Pursue Graduate School

Take time to clarify if graduate school is right for you and aligns with your future plans.

Do a Self-Assessment and Set Goals:

• Reflect on your career goals and your reasons for pursuing graduate school. If your reason is to delay entry into the job market or take more time to decide on a career path, grad school may not be the right step for you at this time. Talk to a Career Coach to explore other options.
• Determine whether an advanced degree is essential for your desired career path. If you’re not sure, talk to people in your field of interest (see Career Conversations Guide).
• Consider whether you’re genuinely excited about further study and the graduate school experience.
• Remember that clarity is crucial—grad school is a big commitment, so make sure you actually want the careers that will be available to you upon receiving your degree.
• Talk with a career coach or mentor to explore your interests and evaluate your options.

Compare fields, formats, and schools to find programs that fit your goals.

Start exploring graduate programs early to give yourself plenty of time to research and compare options.

• Determine which field of study and degree type (e.g., Master’s, Ph.D., Ed.D., MBA) best aligns with your goals.
• Use UM’s Explore Programs page to find Master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs offered at the University of Montana.
• Explore other universities if UM doesn’t offer your desired program or you’re ready for a change of scenery.
• For each program, review faculty specializations, course offerings, and program structure to see if it’s the right fit.
• Attend information sessions or graduate school fairs (virtual or in-person) to gather more details and ask questions.
• Look for open houses where you can learn more about faculty, facilities, and program culture.
• Connect with current grad students or alumni to gain an insider’s perspective on the program experience.

Get guidance from people who know your field and can help you make informed choices.

Don’t plan alone – seek guidance.

• Talk to your professors in your desired field of study; they can offer advice on reputable graduate programs in your field.
• Meet with a UM career coach to explore whether graduate school aligns with your long-term career goals.
• If you have a specific research interest, research faculty at potential grad programs whose work aligns with yours.
• In some research-based programs, identifying a faculty advisor in advance can strengthen your application (or even be required).
• Initiate a polite email conversation with faculty to express your interest in their work and inquire about opportunities in their lab or group. This outreach can demonstrate your enthusiasm and help you make a more informed decision about where to apply.

Stay on track by learning what each program needs and when to submit it.

Create a list of graduate or professional programs you’re interested in, then research the application requirements and timelines for each.

• Every graduate program is different—read each program’s application instructions carefully.
• Common application requirements include:
  • Online application form
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.)
  • Letters of recommendation (see Letters of Recommendation guide)
  • Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, or other personal essay
  • Resume/CV
  • Writing sample or portfolio
• Make a checklist for each program to track required materials and deadlines.
• Note application deadlines—many are due in late fall or winter for a fall start, but dates vary.
• Plan ahead if you need to schedule exams (e.g., GRE, TOEFL) or complete any prerequisite courses.
• Create a calendar to track all deadlines, including financial aid applications or graduate assistantships, to stay organized.

Give yourself (and others) plenty of time to gather materials that show your strengths.

• Order official transcripts from the registrar for each undergraduate institution you’ve attended—including dual credit or transfer schools.
• Request transcripts early, as processing and delivery can take time—don’t wait until the last minute.
• Line up your letters of recommendation well in advance of application deadlines. Use this Letters of Recommendation Guide.
• Identify 2–4 recommenders who can speak to your academic or professional qualifications—such as professors, research supervisors, or employers.
• Ask at least a month in advance (or earlier) to give them ample time to prepare a thoughtful letter.
• Provide each recommender with:
  • Your resume
  • A draft of your personal statement
  • A list of the programs you’re applying to and relevant deadlines
• This helps them write a strong, personalized letter tailored to your goals.
• (At UM, many professors are familiar with this process—don’t be shy about asking!)

Craft a compelling story that shows who you are and why you’re a great fit.

Most graduate applications require a Statement of Purpose or personal essay—this is your opportunity to share your motivation, goals, and fit for the program.

• Start drafting early, ideally the summer before your senior year.
• Tailor your statement for each program, referencing specific faculty, research areas, or resources that interest you.
• Use Experiential Learning and Career Success (ELCS), UM Writing Center, and the OWL at Purdue’s Personal Statement Writing Guide for support.
• Meet with a career coach to review and refine your drafts. Also, ask a trusted professor or advisor to provide feedback.
  • Hearing multiple perspectives from people who are knowledgeable about graduate school admissions and/or your field will help you make informed decisions about your content.
• Revise multiple times to strengthen clarity and impact.
• A compelling, well-written narrative can make your application stand out from the crowd.

Explore funding options and understand the financial investment ahead.

Graduate school is a major investment, so begin researching funding options early.

• Fill out the FAFSA even before you’re admitted—while you won’t get Pell Grants as a grad student, you may qualify for other aid.
• Look into program-based funding such as:
  • Assistantships (teaching or research roles)
  • Fellowships
  • Tuition waivers and stipends (common in Ph.D. programs)
• Master’s programs may offer fewer funded spots but check for graduate assistant roles or departmental scholarships.
• Search for external scholarships and fellowships, such as:
  • NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (for STEM fields)
  • ProFellow database (thousands of fellowships)
• UM’s TRIO office and Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships can help you find funding opportunities and resources.
• Start budgeting early—account for application fees, test fees, and relocation costs.
• If possible, start saving money now to ease the transition.
• Remember: investing in grad school is investing in yourself—seek out financial support to do it wisely.

Stay organized as you apply—and know what to expect after you hit “submit.”

• Double-check each application before the deadline to ensure all parts are complete.
• Confirm you’ve uploaded all required materials:
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • Writing sample or portfolio (if needed)
• Verify that your letters of recommendation have been submitted.
• Use application portals to track your status and check for missing documents.
• Submit applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
• After submitting, follow up to confirm that your:
  • Test scores
  • Transcripts
• have been received.
• If the program includes an interview, prepare thoroughly by:
  • Reviewing your application
  • Practicing responses about your goals and research interests
    (Tip: Experiential Learning and Career Success offers mock admissions interviews to help you practice, or you can do so through Big Interview.)
• Once everything is submitted, congratulations! You’re officially in the waiting phase.
• Most decisions are released in the spring.
• When offers arrive, compare financial aid packages and other factors.
• If possible, visit admitted schools to help you make an informed decision about your next step.

Use campus resources, stay connected, and take it step-by-step.

• Remember: UM has your back throughout the graduate school application process.
  Connect with peers who are also applying—forming a support or study group can keep you motivated and accountable.
• Attend workshops on graduate school planning (if available) for guidance and tips.
• Keep a spreadsheet to track each program’s requirements, deadlines, and progress.
• The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into small steps—research, testing, writing—makes it manageable.
• Start early and stay organized to reduce stress and meet deadlines confidently.
• Use available resources to strengthen your application and set yourself up for success.