Applying to Graduate School
What Is Graduate School?
Graduate school offers advanced, focused study in a specific field—unlike undergrad, which covers a broad range of subjects.
Types of Graduate Degrees:
- Professional Master's (e.g., M.Ed., MBA, MSW): Prepares you for specific careers with hands-on experience like internships or fieldwork.
- Research Master's (e.g., M.A., M.S.): Focuses on academic research; may lead to a Ph.D. or stand alone.
- Professional Doctorate (e.g., M.D., J.D.): Required for practicing in fields like medicine or law.
- Research Doctorate (Ph.D.): Includes coursework and major research; ideal for teaching, research, or specialized careers.
Roughly one-third of Creighton University's undergraduates continue study immediately following graduation. Whether you are continuing in a graduate or professional program immediately following your undergraduate degree or you are an alumnus applying after a few years out, the John P. Fahey Career Center can aid in the application and discernment process. Please see the information below as well as consider making an appointment with a Career Advisor.
Why Pursue Grad School?
A graduate degree can expand your career options, increase earning potential, or help you dive deeper into a subject you're passionate about. Master’s degrees can open doors in business, education, nonprofits, and government. Doctorates often lead to careers in academia, research, or high-level roles in industry and government.
Is It Right for You?
Consider graduate school if you:
- Need an advanced degree for your dream job (e.g., law, medicine, teaching).
- Are deeply interested in a subject and ready for a multi-year commitment.
Think twice if you're only going to:
- Delay job hunting.
- Please others (family, friends, professors).
- Avoid uncertainty about your future.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are my career goals—and does grad school help achieve them?
- Do I have the interest and discipline for more school?
- Could work experience help clarify my goals?
- Are there other ways to gain the skills I want (e.g., certifications, workshops)?
When to Go: Now or Later?
There’s no perfect timeline. Consider going now if your goals are clear and you’re ready. Or, take time to work, build experience, and gain clarity.
Things to weigh:
- Will your GPA/test scores be stronger now or later?
- Could work experience enhance your grad school application?
- Can you afford it—or might an employer help pay?
How to Apply
The application process varies from school to school. In many cases an admissions committee of faculty and administrators makes the selections, using criteria beyond just grades and test scores. For research-based programs, individual faculty may select candidates that match the department's needs for certain expertise or interests.
It is important that you find out the selection procedure for each school to which you apply and tailor your application to show how you fit.
General Rule: apply to at least two or three institutions with programs that match your interests. We recommend applying to a mix of prestigious and competitive universities and those with fairly large programs where you feel you have a reasonable chance of being accepted. If you are accepted at more than one, you will have choices.
- Complete the Application Form: It should be filled out clearly and accurately, using your full, legal name on all forms.
- Personal Essay: Many graduate and professional programs require you to submit a personal essay or statement of purpose addressing why you are interested in the field of study in accordance with a specific prompt. Find more information on crafting your personal statement below.
- Application fees: Vary by program and financial need waivers may be available.
- Transcripts and grades: Request for official transcripts are sent through the Registar. The minimum cumulative GPA required for most graduate programs is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Financial Aid: Many graduate programs will ask you to submit a FAFSA for consideration for financial aid. There may be additional funding sources available to finance your education.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most institutions will request between three and five letters of recommendation. It is best to obtain recommendations from faculty members and employers who are qualified to evaluate your academic and/or work performance.
- Test Scores: Many graduate programs have gone test optional for admissions, but be sure to review their requirements to determine if you need to take a standardized exam to apply.
- Personal Interviews: Some graduate and professional schools will grant an interview as part of the application process. The interview gives the admissions committee an opportunity to determine if there is a match between what their institution has to offer. Review our Interviewing Resources for more help preparing with this piece of the application.
The Personal Statement
The audience for your "personal essay" is an admissions committee composed of members of your future profession or academic discipline. When they read your essay, they will be seeking depth and substance, along with a true passion and commitment to your area of study. They will also be looking for individual traits or characteristics that make you an outstanding graduate school candidate.
How to Get Started
- It is imperative that you conduct a thorough self-assessment of your interests, motivations and career goals before you begin to write.
Consider these questions about your own abilities, background, interests and plans: - Why do I want to pursue a graduate or professional school program?
- What are the special features, approaches, or values of this particular program?
- How do my interests, values, strengths, experiences, ambitions and plans relate to what this program offers? Why do I want to be a part of this program? Why would this program want me?
- What is my interest and motivation in this field? What have I gotten out of it so far and what do I hope to get out of it? Can I trace my interest and motivation to any concrete experience?
- What are my strengths related to this field, personal, academic, and experiential?
- What experiences demonstrate my competence and motivation in this field?
- Do my relevant experiences fall into any pattern or have unifying themes?
Writing Tips
- Start with a Compelling Hook
A strong opening grabs attention and sets the tone. Begin your personal statement with a sentence or short story that engages your reader. This could be a moment of inspiration, a challenge you overcame, or an anecdote that shows your interest in the field. - Show, Don’t Just Tell
Avoid vague claims like “I’m passionate about helping others.” Instead, describe specific experiences—volunteering, internships, and class projects—that demonstrate your commitment and growth. Include details that make your story memorable and authentic. - Be Focused and Purposeful
Stick to one or two key themes and avoid listing your entire resume. Think of the statement as a focused narrative that supports your application. Clearly explain your academic and career goals connected with the program you're applying for. - Directly Address the Prompt
Carefully read and respond to the specific question or prompt provided. This may be general or customized to a specific school. Staying on-topic shows that you can follow directions and present relevant, thoughtful content tailored to your audience. - Revise and Get Feedback
Your first draft is never your final draft. Revise multiple times for clarity, grammar, and tone. Ask a mentor or advisor to review it. Fresh eyes can catch errors and help refine your message.
