Preparing Grad School Applications

Graduate school might be a good choice if you like doing research, want to study something in-depth, or plan to teach.

Some careers need you to get more education after your undergraduate degree. For example, to become a doctor, lawyer, or university researcher, you must complete advanced education. If you want to move up in fields like social work, you might need a professional master’s program.

An advanced degree can sometimes lead to a higher salary or a better job. Salaries can vary based on your profession, the job market, and where you work. To understand if an advanced degree is right for you, talk to faculty members, your career counselor, and professionals in your field.

If you decide graduate school is right, focus on your GPA, campus involvement, and undergraduate research. Start building experiences now to make your application stand out. Use gradschools.com to find programs that interest you and look into funding options like teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, and fellowships. Learn about each program’s admissions requirements, including GPA, test scores, presentations, and professional or research experience.

You will need letters of recommendation, so connect with your professors. Once you find programs that match your goals, meet with admissions recruiters and visit the campus to talk with faculty.

Learn about MSU's Grad School

Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose

• Follow the guidelines provided by the graduate program.
• Plan what you want to write before you start.
• Choose a central theme and stick to it throughout your essay.
• Think about what makes you a special and unique candidate for the program.
• Include specific examples from your life that support your central theme.
• Mention your career goals and experiences that have helped you decide on these goals.
• Have several people, including your career counselor, read your statement before you submit it.