Graduate and Professional School

Choosing graduate or professional programs and preparing strong applications is a personal process that takes time, research, and reflection. The guidance in this section comes from current best practices and years of experience supporting students as they navigate this journey. When you give yourself space to explore your options and stay organized, the search process can be both meaningful and rewarding.

The Career Center is here to help you understand each step of applying to graduate or professional school, from exploring programs to preparing your materials and making final decisions.

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Planning Your Path

Deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree should involve consideration of several factors. It is best to go into graduate/professional school with an idea of your future professional goals, and after you’ve extensively researched programs and institutions. The Career Center can help wherever you are in the process.

GOOD Reasons to Go

  • Your career field requires an advanced degree
  • It opens doors to new career paths you want
  • You'll advance faster or earn more in your field
  • You're passionate about deeper study in a subject
  • A specific program aligns with your professional goals

NOT Great Reasons to Go

  • Avoiding student loan repayment right away
  • Not sure what career you want yet
  • Escaping a difficult job hunt
  • Family or social pressure to get more degrees
  • Degree doesn't actually help your target career

Define Goals

Where do your interests, skills, and values align? Reflect on coursework, internships, jobs, service, and activities. Consider your ideal lifestyle and what truly drives you. Talk with family, friends, connections, and faculty/staff to gain perspective and ideas. This process takes time.

Research Careers

Use O*Net, Occupational Outlook Handbook, LinkedIn, and informational interviews to research careers and pathways. Meet with faculty, advisors, peers and the Career Center. Determine if (and what kind of) grad school is needed for your goals.

Investigate Programs

Visit program websites, check accreditation, look at faculty research, and understand the timeline and curriculum of each program. If licensure or specific certifications are required, make sure the program leads to that. Reach out to graduate school admissions and programs for more information.

Consider Institutions

Think about: location, cost, admission requirements, reputation, culture, program size, funding opportunities, and resources. Schedule campus visits when possible, and request to meet with faculty representatives from your desired program.

Funding Your Education

Because financial support varies widely from institution to institution, it is best to read all financial aid materials carefully and to file documents on time. Pay attention to priority deadlines, whether you are pursuing financial aid or other funding sources. Follow the financial aid deadline and not the admissions application deadline.

Funding varies by program, so be sure to take note of what is available from each institution of interest.

Scholarships

  • Merit or identity-based awards. No repayment required.
  • Available through universities, corporations, and private organizations.
  • Ask the institution's graduate school for information as well.

Fellowships

Grants

  • Need-based funding similar to scholarships.
  • Often tied to high-demand fields like nursing or teaching.
  • Federally or state funded.

Assistantships

  • Work part-time (research, teaching, or admin) in exchange for tuition remission and/or a living stipend.
  • Ask the department directly!

Loans

  • Borrow now, pay later.
  • Look into Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if you'll work in public service.
  • Ask employers about repayment benefits.

Researching and Choosing Programs

There’s a lot to consider when comparing graduate programs, and gathering the right information early will help you make a confident, informed decision. As you research schools, be sure to look into areas such as cost and financial aid, admissions requirements, curriculum, program structure, location, and overall fit.

Create a simple tracking system, like a spreadsheet or comparison chart, to keep everything organized in one place. You can then use this to track application progress as well. Information you might collect includes (but is not limited to):

  • Program name
  • Program link
  • Location
  • In-person, online, hybrid?
  • Specialization(s)/Concentration(s)/Area(s) of study
  • Credit hours required
  • Assistantship availability
  • Program cost
  • Program financial aid/scholarships
  • Career outcomes
  • Courses offered
  • Faculty specializations
  • Application fee
  • Application opening dates
  • Deadlines – Including priority
  • Resume/CV
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Additional documents (writing sample, etc.)
  • GPA requirement
  • Course pre-requisites
  • Qualifying majors (required or preferred)
  • Experiences (required or preferred)
  • Exams – required and optional
  • Deposit
  • Interviews
  • Campus visit/Info session
  • Personal values and experiences
  • Learning environment (team, independent, competitive)
  • Your other ideas

Collecting information will help you make a confident decision later.

Applying

Be thoughtful about how many schools you apply to. A helpful approach is to divide your list into thirds: one-third “reach” schools (you love them, but admission may be competitive), one-third “target” schools (you’d be a strong candidate), and one-third “safe” schools (you like them and feel confident you’d be admitted). As you decide how many applications to submit, consider which schools truly fit you well, along with how much time and money you want to invest in the application process.

Build a Tracking System

  • Create a spreadsheet or other tracking system with every school.
  • Include deadlines, interview dates, essay prompts, fees, required docs, etc.
  • The Career Center can offer a template to get you started and can assist with criteria, research, and the organizational process.

Take Standardized Tests

  • GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, DAT, or MAT, know which your schools need.
  • Register early, prep seriously, and take practice tests.
  • Check with your graduate school(s) of choice to determine which test is required for admission.

Write Personal Statement

  • Program-dependent (connect with admissions and graduate program)
  • Explain why you chose this program and school, what you'll contribute, and how it aligns with your goals.
  • Demonstrate strong written communication and thoughtful reflection. You may have to answer additional essay questions.

Polish Your Resume

  • 1-2 pages.
  • Include education, experience, leadership, honors, and research.
  • Grad school resumes can be slightly longer than job resumes.

Attach Transcripts and Test Scores

Most universities allow copies of transcripts and test scores to make a decision.

  • You may not have to submit officials until you commit to the university
  • Request through your registrar (Marquette Central).
  • Allow 3+ business days plus delivery time.

Request Letters of Recommendation

  • Ask 2-3 professors, supervisors, or mentors.
  • Give them your resume, personal statement, deadlines, and program details.
  • Ask early!

Before you submit your applications, take a moment to proofread everything and double-check that you’ve completed every required step. Some programs will have you apply directly through their website, while others use a centralized application system. Make sure you know which one your program uses so you don’t miss anything.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation give graduate programs a fuller picture of who you are: your strengths, work style, character, and potential. They’re written by people who have seen you learn, lead, or contribute in meaningful ways.

Most programs use online systems (like CAS applications or school portals) where writers upload their letters directly. You won’t handle the letter yourself. If you plan to use the same letter for multiple programs, ask your writer to keep it general.

Choosing Your Letter Writers

Select people who can speak to your abilities with detail and enthusiasm. Strong options include:

  • Professors who know your academic work
  • Supervisors from jobs, internships, or research
  • Advisors or mentors who have seen your growth

Suggestion

Select “Yes, I waive the right to view this letter.” Why? Waived letters are seen as more credible.

When to Ask

  • Ask at least three to four weeks before your first deadline, earlier if possible.
  • Let them know:
    • Your application timeline
    • How many programs you’re applying to
    • How letters will be submitted
  • Remember: faculty and supervisors often write for many students. Early notice helps them write a thoughtful letter.

After They Agree

  • Help your writer craft a strong, personalized letter by sharing:
    • Your career goals and why you’re pursuing graduate school
    • What you’ve been doing academically, professionally, or through involvement
    • A short description of the program(s) you’re applying to
    • What the program values in applicants (skills, experiences, qualities)
    • 3–5 bullet points or examples they can reference (projects, leadership, accomplishments)
  • This context makes their letter more detailed and impactful.

What to Provide Your Letter Writer

  • Your resume
  • Your personal statement or cover letter (drafts are fine)
  • Any materials you submitted to the program
  • The exact deadline
  • Instructions from the school or application portal
  • Optional: unofficial transcripts
  • Note: Most systems will email your writer a secure link to upload the letter.

Following Up

  • A polite reminder is normal and appreciated.
  • Send a check-in message one week before the deadline if the letter hasn’t been submitted.
  • Keep it respectful and grateful.
  • After you accept an offer, send a thank you note letting your writer know where you’re headed. It closes the loop and strengthens your professional relationships.

Next Steps

Prepare for Interviews

Some graduate and professional programs include an interview as part of the admissions process. Interviews help the admissions committee understand your communication style, motivation, and fit with the program.

Use the interview to:

  • Share your academic and professional experiences
  • Explain your goals and why this program is the right match
  • Ask thoughtful questions that show genuine interest
  • See our Interview Guide for tips, sample questions, and preparation strategies.

Decision-Making While You Wait

After your application is complete, take a breath. Waiting is normal. Most programs notify applicants 2–3 months after receiving a completed application, but timelines vary based on:

  • Program type
  • Rolling vs. hard deadlines
  • Number of applicants
  • Faculty review schedules

If the program does not list a timeline, it is appropriate to email and ask.

Acceptances

Managing Acceptances

Receive more than one acceptance?

  • Politely decline programs you will not attend
  • Follow each school’s instructions for accepting or declining
  • Pay attention to deposit deadlines

If one acceptance arrives before the others:

  • Contact your preferred program to express continued interest and ask about timelines
  • Request an extension from the school that made the offer
  • Decide whether you are comfortable paying a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot
  • Programs understand that students apply to multiple schools. Professional communication is key.

Waitlists

Being waitlisted is not a rejection. Some programs admit students from their waitlists.

You are encouraged to:

  • Send a brief, professional continued-interest email
  • Update programs with new grades, awards, or experiences
  • Ask whether additional materials are welcome

Movement on waitlists varies by field and year. Ask if you’re not sure.

After Accepting

Once you commit to a program, you may need to:

  • Submit a deposit
  • Complete onboarding forms
  • Register for orientation
  • Secure housing
  • Review required immunizations, background checks, or clearances
  • Contact your faculty advisor (if applicable)
  • Explore funding or assistantship onboarding steps

Read all communication from your program carefully.