Graduate School Application Resources

Applying to graduate school is very different from applying to college. These resources can help prepare a strong application.

Conducting research

Participating in undergraduate research can give you an edge towards acceptance into the graduate program of your choice. Participation in the TRIO McNair Scholars Program is one way to develop professionally, but a number of other opportunities exist.

Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research has several resources to help students gain mentored research experiences.

In addition to a list of funding and research opportunities at this link, they offer the following programs:

• Developing Scholars Program
  • Eligibility: first-generation college students and/or students from groups underrepresented in higher education
• Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KS-LSAMP)
  • Eligibility: STEM students from historically minoritized groups

Writing application essays

Programs will ask for application essays; usually, you will need to write a statement of purpose or personal statement. Most graduate schools will provide instructions and page lengths/word counts. If they do not, find out if they have a preference by emailing the department. Visit with the K-State Writing Center to brainstorm content or get feedback on drafts.

 

Taking entrance exams

Some graduate schools require applicants to submit exam scores. K-State Libraries offers a range of online and offline study materials. Visit the Exam Prep Resources webpage for access.

The most common entrance exams are:

• Graduate Managment Admission Test (GMAT)
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Principles of Learning and Teaching (Praxis)