Graduate School

Applying to Graduate School

Graduate school provides an opportunity to specialize in an academic discipline or a specific profession. Graduate degrees are available in almost any subject and come in three levels - Master, Specialist and Doctorate. The program length for each program varies depending on the graduate school program and degree level desired.

See a listing of Events and Info Sessions.

Commonly Asked Questions About Graduate School

CDC Graduate School Resources

Sample listing of books in the Career Resource Center:

What Should You Study?

Once you have made a decision to attend graduate school, the next step is to research programs that match your interests and fit your needs. Remember that your undergraduate major does not dictate which graduate programs you can pursue. Focus your interests by reading and talking to professionals. Ask professionals what educational background they have, where they studied, and what academic programs are suitable preparation for the field.

How Do I Research Programs?

  1. Catalog and Program Literature - The CDC has brochures and applications (that schools have sent us) in the Career Resource Center. Contact schools directly to request a catalog or view their on-line web resources
  2. Campus Visits - If possible, visit schools that are high on your list. Request an appointment with an advisor, speak with current students or sit in on a class.
  3. Graduate Fairs and Forums - These are opportunities to speak with admissions representatives. Each Fall the CDC sponsors a Graduate School Fair.
  4. Conversations with Current Graduate Students or Alumni - Contact the department about speaking with current students or alumni to ask about their experience with the program.
  5. WPI Faculty - Speak with faculty about your interests and priorities and ask for advice on programs that seem compatible with your interests and academic background.
  6. Pre-Law, Pre-Health AdvisorIf you plan to attend law or medical school, these advisors can assist you in identifying appropriate programs.
    WPI Pre-Law Advisor: Professor Kent Rissmiller
    WPI Pre-Health (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet) Advisor: Professor Jill Rulfs

How Do I Compare Programs?

After researching your options, the next step is to decide where to apply. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating programs:

  1. Reputation of Faculty: What is the student/faculty ratio? What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? Is the faculty diverse?
  2. Quality of the Program: Many students compare programs by looking at graduate school rankings; however you should realize that rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own. Faculty and professionals in your intended field may be the best resource in assessing what are considered to be the better programs.
  3. Curriculum: Does it have the depth and breadth you want? Does the primary emphasis suit your career goals? Do the courses look interesting? Are specializations offered that interest you? Are there cooperative programs with other educational, cultural and research institutions available?
  4. Program requirements: What type of requirements are needed for admittance such as GPA, test scores and undergraduate coursework?
  5. Facilities: How extensive are library, labs and computer facilities? Are there specialized research facilities?
  6. Financial Cost of Program: What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
  7. Geographic Location: Will studying in a particular location help you meet your personal and professional goals? What will housing cost and is there housing on campus?
  8. Internships or Practical/Clinical Experience: Does the program include any practical experiences in its requirements? Is there help in securing it?
  9. Student Life: What are the demographics of the student body (ethnic diversity, average entering age, male/female ratio)? How many are in the entering class? What is attrition rate?
  10. Employment: What types of positions have recent graduates obtained? How much are they earning? Are there services available to assist graduate students with the job search?

What kind of admissions tests are there?

Most graduate and professional schools require test scores for admission. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General and Subject tests are required by many academic programs (Masters and Doctoral degrees). MBA programs usually require the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Other tests are required in other fields such as the LSAT for law school, the MCAT for medical school, the DAT for dentistry school, the OAT for optometry school and the TOEFL English proficiency test for international students.

Where can I find information about graduate school admissions tests?

The CDC has registration booklets and study guides for most admission tests in the Career Resource Center. In addition, there is information on-line about each test.

How Can I Finance Graduate School?

Investigate all financial aid possibilities in and outside of the particular school or program. Remember to start early; pay attention to deadlines. Financial aid deadlines are not always the same as application deadlines. Most graduate students finance their education through fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants offered directly by the university, foundation, or other organizations. Financial aid can be obtained through the department of study (teaching or research assistantships), through the university, or from outside sources such as federal government loans, professional associations, community organizations or businesses. Some aid is need- based and some merit-based. The CDC Career Resource Center contains books and binders with announcements of scholarships, fellowships and other programs. In addition check out the WPI Fellowships & Scholarships website

What should be included in a personal statement/essay?

Many programs require some sort of written statement as part of the application. The terminology differs, but may include statement of purpose, personal statement, letter of intent, or personal narrative. Sometimes there will be specific questions to answer. In other cases candidates may write about a topic of their choice. Before you begin to write, make a list of points you would like to cover in the statement. Consider your educational and career goals, select items from your list that reflect experience, skills and interests that relate. Have a beginning, middle and end to your statement. Your first draft will not be your final copy. You will edit and rewrite several times. When preparing your final draft, proofread carefully. Be sure there are no spelling errors in spelling or grammar.

The CDC is available to critique and review personal statements. Please contact the CDC for an appointment with a counselor.

How important are letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are required for almost every graduate school application and are a very important part of the application process. Usually grades and test scores factor in most heavily; however, your letters of recommendation could be the deciding factor in the admission process. Strong letters of recommendation can strengthen your application and if there are deficiencies in your application, they can help to outweigh them.

Whom should I ask for letters of recommendation?

The best letter writers are those that know you well and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed at the graduate level. Faculty and/or supervisors of internships/jobs (preferably in related fields) are the most appropriate. It is recommended that at least two references be from faculty, preferably from related fields. A good time to approach a letter writer is early fall of your senior year if you plan to attend graduate school immediately. Be considerate and courteous of your letter writers' time and workload, and approach them at least two months in advance with your request. When asking someone to write a reference letter, it is in your best interest to meet with that individual in person or speak with them on the telephone. Discuss your plans, share a draft of your application and/or essay, and a list of topics you would like addressed in the letter. Letters of recommendation are written strictly on a voluntary basis; a faculty member or employer may decline to write them. The best approach is to ask potential letter writers if they are willing to write you a letter is support of your application to graduate school. If you sense reluctance or the answer is no, ask someone else. Keep the letter writer informed about your status and make sure you send them a thank you note.

Where have WPI students gone on for graduate school?

Sample of list:

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Last modified: October 10, 2007 15:55:07