By Dana Magniacapra

Contributing Writer

So you’ve decided to apply to graduate school? Good for you! The first step is making the decision to continue your education. Once you decide to go to graduate school, you need to start your research. No, you don’t have to write a ten page paper or have at least twenty sources. So, what do I mean by doing your research? You need to find out exactly what the school has to offer. What kind of specialty programs are there? Does the school offer a dual degree that could be useful to you?

You also need to find out what kind of grades you need to have and if you need to take some sort of standardized test like the GRE, LSAT, or MCAT. Also, look up how many recommendations you’ll need and if you need to submit a resume or personal statement. Lastly, check your deadlines! Deadlines vary from school to school, so make sure you know who has a set deadline and who offers rolling admission. The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of getting a seat in the incoming class. When you’re done researching and you’ve made a decision, you can start getting your applications going.

Pick out the teachers you’d like to receive a recommendation from and ask them to write you one before you hand them the form. Then, go to the Registrar and find out how to send your transcripts to the schools you’re applying to. Find out how expensive the application fee is and start saving up. Check to see if a school has a required topic for your personal statement. If yes, start outlining and start writing. Always make sure that you present yourself in the best way. And always have a teacher, or five, read over your work! You’re a college graduate (well, almost) and your personal statement needs to be perfect.

Also, make sure that you know if you have to attend an interview or not. For example, law schools do not have interviews as part of the admissions process, but you can set one up if you’d like to. In contrast, medical schools require you to set up an interview as part of your admissions process.

Lastly, update your resume! Put anything on it that could possibly be relevant. If you’re not sure how to set it up or you don’t know if it looks good, bring it to a professor or utilize any campus resources that you can. Check your email for rapid resume review workshops and bring your resume to them. Do everything you can to make yourself stand out when an admissions committee reviews your application.

After you’ve double and triple checked your application, pay your fees and send it on its way! Now you have to wait for the decision. There’s nothing left to fill out. Try to keep in contact with the admissions offices and make sure they have everything they need. Plus, the more you call and check, the better chance that the admissions counselors will know your name and know you’re interested. I’m not saying call every hour on the hour, but be appropriate. Check on your application every few weeks or so. You’ll be obviously interested without being annoying.

Once you receive your acceptance letters, think it over and make a decision. Submit your deposit and give yourself a little pat on the back for making it through another round of higher education admissions processes. One final piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The campus community will support you. I wish you all luck in your future endeavors.