If you’re thinking about applying to graduate school, it’s important to know that unlike applying to college where you can be undecided about your major, for grad school you have to apply to a specific program and know exactly what you want to study.
With that in mind, your graduate school application essays will have to be targeted to your program, you can’t write a general personal statement. When applying to grad school, you should present a clear plan for what you expect to do after you graduate.
Here are a few tips as you make your way through college and consider your next step.
– Don’t assume a particular major is the only path to a certain type of grad school. You don’t have to be a history major to go to law school, you don’t have to be a biology or chemistry major to go to med school, and you don’t have to be an economics or business major to go to business school.
– Get involved outside of class. One of the many great things about college is that you have a lot of control over how your days are structured. Use your “free time” wisely, and look for opportunities that tie into your grad school interests.
– Stay focused. Double and triple majors, along with 12 minors (fine, we exaggerate!) are all the rage now. But seriously, even if you opt for a double major and three minors, find a way (through research, a job, or activities) to pull your interests together in a focused, meaningful way.– Find a faculty mentor. While you’ll need recommendations from your professors, they’re also a great source of information on internships, programs, and projects. Take note!
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