|
|
|
Choosing
Graduate School
|
|
|
|
Fortunately, you already know a lot about getting ready for
graduate school. The process is similar to becoming an
undergraduate. Just keep the following points in mind:
- Start planning early, preferably a year before you plan
to enroll. This will give you time to read about the school,
visit the campus, apply for admissions, and get your
financial aid in place. The grant programs that are
available to graduate students are different from those
for undergraduate students. Still, help is available. A good
place to start is by visiting http://grants.gov/. Let your
professors know that you will be going to grad school;
they might know of valuable scholarship or grant
programs. Also, using the Researching Colleges
Form may be helpful.
|
|
|
|
|
- If you haven't already selected a graduate school,
consider the school's reputation, cost, and climate.
Web sites such as www.embark.com can help you
research prospective colleges.
- If you took out a loan as an undergraduate, find out if
the loan can be deferred. Depending on the type of loan,
you may be able to delay making student loan payments
if you attend graduate school. Someone in your college's
financial aid office can help you find out about deferments.
- Find out if your college credits will transfer to the
graduate school you've selected. Your current advisor
can go over your transcripts and determine which credits
will transfer. Remember, schools can vary widely on their
policies for accepting credits from other institutions. It's
best to research this before you arrive at your new school.
|
|