Prepare for Graduate School
Should you go to graduate school? Should you go on directly after graduation from Cal State East Bay or wait a few years? There are no hard and fast rules to deciding about graduate school, but it is very important to…
- Be clear about your reasons for going to graduate school
- Understand your personal and career goals related to advanced study
- Have an accurate picture of the realities of the job market in your chosen field
Let’s Get Started
Whether you’re a Pioneer student who has only just begun to think about the possibilities of graduate school, or you’ve already identified where you want to go but need assistance preparing your application, our advisors are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Application Basics
Review and keep careful track of all application requirements and deadlines (these will vary from school to school). Be sure to complete all required applications. Some universities ask for an application to the graduate school office as well as another application to the specific graduate program.
Apply Early
Many schools operate on rolling admissions, which means that they continually evaluate applicants and admit them. So, if you apply after this process has begun, the number of openings available to you will be fewer. Compile your documents and submit the complete package in a timely way, well ahead of the deadline. Be aware that some schools will not begin to review your application until all your materials are in, including your application, one or more essays, or a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, if required, all academic transcripts, and perhaps a résumé or CV. Make sure to track your application materials carefully.
Personal Statements
Your personal statement or statement of purpose is the heart of most graduate program applications. It describes your intellectual interests and career goals. It highlights your academic background and work experience. It explains your interests in the program and details possible research topics. Your essay also gives a sense of who you are and your potential as a student and as a professional in the field.
Transcripts
Graduate and professional school applications require official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Contact each school’s registrar early; allow at least four weeks for your request(s) to be processed and sent out. A nominal fee is usually charged for transcript requests. Fees can sometimes be waived depending on financial situations and specific programs.
Funding Resources
How to fund graduate school is a key component of the selection and application process. Depending on the program, you will find a variety of funding options available.
