Application Requirements and Processes

Paperwork

Completed Application

A school's graduate application usually will accompany the materials that you request from the school. Also, many schools have on-line applications accessible on the Worldwide Web.

Letters of Recommendation

Most programs require two to four letters from former employers, professors, or other individuals who would provide insight into the appropriateness of your candidacy for graduate school. If you are considering graduate school, you should begin considering whom you would like to ask to write letters for you. Remember that these people will probably be busy so give them plenty of time to follow through on your request before your application deadline. You also will need to provide these individuals with addresses of the schools, and application deadlines. It would be most beneficial to sit down with your potential writers to discuss why you are interested in graduate school and the program to which you are applying.

Transcripts

Graduate schools usually want a record of all undergraduate coursework and any graduate coursework you have completed previously. Some applicants often overlook correspondence classes that should be included when requesting transcripts. These transcripts usually need to be "official" copies sent directly from the university or college where credit was given. You will need to provide each institution with the appropriate mailing address and deadlines.

Personal Essay

The purpose of this essay is to prove to the Graduate College that you are a good candidate for their program. This essay should include your academic ability, prior experience, and proof of your dedication to the field of study. DO NOT take this step lightly. If an interview is not required, this may be the only opportunity you have to market yourself directly.

Testing

Required Examinations

Many graduate programs require a graduate exam as part of the application process;

GRE: Graduate Record Exam
GMAT: General Management Admission Test
LSAT: Law School Admission Test
MCAT: Medical College Admission Test
MAT: Millers Analogies Test
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

Be sure to ask if any of these tests are required for admission to the programs of interest to you. For links to information on other examinations, click here.

UNI Students

The University of Northern Iowa is a testing center in the state of Iowa. The tests that are compiled by the Educational Testing Service (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, etc.) are usually offered on the UNI campus. The Millers Analogies Test is also offered by appointment only. When only a small number of students select to take the test at a given time, a bulk-testing time allotment is not set aside. Contact Examination and Evaluation Services located in the 125 East Bartlett for more information.

Interviews

Some graduate schools require a personal interview. This is to your advantage because it gives you the opportunity to market yourself and to gather more specific information about the institution, its location and programs. Don't forget to ask about potential interviews early so you can make the necessary arrangements to be available. Also, if you feel nervous about your performance in an interview, you may want to consider preparing yourself in a mock interview that can be scheduled through the UNI Career Services. Be sure to let the staff know you are practicing for a graduate school interview when you schedule your interview time.

Cost of Application Process

If you are applying to the school from which you received your baccalaureate degree, the application fee for your graduate school application may be waived. Otherwise, you will usually be required to pay an application fee to get things started.

Budgeting for the Application Process

Fulfilling all the application requirements can be costly. Application fees can range anywhere between $20 and $50 for each school. There is a charge for graduate exams (ex. GRE = $130.00 for U.S.), and you also must pay to have your test scores sent to schools. Sending transcripts usually cost a few dollars for each copy requested, and some schools want more than one copy. It is not uncommon for this entire process to total over $300.00. Keep that in mind when you feel that you should apply to 10 different programs.