Applying to Graduate School

Sep 03, 2021

What to Look for in a Graduate School

What is most important to you in a graduate school? Is it the name of the school? The location? The research taking place in the labs? The faculty? All of these factors are important to consider and you should look for a program that offers more than a good education.

  • What you can actually do with the knowledge you gain is much more important than the title or degree you possess when you graduate
  • Look for a graduate program that allows you to delve into specialized topics that you find interesting and that will take your career in a certain direction
  • Look for a program that integrates research or internships into the curriculum
  • Make sure the program fits your lifestyle – look at how long it will take to complete the degree, format of the degree, etc.
  • Talk to admissions counselors, current students in the program and alumni

The U.S. News & World Report determines the top graduate schools each year and includes both the rankings for individual departments within schools and statistics on incoming students. This may help you to determine whether you are an eligible candidate.

You can also use this tool to help you compare Masters Degree Programs.

Olin's Top Graduate Programs:

Applying to Graduate School

After you’ve made the decision to attend graduate school, you will need to determine what items are necessary for your application. These typically include:

  • Application
  • Application fee
  • College transcript: Request that an official copy be sent from the Registrar to each institution where you apply
  • Letters of recommendation: Generally you need three, and at least two must be from professors if you’re applying directly from undergraduate school. The third can usually be from a professor, research or work supervisor. Your recommendations should be from someone who knows you well as an individual and as a student. The most important thing is to have a recommendation that stands out and fully convinces the school about your accomplishments, suitability to the program and potential.
  • Personal statement (and sometimes a statement of purpose): The personal statement is an opportunity for the school to get to know you on a more personal level. What makes you unique? Do you have any special circumstances or have you overcome any obstacles that define who you are? Your essay should give the committee an idea of who you are and make them want to learn more about you. The statement of purpose (SOP) lists your qualifications. Include why you’ve chosen to apply to the institution and what kinds of research you are interested in, and express what you will bring to the program. It’s usually more tightly focused on the future. In a SOP, you talk about your plans for study in a given field along with your short- and long-term career goals.  
  • Admission test scores: Depending on the program you are applying to, you will most likely need to take another standardized test.

You can look online here:

  • General Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is the most widely required exam for admission to master’s and PhD degree programs. Be sure to check whether the programs you are applying to require the General Test (similar to the SATI) and/or a Subject Test (similar to the SATII). Check the GRE website for registration, practice tests, dates and locations of exams. The Olin GRE Code is 3953.
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): Business schools around the world require candidates to take the GMAT to be considered for admissions. Check the GMAT website to choose a location and to make an appointment to take the test. The Olin GMAT Code is 2824.
  • Law School Admission Test (LSAT): The LSAT is required for admission to most American and Canadian law schools. Check the LSAT website for registration, practice tests, dates and locations. The Olin LSAT Code is 3422.

Note: Many MBA programs are now also accepting the GRE in place of the GMAT. Check the requirements to determine if your schools are on the list.