Go to RouteY Brigham Young University
Are you planning on going to Graduate School? This page is intended to be an aid in preparing you to apply to graduate school. It provides information that will help point you in the right direction, save you time, and tell you the information you need to know.
Letters of recommendation
The letters should be from professors who know you well and can write personal and specific information about you. Just having class with them isn’t enough; get to know and work with them. Ask if you can help out with research or be a T.A.
GRE scores
The GRE is the ACT of graduate school, but more intense and competitive. Your scores can make or break you. Some students study every day for months or even a year. There are books, CDs, and classes to help you prepare for the GRE.
Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose
A brief, but well-written statement about yourself that lets the school know about you. The letter of intent needs to be well written and memorable as you are competing with other applicants. Personalize the statement for each school.
The Application
Each school has their own individual application, specifications, and requirements.
Resume/Vita
List your accomplishments, experience, research, volunteer work, publications, etc.
GPA
Each school has their own minimum GPA.
College Transcripts
Most schools require transcripts. At BYU transcripts each cost $2.00, and you can order them in the ASB.
Money
Applying to graduate school can be expensive. Costs include application fees, taking the GRE, buying books, mailing applications, visiting schools, etc.
Online Information
Try these links to find valuable information about the preparing and applying process.
http://www.gradschool.com/
http://www.princetonreview.com/
http://www.petersons.com/
http://www.gettingtogradschool.com/
Printed Material
How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School, Richard J. Stelzer
"The personal statement is how the school learns about your personality and intellect. This book shows readers ways to improve their essays and provides examples."
Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D, Robert Peters
"Since its publication, Getting What You Came For, has proved itself a necessity in helping students answer those vital questions and much more."
Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice, Donald Asher
"Based on thousands of interviews with successful graduate students and graduate admission officers, Graduate Admissions Essays deconstructs and demystifies the application process."
Find more books on the graduate application process at amazon.com.
The GRE is not a simple test. Some people study every day for months.
Here are just a few resources that may help in preparing for the GRE:
Classes
BYU offers GRE Test Prep Courses.
Online Information
http://www.gettingtogradschool.com/
http://www.kaptest.com/index.jhtml
http://www.greguide.com/
http://www.greprepinfo.com/
Books and Practice Exams
Kaplan GRE Exam 2009 Comprehensive Program, Kaplan
GRE 2009 Edition, Princeton Review
1,014 GRE Practice Questions, Princeton Review and Neill Seltzer
McGraw-Hill's GRE with CD-ROM, 2009 Edition, Steve Dulan
Barron's GRE, Sharon Weiner Green and Ira K. Wolf Ph.D.
GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test 10th Edition, Educational Testing Service
ARCO Master the GRE 2009 (with CD), Mark A Stewart and Therese DeAngelis
When looking for material, always check that you have the most updated edition.
Find more books and courses on the GRE at amazon.com.
Research
Each program wants good researchers. For research experience, work with your professors.
Get to know your professors
The professors will be writing your letters of recommendation. Offer to help them with research or be a T.A. so you can get experience and the professors can get to know you.
Experience
Work or volunteer at places related to your field of study.
Grades
Most places require a high GPA.
Professors at applicant schools
When looking at universities and programs, find out what the professors research interests are.
Copy of Prospective Graduate Student Guide