Applying to Graduate & Professional School

Applying to grad school can be a daunting process, whether you’re finishing your undergrad degree, completing another degree program or working full-time. We encourage you to bring specific questions to a 1-on-1 appointment  where a career advisor will discuss your goals and guide you in developing a course of action.

Is Grad School Right for You?

Typically 16-20% of Tufts seniors go directly to graduate or professional studies after graduation. Of those who do not go right away, 77% plan to pursue graduate work within the next three years.

The decision is highly individual; however, it could be a good fit if you are:

  • Pursuing a specific occupation that requires an advanced degree such as medicine, law, university teaching
  • Committed to a specific field of study and want to gain knowledge and expertise
  • Aware of how an advanced degree will further your career goals

Before you make the decision, research what’s needed to succeed in the field you choose. In some cases, you may flourish with only a bachelor’s degree. There are many career options for different Tufts majors.

Evaluating Graduate Programs

A school’s reputation is an important factor, but it’s often overrated. The most important criteria involve how well the program matches your specific interests, abilities, academic background and finances. Do your homework to make sure a program will meet your needs.

Consult with faculty and students in your intended field of study.

  • Talk to professors and read professional journals to find people who are researching and publishing in your area of interest. You could gain valuable information to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
  • Seek out those already in your chosen line of work. Ask how their selection of school/program influenced their career development. If you’re targeting particular employers, contact those companies’ human resource departments and ask where they recruit grad students.

Evaluate the specific program.

The quality and reputation of a program and its professors is more important than the overall status of the institution. Stay focused on how a program will help you get to the next step of your career.

Use The Herd and the Tufts University Career Network on LinkedIn.

Thousands of alumni have offered to share their professional and academic experiences with you. Find alumni in LinkedIn and in The Herd (the Tufts mentoring platform) who have earned graduate degrees similar to the one(s) you’re researching and learn from their advice.

Consider the financial aid package.

Ask about the duration of funding and the possibility of increased funding depending on your academic performance. Here’s more information about paying for grad school.

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