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Graduate and Professional School

Pursuing graduate or professional school can be a powerful way to deepen your expertise, advance your career, and open new opportunities. However, the process—from deciding whether to apply to selecting the right program—can feel overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and organization, you can navigate it successfully.

🎓 Is Graduate or Professional School Right for You?

Before committing to a program, ask yourself the following questions:

Why go?

Many pursue graduate school to gain specialized knowledge, increase earning potential, or meet qualifications for advanced roles.
🟢 Avoid using graduate school as a way to delay career decisions—it’s a significant investment of time and money.

Why now?

Graduate school should be the next logical step in your career path—not a way to avoid the job market.

  • Do you need an advanced degree to progress in your field?
  • Are you ready for the academic and financial commitment?

What kind of program?

You may choose to continue in your undergraduate field or pivot to a new discipline.

  • Ensure the program aligns with your career goals, not just your academic interests.

Academic or professional focus?

  • Academic programs prepare you for research or teaching roles in higher education.
  • Professional programs focus on applied skills for careers in industry, government, or nonprofits.

Where do you want to study?

Consider location, cost of living, and whether you’re open to relocating or studying internationally.

  • Look for programs that match your geographic and lifestyle preferences.

Should you gain experience first?

Some programs (e.g., MBA) prefer or require work experience before admission.

  • Entering too early may leave you well-educated but underqualified for post-graduation roles.

🟢 If you’re unsure about your career direction, take time to clarify your goals before applying. Graduate school is too costly to use as a period of exploration.

🧭 Choosing the Right Program

Finding the right program is about fit—academically, professionally, and personally. Most applicants apply to a mix of:

  • Target programs – Strong fit and good chance of admission
  • Reach programs – Competitive or prestigious programs with higher admission standards
  • Safety programs – Programs where you exceed the typical admission profile

Be strategic and realistic

  • Applying is time-consuming and expensive
  • Contact programs to ask about average GPA and test scores for admitted students

Use these resources to explore programs:

Evaluate program emphasis and curriculum

  • Does the program emphasize research, internships, or applied learning?
  • Do faculty research interests align with yours?
  • Review course listings—do they excite you?
  • What electives or interdisciplinary options are available?

📝 Application Process

Applying to graduate school requires early planning and careful organization. Start by creating a checklist of:

  • Programs and deadlines
  • Required materials (e.g., transcripts, test scores, essays, recommendations)

Online Application Forms

Most programs use online portals where you can:

  • Upload documents
  • Complete questionnaires
  • Submit financial aid forms
  • Request letters of recommendation

🟢 Some materials (like transcripts) may still need to be mailed—check each program’s instructions carefully.

Official Transcripts

Request transcripts directly from IU Indianapolis.

  • Visit the registrar’s website for instructions on how to send them to your programs.

Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • A résumé highlights your skills and experience for professional programs
  • A CV is more detailed and used for academic or research-focused programs
    • Includes education, research, teaching, publications, and presentations

🟢 Refer to the Résumé and CV Writing Handouts for formatting tips and examples.

 

✉️ Letters of Recommendation for Graduate & Professional School: Quick Tips

Most graduate and professional programs require letters of recommendation—usually from faculty or professionals in your field.

✅ Who to Ask

  • Choose professors who know you well through coursework, research, or mentorship.
  • For professional programs, include field-specific professionals (e.g., public health practitioners, healthcare administrators).

🕒 How to Ask

  • Ask at least 3–4 weeks before the deadline.
  • Share:
    • What you’re applying for
    • Why you’re asking them
    • Deadlines and submission instructions
    • Your résumé/CV and personal statement

🙏 Follow Up

  • Send a thank-you note after submission.
  • Keep your recommenders updated on your admissions outcomes.

📄 For more detailed guidance, visit the page titled “References and Letters of Recommendation.”

📝 Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a critical part of your graduate or professional school application—especially for Ph.D. programs. It’s your opportunity to:

  • Share your academic and professional journey
  • Explain your career goals
  • Demonstrate why the program is a strong fit for you

Tips for a Strong Personal Statement:

  • Follow the prompt for each school carefully
  • Avoid clichés—be authentic and specific
  • Highlight your strengths and address any gaps in your application
  • Reference specific features of the program (faculty, curriculum, research opportunities) and connect them to your goals
  • Write multiple drafts and ask faculty or advisors to review your statement

🟢 Typical length: 1–3 pages

🧪 Entrance Exams

Different programs require different standardized tests. Here are the most common:

  • GRE – General graduate programs
    • Includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections
  • GMAT – Business school
    • Includes quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and writing
  • MCAT – Medical school
    • Covers sciences, reasoning, and writing
  • LSAT – Law school
    • Includes logic, reasoning, and a writing sample
  • DAT – Dental school
    • Includes natural sciences, perceptual ability, and reasoning

Preparation Resources:

  • On-campus prep courses may be available
  • Self-study materials: Kaplan, Princeton Review, ETS, and others
  • IU Indianapolis Testing Center: (317) 274-6916

🎯 Tailoring Your Application

Each application should feel personalized—even for safety or reach schools.

  • Customize your personal statement for each program
  • Ask your recommenders to tailor their letters
  • Double-check each school’s application requirements—they may vary

🎤 Interviewing for Graduate School

If you’re invited to interview, it means the program sees you as a strong candidate. The interview helps them assess your fit and gives you a chance to learn more about the program.

Interview Preparation:

  • Review your experience and how it aligns with the program
  • Research the program—faculty, specializations, and degree options
  • Practice professional etiquette: dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be courteous

🟢 Not all programs require interviews—check each school’s process.

📄 For more tips, see the Interviewing Handout.

Sample Interview Questions:

  • Why did you choose to pursue graduate school?
  • Why are you interested in our program?
  • How does this program align with your career goals?
  • What skills make you a strong candidate?
  • Tell us about a time you faced a challenge or ethical dilemma.

Questions to Ask the Program:

  • What sets this program apart from others?
  • What types of practical experiences are available?
  • How are advisors assigned or mentoring relationships developed?
  • What financial aid options are available, and how do I apply?

💸 Paying for Graduate or Professional School

Graduate school can be a significant financial investment—but there are many ways to fund your education. With planning and research, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs and gain valuable experience along the way.

🎓 Funding Options

Fellowships
Provide tuition and living support without requiring work.

  • Highly competitive
  • Often awarded based on academic merit or research potential

Assistantships
Offer a stipend and tuition support in exchange for work. Types include:

  • Teaching Assistantship (TA): Assist with grading, proctoring, or even teaching courses
  • Research Assistantship (RA): Support faculty research projects—great for building your academic résumé
  • Graduate Assistantship (GA): Work in a campus office or department in a professional role

Other Departmental Jobs
Ask about open positions within your department. These roles can help fund your education and build relationships with faculty and staff.

🟢 Check each department’s website for assistantship listings and application timelines.

🧭 Campus Resources

Health Professions and Prelaw Center (HPPLC)
While based at IU Bloomington, HPPLC offers online resources for students pursuing:

  • Law school
  • Medical school
  • Allied health professions (e.g., PT, OT, Dentistry, Optometry)
    📌 IU Indianapolis students can use the website but are not eligible for HPPLC advising appointments.

Academic Advisor

  • Confirm your graduation timeline
  • Review your program list and application strategy

Career Coach

  • Get feedback on your personal statement, résumé, or CV
  • Schedule a mock interview to prepare for admissions interviews

License

Career Guides for the Fairbanks School of Public Health Copyright © by kschuste. All Rights Reserved.

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