Preparing for graduate school can be confusing as an undergraduate student when there are so many options and factors to consider. Listed below are some key points from four UConn Alums:  

Hannah Halloran LMSW attended UConn’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program with a Concentration in Social Work Policy Practice with hopes of bringing this expertise into higher-ed. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Sciences at UConn and completed an assistantship during her master’s program.  

Jillian Ives PhD was enrolled in the Learning Leadership and Educational Policy Program at UConn’s Neag School of Education. As an aspiring university faculty member, Jillian focused on studying effective ways to teach and learn in college classrooms. Before attending UConn, Jillian was enrolled at Ithaca College and took a gap year before applying for an M.A Program at UConn and later applying for a PhD Program.  

Kelly Mahally PhD studied Cognitive and Neuroscientific approaches to literature in the Department of English in a M.A./PhD Program and came straight out of undergrad to begin her graduate program at UConn.  

Katie Webber PhD completed her undergrad at a New York state school before completing a master’s degree in College Student Development and Counseling at Northeastern University. She then worked in higher education for 6 years before shifting career paths and enrolling in a PhD Program with the Communications Department. 

Why would I go to graduate school? 
There are many reasons for a student to decide to pursue graduate school. For Kelly, her choice to pursue graduate school was informed by her desire to complete interdisciplinary research and to become a professor, which requires aPhD. For Jillian, her ideal career requires a master’s degree. All four alums shared the same sentiment that students should apply for graduate school if it is necessary to accomplish their specific goals.  

What are the qualities I should look for in a program? 
When searching for different graduate schools to apply to, there are many factors a student can consider during the application process including: location, funding, faculty, and concentrations. 

Concentration 
When looking for different programs, one way to choose a program aligned with your career goals is to review the faculty and content within the program. Hannah, a student of the MSW Program, mentioned the importance of having your specific concentration. Since Hannah’s concentration of Social Work Policy is not common across MSW Programs, finding programs that fulfilled her career goals was especially important.   

Kelly noted that due to her niche research interests, it was imperative to review the faculty within a program and their research concentrations. Students can do this by navigating the faculty website for the university they are applying to. The website will often include faculty members’ research focuses, CVs, and contact information. 

Funding 
Hannah mentioned that her main priority when searching for graduate programs was funding opportunities, which can include graduate assistantships, fellowships, or other scholarships. Graduate assistantships are funded part-time roles that relate to their content areas. Students can receive a tuition waiver and/or stipend, depending on the University and number of hours worked.  

Although Hannah’s GA-ship waived her tuition and provided a stipend, Katie’s GA-ship only provided a stipend and did not negate her tuition. To learn more information about assistantships within your prospective program, look under funding, financial aid, assistantships, or resources. Fellowships provide financial support to graduate students without an additional service requirement.  

Faculty: If you are interested in pursuing a PhD or research-based master’s program, review the directory and assess the department heads, professors, and faculty members you intend to work with. When evaluating the faculty you plan to work with, consider:  Do they study your area of interest?  

If you are interested in releasing publications, does your professor continue to publish research regularly?  
E-mail professors about their publications on their CV in your area of interest, and related experience you have, to assess your compatibility and learn more about the program. Fit matters!  

Additionally ask them if they are accepting new students. If your professor of interest is entering sabbatical, do not spend time applying there. 

Should I take a Gap Year?   
Whether or not you take a gap year is completely your decision! There are Pros and Cons depending on your circumstances.  
As Jillian mentioned, gap years can be beneficial for students applying to graduate schools because gaining relevant experience can help affirm whether you are interested in further pursuing your field of interest. Additionally, taking a gap year can help stop burnout.  

Katie mentioned that by not taking a gap year, she missed out on time to visit institutions, research funding opportunities, and take other steps for her education. 

Through obtaining relevant volunteer, research, or work experience, gap years can be beneficial towards becoming a standout, skilled candidate. However, if you would prefer not to take the extra time to apply and prefer the immediacy of applying during your undergraduate education, this is also a strong decision.  

How to Organize the Application Process.  
Applying to graduate school is not free, and it is important to consider your own personal finances when undergoing the application process. All attendees expressed the importance of preparation and organization when planning the application process.  

When considering different programs, and starting the application process, Hannah mentioned it can be helpful to keep a spreadsheet including:  

• The Name of the University  
• Deadlines of Applying 
• Location
• Log-In Information for Each Application Portal
• The Price of the Application
• Required Tests (The Price of Taking the Tests and Price of Study Materials)
• The Application Materials Needed
• If They Offer Fee Waivers
• Letters of Recommendation
• Prices of Travel
• Price of Sending Your Transcript
  
  When looking at the spreadsheet, assess which schools are most aligned with your goals, and whether the compiled costs required for applying are within your budget.  

Consider Before Applying to Grad School: 

Letters of Recommendation: Be sure to establish positive relationships with professors or professionals that you have a relationship with to write a letter of recommendation for you. If you intend to take a gap semester, try to keep in contact with these individuals. Jillian mentioned the importance of keeping in touch. 

Get Involved: All alum in the panel mentioned involvements that relate to your program. Research, clubs, and internships help provide skills and competencies that make you stand out as a potential candidate. Katie and Hannah emphasized that establishing good relationships with your professors can help provide opportunities in the future. Hannah mentioned even if the opportunities you apply to do not contain the word “internship, they can bolster your resume and enrich your application if they pertain to your interests.  

Go to the Career Center: If you need help with completing your application materials, or organizing a plan for graduate school applications, book an appointment with a Career Coach. 

Don’t Be Discouraged 
Applying to graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint. Rejections are far more common than when applying undergrad, and it is common for students to apply multiple rounds. Many panel members could attest to this. Despite some attendees being rejected from graduate school after applying during undergrad or after completing a master program, all the attendees were able to find their program of interest and excel! Comparison is the thief of joy, and progress is not linear.