique contributions to the school and your program of interest,” says Pam Black-Colton, executive director of admissions at the University of ...

As a Jesuit school, Prep seeks to form graduates who are Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving, and Committed to Doing Justice. These are the characteristics set forth in the Profile of the Graduate at Graduation (“Grad at Grad”), a publication of the Jesuit Schools Network.

Graduate schools look for students who are ambitious and have a strong sense of purpose within their chosen field. With this question, the interviewer will want to ascertain that the graduate program you've applied for will support you and help your academic and career goals.

Graduate school admissions officers consider multiple factors when looking for standout candidates, including grade point average, standardized test scores and a resume of experiences related to the field a student wants to enter.

While most schools look at most or all of these things, the two biggest factors are your grades and work experience. Some schools may weigh professional experience more heavily than others, so having low grades may not completely eliminate you from the applicant pool.

Research will be an inevitable part of your doctoral program, so individuals with research experience will be more competitive in their applications than those without. Therefore, if there is only one thing you do as an undergraduate to prepare for graduate school, it should be research involvement!

What are grad schools looking for in a personal statement? ›

Graduate programs, and particularly graduate faculty, want to consider students who are excited about the program that they offer. Discuss your passion for your intended program, what motivates you to apply, and how you believe the program aligns with your future career goals.

A graduate school application generally consists of multiple parts: Online application/Questionnaire. Statement of purpose or personal statement. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Many worry about on-paper credentials such as test scores, GPAs, and awards. While those are certainly important details, many graduate schools prefer applicants who have relevant experience, clearly defined academic and professional goals, and a track record of showing genuine interest in their chosen field.

In general, graduate schools look for a minimum 3.0 GPA, but programs admit applicants with lower GPAs, too. Grades aren't the only way grad schools measure applicants. You also submit letters of recommendation and college essays, among other materials that can help you stand out.