Graduate and Professional School Planning Guide - Decision, Timing, and Application Timeline

Sep 17, 2026

Graduate and Professional School Planning Guide supports prospective applicants in making a thoughtful decision about whether advanced study fits academic interests, career goals, readiness, and personal circumstances. It explains factors to weigh before applying, compares reasons to attend immediately versus later, and provides a general application timeline from junior year through confirmation and enrollment. The guide also outlines practical criteria and research resources for evaluating graduate programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

The Graduate School Decision

When to Attend?

The Grad School Timeline

Researching and Evaluating Graduate Programs

Graduate and Professional School Planning Guide The Graduate School Decision There are so many great reasons to go to graduate or professional school. Graduate school gives students the opportunity to focus on a topic they are enthusiastic about and can open the door to career advancement, financial security as well as a rich and satisfying life. However, before jumping into the graduate school application process, you may want to consider whether graduate school is the right option for you. The decision to go to graduate school requires careful thought and should not be made lightly. In addition to making a financial commitment, you could be spending from one to seven years enrolled in a program. Reflect and consider the following: • Do I really love the field enough to obtain an advanced degree? • Is an advanced degree required to enter my field of interest? • Am I enthusiastic about continuing my education now? Am I ready for more school or am I feeling “burned out”? • Am I going to graduate school to postpone entrance into the “real world”? • Do I have the qualities and skills necessary for success in graduate school? • Am I making the decision to go to graduate school or am I satisfying the expectations of family , friends and/or faculty? • Do I have the financial resources and what is the financial cost benefit of attending graduate school currently? When to attend? Each year, 25-30% of Ursinus College graduates pursue additional education immediately after graduation. However, a far greater percentage earns a graduate or professional school degree at some point later in their career. Many UC graduates work for a year or more before beginning an advanced degree. Reasons to attend immediately: • I am in the “study mode” and continuing now will be easier for me • I have no major financial pressures such as marriage, mortgage, or children • My undergraduate loans can be deferred while in graduate school • I can enter my profession sooner than if I took some time off Reasons to postpone attending graduate school: • Senior year is busy; I will have more time to research the right program • A year of work or service will make me a more competitive & committed applicant • I need a little time off to re-group, refocus and revive The Grad School Timeline The following is a general guide to planning your application process Junior Year/Summer (before senior year or year before you plan to apply): • Begin researching programs and discussing plans with your academic advisor, interested faculty and Career and Post-Graduate Development advisors • Identify appropriate programs, visit websites, and narrow down a list of target schools • Attend schools’ information sessions and/or open houses • Prepare and sign up for required standardized testing – complete testing, if possible • Explore opportunities for fellowships , scholarships and other financial assistance • Strengthen your graduate school application by participating in the UC Summer Fellows program and/or completing an honors project in your major. • Begin to request strong letters of recommendation from faculty & advisors September/October: • Begin work on applications and request official transcripts • Complete all required testing and write first draft of personal statement • Follow-up with faculty & advisors and continue to request strong letters of recommendation November/December: • Get feedback on personal statement and prepare final draft • Complete all parts of application and mail or submit online. Keep copies of everything you send • Begin working on financial aid applications • Remind letter writers of recommendation deadlines January/February/March: • Interview or visit potential schools • Write thank you notes to those who have met with you and helped you • Relax and wait for your letters of acceptance • Confirm your enrollment and make the deposit to your new school • Celeb

FAQs

What key factors should you consider before applying to graduate or professional school?

Consider whether you genuinely love the field, whether an advanced degree is required, your readiness after any burnout, and whether you have the qualities and skills for success. Also evaluate financial resources and whether the choice aligns with or differs from expectations of family, friends, and faculty.

What are the main reasons to attend graduate school immediately after graduation?

Reasons include staying in “study mode,” avoiding major financial pressures like marriage, mortgage, or children, deferring undergraduate loans while in graduate school, and entering your profession sooner than if you postponed.

How should you research and evaluate graduate programs?

Use criteria such as the university and department reputation, curriculum and program length, course/research requirements, faculty research interests, applicant acceptance rates, location and size, total program cost and funding, and the success of departmental graduates. Also consult faculty, career advisors, current students, campus visits, and websites or directories.

Sep 17, 2026

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