Post-Graduation Resources

https://career.ku.edu/graduate-school The University Career Center website provides four key steps in your consideration of graduate school.

https://collegeonline.ku.edu/grad-school-week The College Online provides informational videos on application materials, recommendation letters, and a peer discussion. You can find resources on the right side of the navigational column

https://gradapply.ku.edu/explore/academics KU offers over 450 graduate programs across five campuses. The Office of Graduate Admissions connects you with information on program profiles, professors, research, as well as specific degree options through the Edwards campus, the KU Med Center, and online programs.

https://gradschoolmatch.com/ This is a helpful resource if you know that you want to go to graduate school, but need help finding the best academic program/school to match with your area of interest

https://coga.ku.edu/people/staff Connect with a graduate-level academic advisor

If you are interested in a KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences graduate program, you should use this website to identify your College of Graduate Affairs (COGA) advisor. The graduate-level advisor can talk with you about the application process, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences program requirements, and they can give you a feel for what to expect with graduate school. Find your prospective advisor and reach out today!

Would you like to discuss your areas of academic interest with someone in the field? Reach out to a KU faculty advisor in your intended area of study. 

During your sophomore year, begin to explore departmental opportunities (honors, clubs, research, directed readings, etc.) to help you gain unique and relevant experience to your career interests.  This is a great time to try something to see if you truly want to pursue a path long term.  Not sure where to start?  Check with your academic advisor!

• During your junior year, begin researching graduate programs (if you haven’t started yet).  The University Career Center provides a helpful tools to help you in your search.

• Narrow down list of grad programs and take into consideration:

  • Program Strengths

  • Admission Information and Requirements

  • Funding Opportunities

• Talk with faculty and GTAs to learn more.  Ask them the following:

  • Do I need a masters of Ph.D. for what I want to go into?

  • What is the job market like in this field?

  • Which path will align best with my long term goals?

  • Anything else that is important to you in making a decision.

  • Start with someone you have a relationship with already or the graduate director of your department.

• Take advanced courses that are suggested for your program of study (for example, it advanced statistics or methods courses are recommended for some programs, while advance writing courses may be recommended for others).

• Create a short-list of your top grad school programs and budget cost of applications.

• Start writing a personal statement. The KU Writing Center is happy to help!

• Update your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).  University Career Center coaches can help with this.

• Prepare for any entrance exam that may be required.  Begin studying at the begging of the summer and plan to take the test before the fall semester begins.

  • Many programs requirement GRE exam, while others require different entrance exams.

  • Some programs may not require an entrance exam – if you are unsure, contact the school offering the program you are interested in.

• If needed, take the GRE (or other entrance exam) again early in the semester.

  • Some programs won’t take highest score only, but average or lowest score, so double check on program requirements

• Early in semester, request letters of recommendation from faculty.
  • Provide all needed information, such as a current resume and directions on where to upload letters.
  • Be sure to give buffer space for your letters of rec. to be carefully crafted and submitted in time.

• Gather all application materials

• Request a transcript through the KU Registrar.

• Focus on finishing your undergraduate coursework. Finish strong!

• Apply for Undergraduate graduation.

• Share Commencement Information with family.

• Wait for decisions and next step information from grad programs.