GRADUATE SCHOOL

is graduate school right for you?

Ask yourself:

• Are you passionate about a subject and eager to go deeper?

• Does an entry-level position in your field require an advanced degree, or would it be more beneficial to gain industry experience before pursuing further education?

• Does your long-term career goal require an advanced degree (e.g., law, counseling, medicine, research)?

• Are you ready—financially, academically, and personally—for more school?

Tip: Talk to faculty, mentors, or professionals in your field to learn how grad school fits into common career paths.

when should i begin looking?

Historically, within one year of graduation, approximately 20% of Eckerd alumni have enrolled in a graduate program—a number that increases to 50% within five years after graduation. The decision to pursue graduate school immediately after earning your undergraduate degree, or to spend 1–2 years gaining experience through an internship or entry-level position, depends on your confidence in your career goals, your financial situation, and whether you meet the admissions criteria for your target programs. Speaking with faculty, mentors, and a Career Advisor can help you make an informed decision about the right timing for graduate school.

Note: Eckerd is committed to supporting alumni long after graduation. Whether you choose to pursue graduate school immediately or later, we strongly encourage alumni to reach out for assistance through TritonTrack or by emailing us at careecenter@eckerd.edu. 

Application Timeline

Junior Year (or 1–1.5 Years Before You Apply)

• Explore programs: Research graduate programs that align with your interests and career goals.

• Talk with mentors: Meet with faculty, alumni, and career advisors to discuss options.

• Gain experience: Strengthen your resume with internships, research, leadership, or relevant work experience.

• Start test prep: If required (e.g., GRE, LSAT, MCAT), begin preparing or register for prep courses.

Summer Before Senior Year

• Narrow your list: Finalize your list of schools and note all deadlines.

• Begin drafting materials: Start your personal statement and request letters of recommendation.

• Take entrance exams: Aim to complete any required standardized testing.

Fall of Senior Year

• Finalize materials: Edit and refine your personal statement and resume/CV. Schedule a career advising appointment to get final feedback on your materials. 

• Request recommendation letters: Provide recommenders with at least 4–6 weeks’ notice and include helpful documents like your resume and statement draft.

• Submit applications: Most deadlines fall between October and January—submit early when possible.

Spring of Senior Year

• Interview (if applicable): Prepare for virtual or in-person interviews.

• Compare offers: Review admissions decisions and financial aid packages.

Rolling Admissions

Some graduate programs have rolling admissions, which means they accept applications as they are submitted and may make decisions before the application deadline. Be sure to check with each program, as applying early can increase your chances of acceptance and possibly financial aid opportunities.

How to explore programs

Program Focus & Curriculum

• What is the program’s emphasis—more research-heavy or practice-based?

• Are there concentrations or tracks you can choose from?

• How much flexibility is there in course selection?

• Are internships, practicums, or fieldwork required?

Tip: Explore the program’s website to review course offerings and degree requirements. Connect with current students on LinkedIn to gain firsthand insights. Many universities provide alumni pages where you can find students in your program of interest who can offer personal perspectives to help guide your decision.

Faculty Research Interests

Graduate study often involves working closely with faculty—especially in thesis-based or research programs.

• What are the research areas of the core faculty?

• Are there faculty whose work aligns with your interests?

• Are professors actively publishing or leading projects you’d want to be involved in?

Tip: Read recent papers or lab descriptions. Strong alignment here can boost your application and enrich your experience.

Location & Learning Format (in-person, hybrid, online)

Where and how you’ll learn matters.

• Is the program in a location where you’d enjoy living?

• Are classes in-person, online, or hybrid?

• Are online options synchronous (live sessions) or asynchronous (on your own time)?

• Is relocation required, or can you study remotely?

Tip: Online programs can offer flexibility but may lack hands-on or community-building experiences. Consider what learning style suits you best.

Funding and Assistantships

Graduate school can be expensive, but many programs offer support.

• Is funding guaranteed or competitive?

• Are teaching or research assistantships available?

• What’s the typical funding package (tuition remission, stipend, etc.)?

• Are scholarships or fellowships available?

Tip: Public universities often offer better in-state tuition rates. PhD programs tend to offer more funding than master’s programs.

Career Outcomes of Graduates

Look ahead to your post-graduate path.

• What kinds of jobs do graduates typically land?

• Are alumni going into the types of roles or employers you want?

• Does the program provide career services or internship support?

• Are there strong alumni networks or mentorship opportunities?

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the admissions office for a list of recent alumni outcomes or to speak with graduates directly.

preparing your application

Most applications ask for:

• Transcripts: 

  • • Eckerd has appointed Parchment as the designated agent for processing and sending official electronic transcripts. For more information, visit the Registrar’s website.  

• Unofficial Transcripts: 

  • • Log into ECExperience > Profile Page > Academic Transcript > Choose Transcript Level and Transcript Type > Print Icon

• Letters of recommendation (ask early!)

• Personal statement or statement of purpose

• Resume or CV

• Test scores (e.g., GRE, MCAT, LSAT—check if required)

Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to help with: 

• Drafting and reviewing your personal statement

• Choosing and reaching out to recommenders

• Creating a strong grad school resume or CV

• Planning a timeline for deadlines and testing

additional resources

• Peterson's Graduate School Search

• GradSchools.com 

• Graduate Admissions Tests at a Glance: GMAT, GRE, LSAT, TOEFL & IELTS