Preparing to Apply For Graduate School
Congrats on your decision! Let’s work together to make this as easy a process as possible. Here are some tools to help you determine what is available to you and to aid in the application process. This information is geared toward applying to grad school at USU, but those applying to other grad schools will still find it useful!
Unsure if graduate school at Utah State University is right for you?
Utah State University is truly a student focused institution. Our goal is to give each grad student a world-class graduate experience by fostering exceptional learning environments, offering out-of-class professional development opportunities, and creating a welcoming and interdisciplinary graduate student community.
But don't just take our word for it...
Ask a Current Graduate Student Why They Chose USU!
Our Graduate Student Ambassadors are happy to share why USU was the right choice for their graduate education.
1. Begin networking early within your area of study
Making connections with people in your area of study will help you be ready when it’s time for you to apply to graduate school. These connections will help you with required application documents such as your Letters of Recommendation.
2. Study your programs website
Spend time researching the website of your program of interest to learn application details such as the application window. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Read everything! It is easy to miss things when you skim which could lead to delays in submitting your application or in receiving your application decision.
- Become an expert on the application requirements and make sure you are work to be qualified.
- Find the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) for your program. GPCs play an important role throughout your graduate journey at Utah State University.
- Find out who the academic advisor is for your program.
3. Study the “Steps to Apply” page on the graduate school website
In addition to the individual program requirements, the School of Graduate Studies has requirements that all graduate applicants need to meet.
- Again, it’s important to read everything! It is easy to miss things when you skim which could lead to delays in submitting your application or in receiving your application decision.
- Pay attention to “Step 4” to know supplemental documents are needed to apply.
View Graduate School Requirements
4. Do undergraduate research or apply for an internship
Utah State University is a top university for undergraduate research. Doing undergraduate research will help you stand out among applicants by giving you relevant research experience and building a network in your field of study.
If you’re applying for a professional or a non-research degree, an internship will also help you stand out in among applicants by giving you real world experience and building your network in yur field of study.
View Undergraduate Research Opportunities
5. Make a plan to fund your graduate education
As a Land Grand institution, Utah State University strives to provide world class educational opportunities at affordable prices. Students are given many options to help you invest in your education.
More than half of all graduate students at USU receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, or assistantships.
6. Attend a Grad School Application Documents Workshop
With the Career Design Center
Attend Online or In-Person
Come learn about application documents required to apply to grad school! Already working on your application documents? Come get feedback from the Career Design Center!
Topics include: Writing a Statement of Purpose, how to gather Letters of Recommendation, creating a great CV or Resume, and more.
7. Ask a current graduate student at USU how they prepared for grad school
The Graduate Student Ambassadors are ready to give feed back and advice on how to prepare to apply to graduate school. Ambassadors may also share their experience applying to and deciding to attend the School of Graduate Studies at Utah State University.
Get Expert Advice From a Current Grad Student at USU
Ask one of USU’s Grad Student Ambassadors about their experience deciding to go the grad school!
Ready to apply?
Do you think graduate school may be right for you?
