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Admission Requirements

Admission requirements generally include an application and fee, test scores, official transcripts, personal essay statement of goals, and letters of recommendation.

Application And Fees
Each graduate and professional school requires its own application and non-refundable fee. Your application should be neatly typed. The fee can range fro $15 to $50. Usually deadlines vary between February and March. Be sure you meet the set deadline. The selection committee will not wait for you.

Admission Test Scores
The admission test scores required for every program vary from institution to institution.

1. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is used by most academic graduate programs and some professional programs.
2. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is used by some schools instead of the GRE as a basic aptitude assessment test.
3. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the only test score used for the application to law school.
4. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the only admission test used by all medical schools. 
5. The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is used for people going into business school.
   
   There are many other tests that are available, and information and application forms for all of these tests may be obtained from the Career Development Office.

Official Transcripts
An official transcript can be requested, in writing, from the Registrar's office. It will show your G.P.A., receipt of an undergraduate degree and the array of course work in which you were enrolled. It is advisable to explain any unusual or very poor grade.

Personal Statement
When writing your application essay for graduate school, be clear and concise -- and be yourself. Ask yourself how you want the selection committee to view you. Discuss what makes you a unique individual who wants a graduate degree. Prepare a draft and update it often. Have others read your essay and offer suggestions. Short paragraphs and concise statements make the material seem to "move faster." Some guidelines include how you came to choose this graduate degree, what your career aspirations are and how this particular program can fulfill those aspirations. Write the way you would say it -- briefly, sincerely and clearly.

Letters off Recommendation
Usually two or three letters of recommendation are requested. Ask individuals who will be in a position to best assess your ability to achieve well in the program to which you are applying. Graduate schools usually request recommendations from faculty. Get an early start on this -- the most common reason for an incomplete application is that letters of recommendation have not been sent or were lost along the way. It is your responsibility to keep checking back with those you ask to provide recommendations for you.

Interview
An interview is required for entrance into some graduate programs. Usually, the interview is not part of the admission process unless you are applying for assistantships or fellowships. If an interview for admission is not required but you think it would help your chances, ask for one.