What to do After Being Accepted to Graduate School
Posted: September 25, 2020 | Author: Grace Thorkelson | Read Time: 3 minutes
Preparing for and applying to graduate school can be a long and difficult process. In the years leading up to applying to graduate schools, many students focus on priming their resume and application, along with improving their GPA and test scores.
Once the application process is complete and you receive a letter of acceptance you will likely feel relieved, overjoyed, and thrilled for the future! Along with the excitement, there are still a number of things to get in order before starting a graduate program. Below are three things students should do after being accepted to graduate school.
Prepare Financially
Graduate school is typically a significant financial investment and a variety of considerations need to be made in preparation for the start of the program.
The U.S. News and World Report advises students that, “even if you are not relocating geographically, there is a lot to consider in this time-consuming process. Make sure to read the fine print about every scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, and stipend you are offered. If you need loan assistance, be very careful to educate yourself about all that is involved before you sign on the dotted line.”
Scholarships, assistantships, and loans can aid students in making their graduate programs more affordable. Don’t wait to apply for these opportunities as they will go quick, and students should give themselves added time which may increase the likelihood of receiving them in the first place. For students that have a semester off before a program starts, getting a part or full-time job may prove to be beneficial as well. Saving now helps to pay off loans in the future.
Accept or Deny Your Admittance
After receiving admittance to an institution, making the essential decision of which school to attend comes into play. Although many factors will be examined, (cost, location, program-specific details, and more) be sure to pay attention to your instincts, and which school seems like the best fit for you personally. After determining which school to attend, accept admittance to the program by following the directions the institution has issued.
Make Arrangements with Your New Department
As you begin your program at a university somewhat unfamiliar to you, getting to know the faculty and staff beforehand is valuable. Asking them questions, seeking advice, and understanding the program’s mission and goals can help students feel more comfortable with what is expected and how to achieve it.
If you know ahead of time that your program is going to be rigorous, get a head start on reading the course materials and diving into the content matter. Preparing can put you a step ahead of your peers, and decrease stress as the semester begins and you’re being bombarded with a plethora of new information.
By following the simple steps listed above, students can find success in the transition to graduate school and be better equipped to take on the academic challenges that lie ahead.
Produced by SUU Graduate Studies
Southern Utah University's Graduate School draws from a prestigious heritage and allows students to pursue a quality education. The master's degree programs offer students the chance to further their professional and educational careers on campus or online. If attending graduate school peaks your interest, reach out to one of Southern Utah University’s excellent admissions officers to discuss the top-notch, flexible, and affordable master’s programs that are available to you.
This article was published more than 3 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Tags: Graduate Programs
