Graduate School FAQs


	What if my GPA is low?
	Before you rule out applying to grad school because of your GPA, do some research to make sure your information about GPA requirements is accurate. Most graduate schools provide a profile of last year's entering class, including average GPA and GRE or other test scores. Also, check to see if your school of interest has an absolute cut-off GPA that is required for application. If you don't meet this absolute cut-off and have extenuating circumstances (illness, family crisis, poor performance in an unrelated major), check with an admissions officer to find out if exceptions are allowed. If you are eligible to apply but are below the average GPA accepted, most applications include a space where you can address other concerns. This provides a chance for you to mention any extenuating circumstances. Keep these explanations to a minimum. Also, on your application and personal statement, you can accentuate your strengths, such as work experience or leadership positions. Finally, consider applying to several different tiers of schools, including a few you know you can get into as well as those that are top choices but more competitive.
	What if my admissions test scores (GMAT, GRE, etc.) are low?
	Before you apply to schools, find out which schools automatically screen applicants based on test scores. Some do, while other schools will consider lower test scores and look at multiple admissions criteria (GPA, personal statement, recommendations). You can find this information by looking at a graduate school's web site or by contacting the office of graduate admissions. Also, find out how the school views test retakes. Some schools consider only the highest test score, while others average multiple scores. Typically, admissions test scores are consistent when taken multiple times unless there were extenuating circumstances the first time you took the test (e.g. illness).
	What if I can’t afford graduate school?
	Most students require some financial assistance in graduate school. This usually includes either working as a teaching or research assistant (many schools waive tuition and fees for TAs and RAs) or securing grants, loans, fellowships, or scholarships. Individual graduate schools can tell you what kinds of financial aid they offer. Also, check our links to financial assistance information.
	How can I find information about other programs apart from the “big name” schools?
	The links listed in How to Research Grad Programs include all U.S. graduate schools and some international schools. We also have directories of graduate schools in our library, A115 Jester.
	What if I want to study in a different area than my undergraduate major?
	It depends on the type of graduate program you wish to attend. Some fields are broad and do not require any particular undergraduate major (ex. law or MBA school). Others require only a few courses in the graduate field of study (ex. psychology graduate programs often require statistics and experimental psychology courses). Some programs require a core set of prerequisites (ex. medical or physical therapy school). Some very technical programs may require a degree in the field or substantial coursework (ex. engineering) . In many cases, you can be admitted even if you haven't taken the prerequisites; you will complete them the first few semesters of graduate school. Sometimes, you will need to go back to school as an undergraduate to take your prerequisites. This is usually the case if you are switching academic fields to an unrelated area and need to show aptitude in the new field (a history major wanting to get a Ph.D. in biology).
	How do I find information about international graduate schools?
	International Graduate Programs lets you search for programs by academic discipline. Career Owl lists international programs alphabetically by name. Universities Worldwide allows you to search for schools by country. Educational and Social Science Library provides links to sites that rank international graduate programs. Graduate Schools and Postgraduate Courses Worldwide contains articles on international graduate study and information on specific schools in the UK and Eurpore. U.S. Department of Education maintains a site describing its international education programs.
	How do I go about getting letters of recommendation, if I am not planning on going to graduate school immediately?
	Ask your professors to write letters for you before you graduate. Tell them you will be attending grad school at a future date and will send them the addresses later. The professors can keep the letters on file for you until you apply. Many professors will give you a copy of the letter even though you waive the right to see it. To help the professor tailor a recommendation for you, give him or her a resume or list of highlighted activities and skills that you would like mentioned in the letter. Also, remember to send the professors a thank you note!
	Can an employer write a letter of recommendation?
	Yes, especially if your job is relevant to the program to which you are applying. However, most graduate programs prefer to see academic recommendors who can comment on your intellectual accomplishments and skills. We suggest that you include two academic references and one non-academic reference. We do not recommend using relatives or friends as letter writers.
	How important is research experience? Is there a place on campus where I can get experience with research?
	The relative importance of research experience depends on the program to which you are applying. For example, in the sciences, research is very important, but for law school it is not necessary. Use our Faculty Contacts Program to find a professor in your academic department of interest. You can ask the professor about the importance of research and also how to find undergraduate research opportunities. UT maintains a web site called Eureka that can help undergraduates find research opportunities on campus.
	How do I figure out whether graduate school is the right choice for me?
	Read our page titled Is Graduate School For Me? Also, consider making an appointment with a career counselor in our office, who can discuss your motivations and concerns and answer your questions.
	Is there any way to find out career placement rates and where alumni from graduate programs work?
	Many schools provide this kind of information on their web sites. It may be located on the graduate admissions page or the career services page. If you can't find it, contact the graduate admissions officer or the graduate advisor.
	How do I find a mentor in graduate school?
	Some programs provide a structured mentoring program; ask about this when you are gathering information about schools. Think about what you want from a mentor. For example, how much independence do you need? What do you want out of your grad school experience? How much time are you willing to spend on school and research? A good way to find a mentor is to talk to lots of professors and older graduate students your first semester of grad school. Attend departmental information panels, picnics, and other events. Ask professors about their research and pay attention to how they react to you. Are they attentive? Do they seem approachable? Ask other grad students what their experiences with this professor have been like.
	What is graduate school like?
	Check the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program. It provides internship opportunities that allow you to find out what graduate study at UT is really like. The internship may include attending graduate classes, research, attending conferences, and lab experience. The program will help you find a mentor/buddy in your area of academic interest who will supervise the internship. Another good way to find out what grad school is like is to ask your department if you can observe classes and if there are current graduate students available to talk with you.
	What if I am interested in a graduate program at UT?
	UT's Office of Graduate Studies provides a wealth of information on their web site about graduate study at UT. They can direct you to graduate advisors, graduate students, and professors. They also offer periodic workshops on topics of interest to graduate students. In addition, check with the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program (see previous question). The Dean of Students Office sponsors the Gateway to Graduate and Professional School Program (GGPSP), which offers first generation college students specialized assistance in planning their graduate education.
	What are some important things to include in a personal statement?
	Most schools will specify the content in the application. Usually it is some variation on "Where have you been? Why are you coming here? Where will you go after this?" Write an essay that reflects who you are as a person and accentuates what makes you different from other applicants. Consider including information such as educational milestones, important influences in your life, how your career/academic interest evolved, what motivates you, your accomplishments, and your research. Try to make your first sentence or paragraph engaging and inviting to the reader. And remember to bring your rough draft to the CEC so a counselor can give you feedback and make suggestions!