What is the best way to get into graduate school?

Graduate? Just kidding.

There are no real secrets to getting into grad school. The easiest way is to contact the grad schools and programs you are interested in and find out what they require. Simple as that.

Oh, you probably want to become friends with a couple of your professors, now, so they will write you recommendations.

Good Luck

Hi Isabel,

So glad you're on this journey! As an admissions officer in higher ed, I concur with the fantastic advice already given. Taking the GRE or GMAT around senior year is must!

Now what do you do while in undergraduate studies to make yourself a competitive candidate? Here are some things grad school admissions officers will look for in your application and some tips to be competitive:

#1 Academic performance. Not just the GMAT/GRE, but your grades and final GPA.

• Look to see if your college allows pass/fail grades. Required classes that may be a challenge for you could possibly be taken for a pass/fail grade. If you pass, it doesn't affect your GPA. I wish I would have known about this. I would have taken the "P" in that science class I was required to take versus accepting the grade that pulled down my GPA. (my sister is the science genius, not me. I'm a math geek!)
• Don't be afraid to take a few classes based on hobby/interest, not just for your major. Have a little fun, and for the most part, you tend to get good grades in classes that speak to your passions.
• If you're struggling in a class, reach out for help right away! Schools will have study groups, professor office hours, tutoring services...etc. College showed me that what was deemed excellent in my high school system was mediocre at best in others. I had classmates who came from well-funded school districts with advantages I didn't know existed. I literally had to learn to study properly and understand that I was operating in a much more competitive playing field. Cultivate those study habits now, before you get to college.

#2 Communication.

• Oh those grad school essays! Required essays can range from brief summaries to multi-page topic discussions. If you don't feel confident in this area, take a college writing course. Writing a research paper is different from an essay for a grad school application. When you get to the point of applying, a great way to assess your writing is to have someone read your essay(s) without the knowing the question and see if they can figure out what the question is. If they can't figure out the question, you'll need to consider a rewrite.
• What if there is an interview? Speaking skills and the ability to convey ideas with clarity is key. This is where taking leadership roles in clubs/activities can help you hone this skill. Consider outside sources such as joining Toastmasters, a debate team, or some other activity where you have to speak in front of others. In my work, I've seen a mediocre paper application turn into an "admit" because the candidate "wow'd" us with their interview/speaking skills.

#3 Program specific competitive advantages

• Make sure you find out what the program looks for in competitive candidates. For instance, in Business (MBA), we look for work experience post undergrad. Candidates applying straight from undergrad are at a major disadvantage and rarely (if ever) get admitted. A solid portfolio of work is needed for grad school in writing, architecture, theater...etc. In a nutshell, know what your intended grad program needs outside of just a written application. Getting there could entail missing out on some activities/programs while in school to focus on what you need for grad school (like study abroad, semester at sea...), but you'll know when you reach that point. Take advantage of your school's counselor(s) when you hit those decision points. They can help.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey!

Kellee

What a wonderful question! There is a lot that goes in to making that decision. Remember to explore your needs and wants and narrow your focus on what type of degree you may want. Below I’ve outline some steps that you might find helpful.