A Four-Year Plan for Students Interested in Graduate
School
Unlike students who are thinking about medical school and law
school, there is not a clear set of guidelines or requirements for
those interested in graduate school. Since graduate programs vary
so greatly, it would be ill-advised to try to comprise a
comprehensive four-year plan. Instead, below is a list of
suggestions of what types of activities you should consider if you
are interested in going to graduate school. Please keep in mind
that based on your career and educational interests, not every
suggestion will be appropriate for you.
First Year
- Choose courses that interest you and earn the highest grades
possible
- Meet with professors if you have an interest in their area of
expertise and ask them about working in their fields
- Meet with other professionals who have a career or job you
think you want and ask them what type of advance degree is required
for that field
- Develop foreign language skills if you think you may want to
pursue a career that requires advanced foreign language skills
- Meet with your academic advisor to make sure you are planning
your schedule accordingly if you intend to study abroad or participate
in the Washington Learning
Program
Second and Third Years
- Continue all of the above suggestions.
- Look for opportunities to conduct research on campus, such as
BSI (Butler's Institute for
Research and Scholarship) if you are thinking about a career
path that involves research
- Seek out employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities
related to your field. Not only will they provide you with
experience, but they will also help you ascertain if that is the
right career path for you.
- Let professors know you are interested in graduate school and
ask them for guidance in choosing appropriate programs
- Meet with the pre-graduate school advisor at the Office of
Post-Graduate Studies to discuss graduate school options
- Begin preparing for admission tests, such as the GRE, by
investigating prep books and courses, as well as taking practice
exams
Fourth Year
If you plan to go on to graduate school the fall semester after
you graduate, you will need to apply for graduate programs during
your senior year. The deadlines for most graduate program
applications are between December and February. Deadlines for each
program vary and you should check them early so that you can plan
ahead to have all of your applications in on time. For more
assistance regarding the application process, see The
Application Timeline and make an appointment with the
pre-graduate school advisor.