Criteria To Consider
Graduate schools, in contrast to a more general education of an undergraduate degree, offer very specific skills and knowledge in one chosen area of study.  Here are a few questions to include in your criteria as you make your decision whether or not to attend graduate school:
•    Is an advanced degree necessary for the field I have chosen?
•    Do I enjoy the field of study enough to obtain an advanced degree?
•    Would career related work experience be more beneficial at this time?
•    Do I have the financial resources required?
•    Is it possible that I think graduate school is the only option with my degree?
•    Have I met with the Career Development staff and professors to learn what I can do with an undergraduate degree in my field compared to the career potential with an advanced degree?
•    Will I go full-time or part-time?
•    Do I have the necessary grades, skills and aptitude?

Choosing
After analyzing your reasons for wanting to go to graduate school, you must then choose the university and program that meets your needs.  The Career Development Center is an excellent place to begin this process.  Review reference materials and books available in this office and check out our web pages for excellent links such as www.petersons.com.  Conduct informational interviews with people who are in your chosen career field.  Ask about programs they would recommend.  Ask professors and other people at Malone for their opinion. Use the Internet to research each graduate school and specific programs of interest to you.  It is also recommended that you write to various graduate school departments and request information be sent to you.  Also, make plans to visit universities, walk their campus, and talk with students in the program you are considering.  Conduct an interview with department faculty and/or an admissions counselor. Visit their Career Center office and ask where their graduates typically find employment.  You are also encouraged to attend the Malone University Graduate School Fair hosted by the Career Development Center each year during the fall semester.

The Application Process
•    After choosing a program (or at least narrowing the choices down to a few), applying to a graduate school is the next step.  Each university has unique requirements so it is important to research each institution.  This information may be found in the Peterson’s Graduate Programs Directory or GRE graduate guides.  The general admission requirements may include:
•    Application and fee
•    Admission test scores
•    Official transcripts
•    Grade point average
•    Letters of recommendation
•    Personal statement
•    Interview
•    Portfolio

The following outline should assist you with planning your strategy for gaining entrance into your desired program.  This is only a suggested time-line.  Your schedule may vary depending on your degree field.

Junior Year/Summer

•    Begin exploring the possibilities of graduate school by reviewing through various guides to graduate programs

September/October

November/December

January/March

April

•    Discuss plans, acceptances and rejections with qualified advisors

RESOURCES

•    Beyond the Ivy Wall: 10 Essential Steps to Graduate School Admission, by Howard Greene and Robert Minton

•    Jumping Through the Hoops - a Survival Guide to Graduate School, by Mark Merki and Don Merki

•    The Gourman Report - A Rating of Graduate and Professional Degree Programs in America and International Universities, by Jack Gourman

•    Peterson’s Graduate & Professional Programs Guide, by Peterson’s a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. - online at www.petersons.com