Choosing the right program can be challenging, but several resources—a few of which are available on campus—can help simplify the process:
1. AAP Summer Graduate Preparation Course (UCLA)
This free six-week program is available to all students and alumni who are considering applying to graduate school. It provides support and insights into the graduate school application process, offering assistance to help you navigate your application. For summer 2024, the Academic Advancement Program, or AAP, shifted this course to a series of hybrid workshops.
2. Graduate and Professional School Exploration Services (UCLA)
This is an invaluable resource where graduate mentors assist you in identifying graduate programs that align with your interests, writing compelling letters of interest, preparing for interviews and much more.
3. The Princeton Review
This website offers a range of resources, including school rankings, admission information and relevant statistics. It also gives you the chance to search for schools based on factors such as location, program type, enrollment size and institution type (public or private).
4. U.S. News & World Report
In addition to offering rankings of graduate schools, this website provides various resources which can help enhance your understanding of the process and alleviate any concerns. You can explore a range of valuable articles, find tips on applying to graduate programs, funding options, GRE information and more.
5. Consulting with faculty and alumni
Professors, alumni and teaching assistants are often very willing to help with the graduate school application process. It’s a good idea to ask them for help, and if they are willing to discuss their personal experiences with graduate school, their advice can provide lots of valuable insight on how to navigate the application process successfully. Their tips can be truly helpful in making informed decisions about your graduate school journey.
As you prepare to apply for graduate school, you will find a lot of resources that will be helpful and informative. Navigating this process may be complex and stress-inducing, but it is important to remember that there is always support available on campus. Do not hesitate to reach out to staff, advisors or peers when you have questions, and remember that you have all the determination and necessary skills to success.
Wishing you best of luck! You got this.
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Featured Image: The book stacks of Powell Library peek from behind a stack of exam prep books. The UCLA Library offers many resources to aid the graduate school application process. Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife.
