Admission requirements generally include an application (with essays or a personal statement of goals), an application fee, admission test scores, GPA (both cumulative and in your major), official transcripts and letters of recommendation. Sometimes samples of previous work, a specific undergraduate major, evidence of work experience and an interview are required. Usually, deadlines are between January and March but can be earlier especially if you are applying for financial aid. If the schools to which you are applying have rolling admissions, you should apply as early as possible since applicants are admitted as their applications are submitted. Apply by November or December.
Application and Fee
Each graduate and professional school (and sometimes a specific department) requires its own application and non-refundable application fee. It is recommended that you make copies of blank application forms and create drafts to be reviewed by faculty or Career Center staff. It is important to submit a neatly typed, thorough application and the appropriate fee by the deadline date indicated. Remember to keep a copy of your completed application for your records.
Admissions Test Scores
The admissions tests required vary from institution to institution. Research the requirements through a guide to graduate programs, a catalog or by asking department personnel. Preparation
books and computerized study materials highlight directions and typical questions on the examination. Preparation courses review the directions, format and content of the exams, provide test-taking strategies and administer practice exams. It takes approximately four to six weeks for scores on admissions tests to be reported, so plan to take the exams early enough to meet required graduate and professional school deadlines. Contact the Career Center for test registration booklets and information regarding preparation courses.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)* - Many graduate schools require applicants to take the GRE General Test and some programs also require a GRE Subject Test. Check graduate school directories, catalogs or with departments to determine required tests. The General Test, a three and one-half hour test, contains sections designed to measure verbal, quantitative and analytical ability. The Subject Tests, which last 2 hours and 50 minutes, are designed to measure the knowledge and understanding of subject matter basic to graduate study in specific fields. Subject Tests are offered in Biochemistry/Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Geology, History, Literature in English, Mathematics, Music (offered only on December and April test dates), Physics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. The General and Subject Tests can be taken the same day or different days.
The GRE General Test is now offered on computer. The Computer-Based Testing is available year-round at many test centers. A list of test centers is provided in the GRE registration materials. In addition to convenience, the Computer-Based Testing offers flexible scheduling, immediate test results and faster score reporting. It is, however, more expensive than the paper-and-pencil version.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)* - The GMAT helps graduate schools of business assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. The test measures general verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills that are developed over a long period of time and are associated with success in the first year of study at graduate schools of management. The GMAT does not presuppose any specific knowledge of business and does not measure achievement in any particular subject area. The quantitative sections measure basic mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems and interpret graphic data. The verbal section measures the ability to understand and evaluate what is read and to recognize conventions of standard written English. The analytical writing sections of the test measure the ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas through writing.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)* - The LSAT is designed to measure skills important in the study of law and to aid law schools in assessing the academic promise of law school applicants. The test covers a broad range of academic disciplines. The questions measure the ability to read, understand and reason. In addition to the five 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions, a 30-minute writing sample is required. The writing sample is not scored by Law Services but is sent to each law school to which the LSAT scores are reported. The utilization of the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) is highly recommended. It assembles in one report all of the information required of the applicant by most law schools. Almost all U.S. law schools use the LSDAS Report to consider the applicant's undergraduate performance. The applicant's biographic and academic information is summarized for law schools. The service provides these summaries, copies of college transcripts, LSAT scores and the writing sample to each law school to which the applicant applies.
The Praxis Series for Beginning Teachers (PPST and NTE)* - The Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) of Reading, Mathematics, and Writing are each one hour multiple-choice tests. The writing test includes both multiple-choice questions and a 30-minute essay. The National Teaching Examination (NTE) Core Battery includes three separate two-hour tests: General Knowledge, Communication Skills, and Professional Knowledge. NTE Specialty Area tests and Subject Assessments measure understanding of the content and methods applicable to the specific subject area.
Miller Analogies Test (MAT)* - The MAT is a mental ability test that requires the solution of 100 problems stated in the form of analogies. The test items use different types of analogies to test general information in a variety of fields including fine arts, literature, math, natural sciences and social sciences. Examinees are allowed 50 minutes to complete the test. The MAT is given locally only at the Oshkosh Testing Center. Check with the Career Center for more information.
For information on the following admissions examinations, contact a member of the Health Careers Advisory Committee:
* registration materials available in the Career Center
Grade Point Average
GPA is one important factor for admission. How the GPA is weighed varies from one institution to another. A graduate school candidate is typically asked to list overall GPA and GPA in major on the application, and it is advisable to explain any unusual academic pattern or very poor grade.
Official Transcripts
An official transcript should be requested in writing from the Registrar's Office. It demonstrates your receipt of an undergraduate degree and shows the array of coursework in which you were enrolled and the grades received.
Letters of Recommendation
Usually, two or three letters of recommendation are required by graduate or professional schools. Ask individuals who will be in a position to best assess your ability to perform well in the program to which you are applying (i.e., a faculty member) or who can attest to your good character and interest in the field (i.e., an employer, contact in the related field). Graduate schools usually request recommendations from faculty. You can request recommendations early and place them in a recommendations file in the Career Center. If you waive your right of access, you choose not to see the recommendation. Law schools and many graduate programs prefer to see confidential recommendations.
Recommendations from your file are sent to graduate schools upon your written request.
Samples of Previous Work
For entrance to some graduate programs, examples of your work will be required. Most often these include writing samples, art portfolios or audition tapes. Also, some programs require evidence of part-time or full-time work experience in a related field.
Specific Undergraduate Major
Some programs require either one or several undergraduate majors or courses from specific disciplines.
Personal Statement or Essays
In a statement of purpose, you should articulate your goals. Indicate why you are interested in the field of study, the particular graduate school and the specific program as well as your related background. Also, emphasize what you have to offer the program and how you can benefit from it. If other essays are required, be sure to answer the specific questions and stay within designated word limits. Research the programs to which you are applying so that your responses can be unique and targeted to each school. Keep a copy of essays for your own records. Read more about Personal Statements and Essays.
Work Experience
Some programs require previous work experience. This shows your interest, commitment and desire to continue in the particular field and allows you to relate what you will learn in the classroom to the working world.
Interview
An interview is required for entrance into some graduate programs. Usually, however, the interview is not part of the admission process unless you are applying for assistantships or internships. A list of questions typically asked of graduate school applicants is attached. If you believe that an interview may help your admission, or if you have questions, it is a good idea to request an interview. Representatives from various graduate programs visit the campus. Contact the Career Center for details.
