Graduate School is an imperative stage for students to achieve academic success in their academic journeys. As many students recognize that earning a baccalaureate degree is critical to sustain oneself in society, striving for a graduate education is equally imperative. Today, a college degree is equivalent to a high school diploma 20 years ago. If you want to live comfortably with some career flexibility and job satisfaction, you will benefit from pursuing a graduate degree (master’s at minimum). If you want to teach at a university, conduct research or be a university administrator, it is highly recommended you consider a Ph.D.

Preparing for graduate school admissions is a process and it requires time, commitment, guidance, and support. A mentor will be important to have in the process as well. Below, I have set aside a few resources for your review to start preparing for this important stage of your career.

Preparing for the Process:

The Five Educational Pillars
The five educational pillars are the preparatory components you must pursue to be a strong candidate for graduate school. Working for over 22 years with admissions directors and placing students in graduate school, I have identified key elements that will facilitate your preparation for the next step in your education. Although a strong GPA is ideal, it is also critical you demonstrate out of the classroom activity, student engagement, and leadership. The pillars (academics, research, practical experience, leadership, and community service) are the ingredients necessary to make you a competitive candidate for your graduate school application process.

Mentoring
As students navigate higher education through self-exploration and peer guidance, faculty are also critical components of a successful college experience. As the university encourages and promotes strong faculty exchanges with undergraduates, students must still seek faculty for mentorship. Mentoring does not simply occur because you are a student in a faculty’s classroom. You must foster a professional relationship with the faculty where you conduct research, do fieldwork, or complete a year project under supervision. The exchange will facilitate one-on-one contact, student learning, and professional development. Moreover, this faculty can provide guidance for your professional goals and be a recommender for your graduate school application process. Don’t miss the opportunity to find a good fit with a mentor. A mentor can be a long-lasting teacher and future colleague who holds a common academic interest, a similar research agenda, and a shared vision or change in higher education.

Application Process
Applying for graduate school is not a last-minute decision process. Applying for a graduate degree requires preparation, time, commitment, and planning. Part of the application process is to have solid academic portfolio to make a case for your admission to graduate school. Entry to a competitive graduate program will require more than good grades. You must also show some research experience and out of the classroom engagement. Along with these activities, you will need strong letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, and a solid personal statement or statement of purpose.

You must also research the various programs in your field of interest, the faculty in the program, and their research. The student must be able to identify why the program is a top choice and how it is a strong fit. Make sure you research the unique elements of each program and highlight their advantages in each individual application. Generic applications will not stand out in the large pool of applicants. You must be ready to share why their program, who in the program can serve as your advisor, and why you are a strong match for their program when compared to the competitive pool of applicants.

Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose and personal statement are two different documents. Different schools will request different versions of your story. You must know which of the two are required and how the two differentiate. Some schools want a story and a detailed narrative. Others want to know what you plan to do with the degree and how you reached the insight that you are a good candidate for the field. Most schools will require the statement of purpose over the personal statement. Yet, some students merge a little of the personal in the statement of purpose. The key is to be succinct but still provide examples that support your preparedness and readiness. You are to highlight what makes you a strong candidate while supporting your statements with key references and declarative statements. Make sure your final draft has been read over multiple times and reviewed by a handful of professionals. Visit the SSARC or Career Pathways (i.e., Career Center) for guidance. Also, make sure your faculty mentor has reviewed the document.

Funding for Graduate School
The cost for graduate school discourages many students who already have loans after their BA. Do not allow your debt to get in the way between you and your graduate education. In fact, most Ph.D. programs offer funding and numerous competitive master’s programs outside of California offer funding to students with competitive academic portfolios. For graduate school funding, there are various options to cover your costs. Means to pay your graduate education include fellowships, graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, counseling and staff assistantships, or loans.

The fellowship rewards the student for their educational success and does not require work hours from the student. It is free money earned for your academic accomplishments. It pays your tuition and provides you extra money for your living expenses. A student can be awarded institutional fellowships or organization fellowships (e.g., FORD). Take the time to inquire about the various options and how you can qualify for them.

Assistantships require 20 hours of work doing research, teaching, recruiting, or counseling. This type of funding also covers your tuition and allows you to not accrue expenses throughout your graduate training. The part-time work allows you to concentrate on your studies while attaining quality experience for your career. The hours are manageable and the financial assistance toward tuition and rent are very useful for your budget. Most students could finish graduate school with minimal debt if they secure assistantships.

Your last option is loans. Although I do not encourage student to take out loans, some students do consider this option. Importantly, loans can be paid back in 30-year periods and there are forgiveness loan programs. Further, the interest paid is tax deductible and some institutions and organizations will pay for your loans if you teach in certain areas and certain students.