While graduate school, may not be for everybody, some of us will be ready to take that next step in our education soon after undergrad. Here are a few things you need to do before and during the time you start applying to graduate school.
1. Do your research.
Picking a grad school is a very important process. Unlike choosing where you would go for undergrad, choosing the perfect graduate school requires you to look at more than just the school’s “night life.” Hopefully, your priorities have evolved enough over the past four years that this wouldn't even be a factor. There are a number of important things to take into consideration when looking for the right grad school. The most important factor is finding the right school for your field. You should make a list of at least five of your top grad schools for your major. Other factors you have to take into consideration may include the cost, program requirements, the school’s reputation and ranking, among other things. Make sure that you begin researching grad schools well before you approach graduation, because it can be a lengthy process.
2. Take the GRE.
Before you even think to apply to whatever grad school you have in mind, you first need to consider whether you will need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or something similar. Make sure that you have enough time to study and take the test well ahead of your deadline so that you’ll have a chance to retake it if your test scores aren’t up to par. If you are applying for medical or law school, chances are you will not need to take the GRE, but there are other tests specifically for med and law students to take.
3. Beef up your network.
When it comes to your career, the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is true in the fact that it’s just as important to know people as it is to know other things. Although, having the perfect resume and credentials can be great tools to have, networking is certainly a key component in helping you get where you want to be. The next time you’re at an important event or job fair at your school, you should definitely try to make some connections. You should also try to get to know the faculty at the graduate school you plan to attend. You never know who might be able to offer you some valuable career advice or help you land a job. It’s always nice to have people around you who have experience where you don’t. Plus, it’s just good to have friends in high places that wouldn’t mind writing you a letter of recommendation.
Above all else, just make sure you are mentally prepared to take this next step in your academic career. Grad school will take a lot of dedication and hard work, but it could be well worth it in the end. Research your options, get your tests and other documents in order, and build your network. These are just a few steps to get you started. Once you have prepared yourself mentally and physically for this transition, all that’s left to do is stay motivated and get your degree!
Arizona Summit Receives WRBLSA Award Arizona Summit was recently awarded the 2016 Black Student Law Association Chapter Award at the
Western Region Black Law Students Association (WRBLSA)'s 48th annual convention held during the
first week of January in San Diego.
Charlotte School of Law AAMPLE®
If a lower LSAT score is hurting your chances of getting into law school, Charlotte School of
Law (CSL) offers the Alternative Admissions Model Program for Legal Education (AAMPLE), a
seven-week online class that helps prospective students prove they are able to handle a
demanding law school curriculum.
Florida Coastal Law's Practitioner Clinics Florida Coastal Law's Practitioner Clinic is an innovative course offering students a chance
to work closely on pro bono cases with a practicing lawyer. Students are often invited to
work on these cases in the practitioner's office off campus, and the Clinics are offered as
two credits with an evening classroom component.
Center for Professional Development Arizona Summit's Center for Professional Development (CPD) is a full-service career counseling
and resource center that supports and assists students in all stages of the career planning
process, while helping employers fill their semester, summer, and permanent hiring needs.
Charlotte Law Compliance Certificate Program
Students with or without a legal background can pursue a career in the rapidly growing
field of compliance and ethics. Charlotte Law is one of the few law schools in the U.S.
offering a Corporate Compliance Certificate Programentirely online. It's an 18-week
platform that prepares students for the Compliance Certification Board exam.
Florida Coastal Law Offers LLM & Certificate in Logistics & Transportation Florida Coastal Law is the first law school in the U.S. to offer an onlineLL.M. Degree or
Certificate in Logistics & Transportation. Students in the 24-credit LL.M. or 12-credit
Certificate program gain expertise in global logistics and transportation law through
cutting-edge courses taught by attorneys and industry professionals online.
