Considering Graduate or Professional School?

Choosing to attend Graduate or Professional school is a big decision! It’s a process that takes time and persistence. Often, students who want to pursue post-undergraduate education need to start planning early, as there are many factors that go into a successful application. As you explore programs and get started on the application process, here are some useful tips to keep in mind!

Take time to find the right program fit!

Is there something in your major or academic program that’s drawing you to consider applying to graduate or professional school? Don’t be afraid to start the conversation with advisors or professors in your academic department and think about pathways that might be right for you. UMBC faculty were once where you are right now and will undoubtedly have great insight about the process or connections to programs that might interest you. Use your networks to your advantage!

Once you research programs that interest you, try to visit those schools – check out in-person and virtual admissions/recruitment events put on by the institutions and connect with the campus. You’ll have the opportunity to explore how the campus is laid out and learn about the surrounding area, housing options, and the studio/classroom/lab facilities. Ultimately, you should be asking yourself, “how is the campus and does it seem like the type of environment I would like to spend time in?”

You’ll also have the chance to connect with program directors, faculty and current graduate students. You’ll want to consider whether or not the program has a professor who shares your research areas of interest. And meeting current students is especially important if your program will use a “cohort” model – meaning you will work with the same people throughout the duration of the program.

Finally, take time to research class options – some programs will provide more flexible schedule options including evening, weekend or online classes, while other programs may be more traditional and have classes throughout the day.

Graduate Admissions

The majority of graduate and professional programs will require you to complete an entrance exam, similar to taking the SAT or ACT when applying to UMBC. See below for which exam you might be expected to take: 

·       Dental School: DAT (Dental Admission Test)  

·       Business and Management Schools: GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)  

·       Master’s and Doctoral Programs: GRE (Graduate Record Examination) *Most common graduate admissions exam*  

·       Law School: LSAT (Law School Admission Test)  

·       Medical School: MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) 

·       Pharmacy School: PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)  

For graduate programs in the Visual or Performing Arts (such as Master of Fine Arts programs), you might need to prepare for an audition or portfolio submission of creative work as well. It’s important to research all the components necessary for any application and make sure you start the application process early!

Letters of Recommendation – ask early and ask people who know you best!

Most applications to graduate or professional school will require you to submit letters of recommendation. Your recommenders should be individuals who know you well, such as a professor who taught you in several courses or a research mentor.

Start by setting up a meeting to ask for a recommendation, which will help emphasize how important the letter is to you and give you the chance to provide context and answer questions your prospective recommender might have.

Allow at least two months prior to the deadline to give your recommenders enough time to complete the recommendation.

Funding Graduate or Professional School

Another important aspect to consider is how exactly you will be funding your graduate or professional school program. The UMBC Career Center does a great job at breaking down the different components associated with funding your graduate education. It’s important to make sure you understand if there are scholarships, grants, financial aid or graduate assistantships available through the program you are exploring.

See below for some other helpful links as you continue to prepare for your next steps!

The Graduate School at UMBC  

Applying to Graduate Schools via UMBC Career Center 

Retrievers Connect – UMBC Alumni Network

Also be sure to check out Grad School 101 – Hosted by the Career Center – on October 13th!