Graduate school can seem very far away to an 18-year-old, or even a 20-year-old, but preparing to apply to a graduate program actually begins much earlier that many students (or parents) understand.

First, and most importantly, what type of grad program are you interested in? Masters in Humanities, or in Science? An MBA? Medical or law degree? Physician Assistant? Other types of grad programs? The possibilities are many, and so are the prerequisites. The earlier the student knows that they may want to attend a grad program, the better they can assure they have the prerequisite classes in time for their application process.

Next to think about is the resume – yes, extracurriculars mean a lot in college if you are applying for a grad program. What have you done in college to strengthen your application to a grad program? How many years have you participated in these activities, or had these internships, or volunteered, or whatever makes sense to demonstrate to a grad school that you are serious and ready for your graduate education?

Of course there may be graduate exams to consider. Medical school requires the MCAT, law school the LSAT or the GRE (in many cases), business school the GMAT or GRE (in many cases), and other graduate programs the GRE (or nothing at all). Some medical schools require the CASPer test; some nursing programs require the TEAS. There are PA schools now requiring the PA-CAT. Requirements change often and have to be researched.

Recommendations are a vital part of a graduate application. Who you ask to write these letters depends on what degree you are seeking, but you clearly need recommenders that know you and can vouch for your ability to succeed in the graduate program you are applying for.

Finally, there is the timing of your application. Some cycles are, well, weird, like MD and DO programs, that begin 18 months prior to your start date in the program; others, like business school, often want two years of work experience before you can apply (though there are some MBA programs that will admit you and defer your start date for two years). Most Masters programs, PhD programs and law have a late fall deadline for the next fall’s start. Understanding the cycle matters.

A graduate degree can be important in helping someone achieve their ultimate career goal. Planning and strategy can help ensure the grad school applicant has what they need, when they need it to apply in the cycle they want to.

Marjorie Licht, Director of College Advising