• Research schools and programs you are interested in and visit petersons.com and/or gradschools.com to research graduate schools and programs.
• Discuss your options with professors, friends, family, and coworkers.
• Come in and discuss your ideas with a career counselor.

Most graduate schools require an admissions exam. The GRE is the most popular exam, but look at your application materials. Visit GRE – Graduate Record Exam for more information.

• Give yourself enough time to study and take practice exams.
• There are courses, books and websites designed to prepare students for graduate admission exams. Some helpful site are SMART Learning Commons and Test Prep Courses through the College of Continuing Education

A personal statement and résumé are a common part of the graduate school application. Don’t wait to start writing your personal statement and résumé.

Personal Statements

A personal statement highlights your strengths and experiences.

• Why are you the best candidate for this school?
• What will you accomplish in the future with this degree?
• Watch the Writing effective personal statements online workshop

Résumés

Résumés include information about your education and experiences in ways that target your intended audience.

• Watch the Résumé writing online workshop
• Explore our résumé writing resources
• Call Career Services at 612-624-7577 to schedule an appointment with a career counselor if you would like further assistance making your résumé professional and polished.

Graduate schools generally require three letters of recommendation.

• Think carefully about who you would ask to write letters of recommendation. Consider professors, employers, and other professionals you have had positive experiences with in the past.
• Contact potential references early to determine if they are willing to do this. Allow recommenders 4-6 weeks to complete a letter.
• Send recommenders your résumé and personal statement so they are knowledgeable about your experiences and why you are attending graduate school.
• Give your references all the necessary information to complete and submit your letter of reference, including a stamped, pre-addressed envelope.
• Follow-up with graduate schools to confirm your letters were received.
• Send thank you notes to your references.

• Review your application to confirm you have included all of the required materials.
• Have one or more people review your personal statement, application and résumé.