By now you should have chosen what graduate degree you are interested in pursuing and you are now beginning to research programs and schools that interest you. Keep in mind that some graduate programs do not require that you have the same undergraduate degree as the graduate program you are applying to. For example, you can be an English major and apply to medical school. Some colleges, however, may require you take a few prerequisite courses.

Remember, your most important resources when applying to graduate school are the faculty here at Tennessee. They will know what universities are the best for the graduate program you are interested in as well as people in the field that you may want to work with and contact. Make sure you talk to the professors at UT for guidance through the process of applying to graduate school.

The internet is also a valuable resource for researching graduate programs. Here are some websites that can help you access more information about graduate school:

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/beyond/bchome.htm
http://www.gradview.com
http://www.graduateguide.com
http://www.nagps.org/
http://www.nces.ed.gov

Graduate School: "What to look for in selecting one"

When deciding what graduate schools to apply to there are many factors you need consider:

Program

• Does the school offer the courses you want?
• Do your interests match that of the faculty in the program to which you are applying?
• Will this program enable you to get the job you want when you are finished?
• What type of degree will you receive and what does that mean?

• What are the professors like who will be working with you?
• What is the faculty's status in the field?
• What type of connections do the faculty members have that can help you upon graduation?
• What are the students in the graduate program like?
• Can you see yourself spending the next few years of your life with the students and professors in this program?

• Do you want to live in-state or out-of-state?
• Do you want to be in a big city? Near an ocean? Near the mountains?
• Do you want a small school or a big school?
• Do you want to live near home?
• Will you be so busy with your classes that you can only go home for holidays?
• Does it matter if you have friends living near-by?

• Is the weather important to you?
• Can you handle the cold weather if you attend school up north?
• Would you rather live in a cold climate? Warm climate?

• Some programs can cost $5,000 -$10,000 a year, while others, like medical school can cost up to $36,000 a year.
• If you attend an out-of-state school, the prices per credit are considerably higher.

Applying to Graduate School

Applications

• Contact the program you are interested in for more information and for an application.
• Make sure you know when the deadline is. Every school is different so keep your eyes open.
• Give yourself plenty of time to complete the applications, they take a lot longer than you think. If they are due in January start the process in November.

• Ask your references early to write your letters of recommendation so that they have plenty of time to complete them. Keep reminding them when they are due.
• Letters can be from your professors, advisors, employers or coaches. Professors are usually weighted most heavily, so make sure the majority of your recommendations are from them. If you need 2 letters of recommendation you can make them both from professors and add an extra one from your coach.
• Make sure whoever writes the letter keeps it on file in case you need another letter after you graduate. If possible, you should try to get a copy for yourself as well.

• Most schools require you to write an essay about why you want to attend graduate school and how it will help you in your future.
• This will require time! Application deadlines vary from school to school so be conscious of each deadline so that you are not trying to write an essay the night before the valid postmarked date.
• Have many people read your essay, the more people you have read it the better your essay will be.
• Do your research on the program you are applying to and know the interests of the faculty. Tailor your essay to each school you are applying to, acceptance is often based on faculty's willingness to serve as your advisor so demonstrating that your interests match theirs is key.
• Highlight what you will bring to this program (research experience, internships, interests) as well as what you hope to get from the program and what first attracted you to the program.
• Make yourself standout from other applicants, and demonstrate what makes you unique and a good edition to the program.

• Schools will require you to send in a copy of your transcripts, allow time for the transcripts to be sent.
• To request a transcript in person go to the Office of Records & Certification, 209 Student Services Building and bring a student ID with you. This is free!
• To request a transcript by phone call 1 (800) 613-2594 or to request by internet go to http://www.campusdirect.com. When requesting by phone or email you need to know your social security number and personal security number (PIN). This method will cost you, so you also need a credit card to pay.
• For more information on requesting transcripts see http://web.utk.edu/~registra/transcript.html
• Request at least one copy for yourself

• Many programs offer graduate assistantships in which you provide assistance to your department and professors. Jobs include proctoring and grading exams, teaching classes or assisting with research. Contact the graduate program you are applying to for more information.
• Athletic departments have numerous available assistantships as well. This may include working as an assistant coach, working with the CHAMPS/Life Skills program or working in media relations or marketing. Contact the athletic departments at the schools to which you are applying for more information.
• Do not limit your search for assistantships to the department you are applying to. The university admissions, student life, rec sports and many other departments around campus have openings for grad assistants, so apply for assistantships in areas you would like to work.
• Typically, an assistantship requires you to work 20 hours a week. In exchange for your time and work, the better assistantships will give you a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend because you usually will not have enough free time to hold another job.

Many schools and outside sources offer scholarships and financial aid for graduate school. The NCAA also has scholarships available for student-athletes pursuing and advanced degree as well. Here are a few websites to help start your search fir graduate school funding:

http://www.gradview.com/finaid/index.html
http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html
http://finaid.org
http://www.fastweb.com

Tackling the Admissions Test

At the end of your Junior year look into taking the required admissions tests. Depending on the dates the tests are offered and when you will apply depends on when to take the test. You will usually need to take them by the beginning of your senior year, but don't wait until the last minute because you may need to re-take them to get the score required for admittance into the graduate program (usually at least 1000 combined on math and verbal for the GRE).

GRE

Most schools and programs require you to take the GRE, which is very similar to the SAT from high school. It includes three sections: verbal, mathematical, and analytical. The registration fee for the GRE is $105. For more information: For more information: http://www.gre.org

MCAT

Medical schools require you to take the MCAT. It is 8 hours long and has 4 sections: verbal reasoning, physical sciences, writing sample, andbiological sciences. The registration fee for the MCAT is $175. For more information: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm

LSAT

Law school requires you to take the LSAT. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier-in June or October-is often advised. The registration fee for the LSAT is $96. The test lasts approximately five hours. For more information: www.lsat.org

DAT

Dental school requires the DAT. The registration fee for the DAT is $160. For more information: http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat.asp

GMAT

Business school requires the GMAT. The registration fee for the GMAT is $200. For more information: http://www.gmac.com/GMAT/

Testing

• Most tests are offered year round on the computer. The good thing about testing on the computer is that you get your scores right after completion of the test. However, once you answer a question, you cannot go back.
• The MCAT, LSAT and GRE are offered on certain dates throughout the year in a written format. Look at your skills and testing ability. Some people do better in a situation where they have a paper in front of them while for others it does not matter.

Preparation Courses

• Kaplan and Princeton review offer classes for the graduate tests. You can also take a practice exam to see how you would do on the test and then decide if you would like to register. Make sure you register early as classes can fill up quickly.

  Knoxville Kaplan Center Cherokee Place 100 Concord Street Knoxville, TN 37919 1-800-KAP-TEST http://www.kaplan.com/

  The Princeton Review 1802 Washington Ave. Knoxville, TN 1-800-2-Review http://www.review.com

  
  
• Prices for classes can be costly (starting at $999), so you can also take a free online course Prices for classes can be costly (starting at $999), so you can also take a free online course http://www.princetonreview.com/selectFreeOnlineTest.asp
• There are also books you can purchase that teach you how to take graduate school exams, and many come with a CD so you can practice taking the test. It is highly recommended that you do get one of these books because they are extremely helpful and provide hints and advice for taking the admissions tests.

Graduate School Preparation Timeline

12-18 months before your anticipated term of enrollment...

• Research various types of programs.
• Consult your academic advisor about your plans to attend graduate school.
• Contact each program of interest for an admission application.
• Register to take the appropriate graduate school admission test.
• Draft and/or finalize your resume.

9-12 months before your anticipated term of enrollment . . .

• Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit completed applications well in advance to all appropriate locations.
• Draft and polish your personal statement.
• Contact each graduate program for its policy on personal interviews. Personal interviews can be to your advantage, so if you think it will help you to gain admittance to the program try to schedule a visit.
• Depending on what is required by the school to which you are applying, contact the Office of the Registrar to have the required number of official copies of your transcript sent to each graduate program's admissions office.
• Most graduate programs require each applicant to furnish letters of recommendation so ask your professors and coaches in advance to write you a recommendation.
• Continue to research each program of interest and develop a prioritized list to assist you with your decision once each school has notified you.

6 months before your anticipated term of enrollment . . .

• This often is the waiting period.
• For each institution that has admitted you to their graduate program, pay close attention to when the deadline is to confirm or decline enrollment in their program.
• If you have particular difficulty making a final decision about which school to attend, consider visiting the schools you are still considering and make a pro/con list of what is important to you. It also helps to talk to students currently in each graduate program to find out what they like and dislike about the program.
• Once you have made your decision it is time to start searching for a place to live. If you would be interested in living with someone contact the graduate program in which you will be enrolling because they often keep a list of students looking for roommates. Also, email students currently in the program for advice on where to live and for help finding an apartment.

Law school
http://www.ilrg.com/rankings
http://www.lsac.org
http://www.review.com/law
http://www.hg.org/students.html
Medicine
http://www.interviewfeedback.com
http://www.aamc.org
http://www.bestpremed.com
http://www.medicalgold.com
http://www.studentdoctor.net/guide/index.html
Business School
http://www.gmac.com
http://www.mbaexchange.com
http://www.petersons.com/mba/
http://www.mbajungle.com/index.cfm
http://www.mbainfo.com
http://www.review.com/law
http://www.hg.org/students.html Graduate School
http://www.embark.com/grad
http://www.petersons.com
Dental School
http://www.howstuffworks.com/dental-school.htm