Preparing for Graduate School

Your future is bright and vast, but your time and resources are valuable. Try answering some of the questions below to help you decide if you’re ready for graduate school. After reading, if you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out to any of our school and college graduate admission offices. They want to hear about you and they look forward to helping you succeed.

Am I ready for graduate or professional study?

  • Do you have a clear focus? In other words, are you thinking about graduate school because you want to advance your professional skills, test the waters for future academic study, need to fulfill a professional credential (i.e. licensure, etc.), or have a love of learning in a particular?

  • What are your existing personal and professional priorities? Can you relocate? Are you supporting a spouse and/or children? Will you be leaving your job? Do you need to study part-time or online? Can you devote your time (anywhere between one and eight years) to dedicated graduate study?

    • Pro tip: You can do it, but you’ll need a cheering squad and/or support team. Whether you decide to take a class at a time, study full-time, study online, or a combination of the three, you’ll need to find the right balance for you.

  • Have you done your research (much like you’re doing right now)? Know the difference between what individual institutions offer, even in the same or similar fields. Make use of professional and academic networking, as well as your undergraduate career center. Be proactive and contact admission offices and faculty members directly to discuss your interests. Ask to speak with current students and research where alumni now are.

  • Who are you as a candidate? Use a sample application as a guide for two reasons: first, review the questions to get an idea of what the program is looking from applicants – do you meet their needs and expectations? Second, reviewing an application is a good guide or checklist to determine whether you have done what you need to do to qualify, or be competitive, for this kind of program. Do you have the skills and prerequisites necessary for your program of interest?

Ready, set, go. What BU programs pique your interest?

What are my options for graduate and professional study?

  • Once you’ve determined your preferred area of study, start researching how and when these programs are offered. Many master’s and professional degree programs allow students to take classes during the evenings, on weekends, and online. Most PhD and doctoral programs are offered in a full-time only format.

    • Pro tip: Looking for flexibility but unsure of studying online? Take an inside peek into an online course at BU, brought to you by the Office of Distance Education.

  • You may also want consider certificate programs which can give you a leg up in the workplace or allow you to test the waters to see if further graduate study in a particular field is appropriate for you.

How do I prepare my application?

  • If you’re ready to apply to BU, head on over to our program finder or list of schools and colleges. Applicants apply directly to one of our 17 schools and colleges.

  • Thoroughly research each institution to which you wish to apply. Individual academic departments can also be very valuable in your research. Each university will have different requirements for admission.

  • Carefully craft a statement of purpose/personal essay. This is often a “make-or-break” piece of the admission file. Spend a good deal of time brainstorming and writing answers to the specified questions for each school. If a length is not specified, stick to two to three pages, double-spaced.

    • Pro tip: Don’t tell us your entire life story. Admission committees are seeking candidates that stick out from the crowd. Focus on what makes you unique and what you’ll bring to our program.

  • Thoughtfully seek out your referees/recommenders. Only ask those people that you know will write a very positive recommendation. Be sure to check with each program  to see what types of referees they may require.

    • Pro tip: Most PhD and research-based programs will want to see recommendations from former professors or research advisers, while many professional degree programs will want to see a mix of professional and academic recommendations.

  • Study for and take any necessary standardized tests. Plan to take these exams in advance. Take the exam more than once; most programs will look at the highest score within each section.

    • Pro tip: Not all programs require a standardized test, and those that do often use the scores as part of a holistic admission process. In other words, if you aren’t the greatest test-taker or you get test anxiety, be sure to highlight your other strengths throughout the application.

  • Update your resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Most programs require you to submit a clean and polished resume.

  • Be sure to collect/order official transcripts of all college/university work. This often includes study abroad, community college, summer courses, and institutions from which you took one or two classes.

  • Attach additional explanations of anything out of the ordinary or unique. Explain extenuating circumstances; describe reasons for a weak semester of college; clarify any wide gaps in educational history or employment.

    • Pro tip: Do this! Admission committees will notice these circumstances and gaps, so it’s best to head them off directly.