Center for Career Development
Students & Alumni -- Graduate School Search
Although most students seek employment after graduation, some undergraduates consider graduate school as a post-graduation option. Often, alumni explore graduate programs to refine and increase their skills, to advance in a current position, or possibly to change careers.
Figuring out which graduate school is right for you can be exciting, but also a bit stressful. You have many options to consider. You may be confused about how to get started. The approach you take to explore graduate schools can be similar to completing a written assignment or research project for one of your courses.
The Admissions Process: 10 Easy Steps
- Research graduate schools. Gather information by searching the web or reading a graduate school guidebook, i.e. Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools (copies are available in the Student Resource Area).
- Contact schools to request literature, catalogues, and application materials.
- Attend an Open House/Information Session, or schedule an interview with graduate school representatives.
- Select the schools to which you will apply.
- Complete and submit all application materials (i.e. application, essay, official transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, copies of your GRE scores) by the deadline date. If submission of standardized test scores is required, register and take the appropriate test -GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or Miller Analogy Test (MAT), etc.
- If you are applying for financial aid, then you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any additional financial aid forms requested by the school by the deadline dates.
- After you receive your acceptance letters, evaluate each program -it's strengths and weaknesses.
- Decide which school you will attend and send the appropriate enrollment form and deposit.
- Contact the school to find out about additional resources and/or student services, i.e. Orientation.
- Celebrate your achievement!
Web Resources
For a comprehensive on-line source of graduate school information, visit www.gradschools.com
For a calendar of graduate school fairs around the country, visit www.gradschoolfairs.com
For information about the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), including test registration and dates, visit www.gre.org
Many graduate schools accept the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) instead of the GRE. Check with the schools to which you are applying and then read more about the MAT at: www.milleranalogytest.com
For information about the the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), visit www.lsat.org
For test preparation courses, visit www.princetonreview.com or www.kaplan.com or www.olincenter.com
For information about federal student financial aid, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov
Reminder: Registration materials for the GRE are available in the Center for Career Development.
Graduate School at Wheelock
Have you considered attending graduate school at Wheelock? Wheelock's graduate programs focus on children, families, and communities. They are offered through four departments:
- Arts & Sciences
- Child & Family Studies
- Education
- Social Work
In every Wheelock graduate program, students explore the fundamental theory, research, and practice of professions serving young children and their families. For more information, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (617) 879 - 2206 or graduate@wheelock.edu. Or go to the Graduate Admissions Website.
Financial Aid
For many students, graduate school is a significant financial investment. Depending on the graduate school you choose, various types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and assistantships are available to help you finance your education. Often, students have questions about the financial aid process and eligibility requirements. Be sure to contact the financial aid office at each school you apply to ask your questions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are many sources of scholarship money to help you pay for college and graduate school. Below are some web sites to help you with your search.
www.upromise.com
www.freegovmoney.net
www.chelafinancial.com
www.staffordloan.com
www.snagajob.com
www.search4careercolleges.com
www.fastweb.com
www.iefa.org
www.careerexplorer.net
www.supercollege.com
www.free-government-grant.com
www.collegescholarships.com
Contact Center for Career Development
Mailing Address:
Center for Career Development
Wheelock College
200 the Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
