22 Davenport University Career Services Guide Bad Reasons to go to Graduate School • I am not ready to work yet; I want to stay in college longer • I am not sure what I want to do; maybe a Master’s will help me decide • I do not have a job in my field yet • I expect to make more than entry- level pay if I have a Master’s degree with no experience Good Reasons to go to Graduate School • I know exactly what my career path requires, and at this point, I will need to obtain a higher degree to be successful • I am working right now and my company will pay for me to obtain a Master’s so I am more qualified for a promotion STARTTOCONSIDERYOURPATHEARLY PLANNINGFOR GRADUATESCHOOL More than a Year Before • Research programs • Take tests required for admission: GRE, LSAT, MCAT • Identify people to write Letters of Recommendation • Understand how you will pay for grad school • Ask Career Services to aid in resources/decision-making materials Before Deadlines (varies) • Perfect your Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose and Résumé (Ask Career Services for help) • Complete your applications (following instructions perfectly) • Obtain Letters of Recommendation four (4) weeks prior to deadline • Request transcripts • Apply for scholarships/funding (varies from school to school) The Day/Week After Deadline (varies) • Complete the FAFSA (Free Student Application For Federal Student Aid) • Send Thank You notes to letters of recommendation writers and any other people involved in your process