Graduating in May? Do these NOW if planning to attend graduate school

Last week, I met with my Hokie daughter, Maggie, who is a senior. She was really stressed out preparing for her applications to graduate schools. As we talked about the things she still needs to do, I reminded her of the many tasks she has already checked off her to do list. Have you done these 10 things yet if you're planning to start at graduate or professional school next year?

Research programs. It's a good idea to apply to 4 - 5 programs--one that's your dream program, one that is a sure thing and then a few in between. How can you know what programs to research? See the next item below, but also check the links here. We have a small supply of free graduate school guides that you can pick up in Smith Career Center any time we are open, 8 - 5pm.

Talk to faculty. Your instructors and advisors are knowledgeable resources to answer all kinds of questions as you apply to graduate or professional programs. They are experts on their subject, so they can recommend programs that you should consider and also provide advice for the whole process. Last week, Maggie visited a professor she knows fairly well to discuss her potential list of schools. That visit made her consider the next point.

Develop a parallel plan. What's a parallel plan? An option for after graduation that is just as attractive to you as going to law school or graduate school. You need to have this kind of plan. Make sure you avoid putting all your hopes on going in one direction, because you can never be sure that path will work out. If you need help devising a parallel plan, come see us in Career Services.

Take the admission tests NOW. Unlike Maggie, I waited to take my graduate admission tests several years after I graduated with my BA, and did not perform that well. The best time for you to take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other entrance test is before you graduate, while subject material is fresh in your mind. Do you need to find out more about one of the tests? Visit here. Career Services teams up with Kaplan and Princeton Review to put on a number of programs to help you prepare. You can do a test drive of a number of these tests in October.

Determine and inform references. Who will you use as references when you apply to programs? At least three references are a good number to have. You want to ask faculty members, supervisors, advisors, coaches or others who can attest to your academic performance or your work performance. As you ask contacts to serve as references, share your resume, personal statement and the list of schools where you will be applying with each reference. And, after you complete the application process, thank each of your references.

Visit programs where you are accepted before saying YES. I first heard this advice from a faculty member in biochemistry as he advised students about applying to graduate programs. A faculty member or program may look really good as you read about them online. Once you visit, you may realize you don't like the location or you don't feel you fit well with a faculty member or research program.

Prepare for interviews. Some graduate programs make interviews a part of the admissions process. If you haven't done much interviewing, there are several ways you can practice through Career Services. We offer access to an online practice site called Interview Stream, where you can do a practice interview in front of your laptop. You can save the video of your interview and set up an appointment with a Career Advisor to critique your interview. Or, if you prefer to practice in person, you can sign up for a Mock Interview by calling 540-231-6241. You will be asked to supply a copy of your resume and information about the program for which you are interviewing. The only way to improve your interview skills is to practice, so take advantage of these opportunities.

Write your personal statement or other essays. Some programs provide prompts for you to address - other professional or graduate schools just request a personal statement as part of the admissions process. Staff at The Writing Center and Career Services Advisors are available to review your essays. To make an appointment with a Career Advisor, call 540-231-6241.

Create a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. As you get faculty input and do your own research on various programs, make a spreadsheet to help you keep track of where you are with each program to which you apply. It's smart to have a list of all your deadlines all in one place.

Celebrate your success! For you to be a competitive applicant to graduate or professional schools, you have to have performed well as a Hokie. Congratulations on getting to this final phase of your undergraduate career! Let us help you get to the next level, whatever that looks like. We're here to help. Best wishes as you pursue an advanced degree. Check out this infographic for more information on applying to graduate school. And, go, Maggie!