Academic
- Type of program/degree (PhD, Master’s, professional degree, etc.)
- Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
- Admission requirements
- Academic prerequisites
- Entrance exams
- Curriculum, course load, and concentrations
- Faculty and staff support
Graduate or Professional School Planning
If you intend to further your education after Miami University, it’s important to identify graduate or professional schools that support your goals before you apply for admission.
Why Grad School?
After completing your undergraduate studies, you may want to pursue a higher degree of education. Graduate or professional school maybe the right choice for you if:
- You aspire to become a doctor, lawyer, or professor.
- Your goal profession requires additional training to enter it.
- Job postings in your targeted field frequently reference a graduate credential as either a plus or a requirement.
- You have a passion for a particular subject and wish to gain additional expertise.
Which Grad School is Right for Me?
Before applying to graduate or professional school, do your homework. Here are some key things you should consider and discuss with your support network.
Job Prospects
- Reputation of the program in your career field
- Job-placement rate
- Networking opportunities
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Timing
- In your field, is it better to gain experience or go to grad school first?
Other
- Location
- In-Person or Online
- Cost
- Available funding (your own and from the program)
- Available teaching (TA) or graduate assistant (GA) positions
Pre-Law or Pre-Med?
If your goal is to go into healthcare or law, we recommend you visit these centers.
Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education
Helps students plan for their future in healthcare. Offers Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Studies Co-Majors access to advising, job shadows, scholarships, and more.
Sue J. Henry Center for Pre-Law Education
Equips students with the tools they need to succeed in the application process for law school. Also provides counseling and networking opportunities with professionals.
Grad School Planning Resources
GradSense
Use this financial planning tool to budget, evaluate offers, and understand financial aid requirements.
Gradschools.com
Explore domestic and international opportunities and discover post-grad school careers.
Graduate Guide
Search for programs in North America and review guides on the application process.
Grad School Application Timeline
Below is a suggested timetable you may find helpful when planning to apply for graduate or professional schools. Application deadlines for individual programs can always be found on their websites.
- Begin researching potential schools
- Collect and organize application and program information (in folders, spreadsheet, etc.)
- If appropriate, take a practice test (GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.)
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and Career Center staff for advice
- Contact graduate programs directly for more information
- Investigate assistantship, fellowship, or scholarship opportunities, including support for specific populations (ex/ veterans, under-represented populations, etc.) if applicable
- Determine if there are any special admissions requirements (ex/ portfolios, auditions, prior professional work experience, etc.)
- Register and prepare for graduate admissions tests, if required
- Take required graduate admissions tests (GRE, LSAT, GMAT, etc.)
- Visit institutions of interest, if possible, to connect with faculty and current graduate students
- Request letters of recommendation, as necessary
- Write application essay/personal statement, if required
- Work on completing application forms (deadlines vary: check with individual schools)
- Keep copies of everything you send or submit online
- Check with all institutions before the application deadlines to make sure your file is complete
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if required
- Prepare for campus interviews, if requested
- Once you’ve accepted an offer, notify other graduate programs of your choice
- Make arrangements for housing
- Plan to attend the appropriate fall orientation programs for new graduate students
Graduate School at Miami University
Miami Success Stories
Prepare to be inspired by Miami students and alumni. From here, you can go anywhere!
Center for Career Exploration and Success
45 Armstrong Center
550 E. Spring Street
Oxford, OH 45056
