Graduate School Prep

Most graduate schools/programs do not have pre-requisite requirements. Graduate schools/programs might request that you have completed or will be completing a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Please refer to an Admission Counselor from your desired institution or visit your desired institution’s admission page to learn more about pre-requisite requirements

Most graduate schools/programs start their newly admitted classes once a year in the Fall semester. But there are some institutions that offer Spring and/or Summer admission.

Applications are submitted at least 6 – 12 months in advance of the desired enrollment date. To maximize your opportunities for school acceptances, scholarships, and research/teaching/graduate assistantships, you should apply to graduate schools/programs the Fall before you wish to enroll. While applying early in the cycle has advantages, the best time for you to apply is when your application is the best it can be.

Requirements vary from graduate program to graduate program. Visit your desired institution’s admission page to learn more about specific information about requirements.

The Graduate School Application includes 6 - 7 components:

1. Application Form
2. Official Transcript from all institutions
3. Entrance Exam – the GRE or GRE Subject Test (select programs)
4. Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
5. Writing Sample (select programs)
6. Letters of Recommendation
7. Resume or Curriculum Vitae Resume

Freshmen – Sophomore Year

• Maintain and keep up your grades using the Transformative Learning services (https://www.uky.edu/tl/)
• Participate in volunteer, student organization and leadership opportunities
• Participate in undergraduate research or study/intern abroad opportunities within or outside your major
• Schedule and shadow professionals in your relevant field
• Apply for related jobs, internships, and practicum opportunities
• Complete your resume or curriculum vitae resume review by scheduling a “Resume Review” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”
• Identify and meet often with your instructors for a potential letter of recommendation
• Save and organize papers from your core courses/within your major for potential writing sample submissions
• Start studying for the GRE during the Fall semester to take the entrance exam in the Spring semester. Register and attend a Transformative Learning’s GRE Prep Seminar (https://www.uky.edu/tl/gre-prep-seminar)
• Research graduate schools/programs
• Create a budget for application fees and GRE exam (Please reach out if you need resources for financial assistance)
• Maintain and keep up your grades using the Transformative Learning services (https://www.uky.edu/tl/)
• Participate in volunteer, student organization and leadership opportunities
• Participate in undergraduate research or study/intern abroad opportunities within or outside your major
• Schedule and shadow professionals in your relevant field
• Apply for related jobs, internships, and practicum opportunities
• Complete your resume or curriculum vitae resume review by scheduling a “Resume Review” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”
• Identify and meet often with your instructors for a potential letter of recommendation 
• Save and organize papers from your core courses/within your major for potential writing sample submissions

Senior (Summer and Fall semester)

• Re-take the GRE if necessary
• Select graduate schools/programs you plan to apply to
• Complete and pay for Application Form(s)
• Submit a request for Official Transcript with the Office of the Registrar (https://www.uky.edu/registrar/transcripts)
• Maintain and keep up your grades using the Transformative Learning services (https://www.uky.edu/tl/)
• Participate in volunteer, student organization and leadership opportunities
• Participate in undergraduate research or study/intern abroad opportunities within or outside your major
• Schedule and shadow professionals in your relevant field
• Apply for related jobs, internships, and practicum opportunities
• Research graduate school/program’s personal statement/statement of purpose prompt and guidelines.
• Complete a personal statement/statement of purpose review with the Writing Center (https://uky.mywconline.com/) or schedule a “Graduate/Professional School Prep” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”
• Complete a final resume or curriculum vitae resume review by scheduling a “Resume Review” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”
• Research financial resources to pay for graduate school/program with Financial Wellness (https://www.uky.edu/financialwellness/)
• Identify and request a letter of recommendation from your instructors, advisor, internship, or job supervisor, coaches, etc.
• Submit papers from your core courses/within your major for if a writing sample is required

Most graduate programs do not have or require an interview as part of their application process. However, if yours does, you can schedule a mock interview with us or practice through BigInterview in your Handshake account.

Letters of Recommendation 

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most graduate schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors and supervisors (for volunteer or paid work) who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Academic Letters: At least one to two letters, should be from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for graduate school. Get to know your Professors early, start your Freshman year. 

Personal Statements

Graduate schools will want a Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose on who you are and your interests within the field. 

Research graduate school/program’s personal statement/statement of purpose prompt and guidelines.

Complete a personal statement/statement of purpose review with the Writing Center (https://uky.mywconline.com/) or schedule a “Graduate/Professional School Prep” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”

Resumes

Many graduate schools require resumes/curriculum vita resumes as part of their applications, and those that don’t will often accept one anyway. A resume allows you to highlight all your activities and accomplishments in your own way. It can’t be stressed enough, however, that the resume is not a substitute for completely filling out the school’s application form.

Complete your resume or curriculum vitae resume review by scheduling a “Resume Review” with us at the button below “Schedule Appointment”

Involvement and volunteering allow you to supplement a strong academic record. Graduate school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, service, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities. 

Search UK Student Organizations/Programs at BBNVolved:  https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/

Search UK Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for opportunities to help in the community: https://servelearnconnect.uky.edu/community-organizational-needs