UCF Graduate Students >> Future Students >> Preparing for Graduate School

If you ever considered Graduate School, please review these few simple steps before you begin. Good luck!

Step 1.

Take Challenging Courses in an Area of Interest

It is a good idea to take undergraduate or graduate courses that contribute to your overall knowledge of an area of interest and challenge you to think critically.

Step 2.

Conduct Research

Participating in research projects provides students a valuable opportunity to learn more about a program of interest as well as getting to know a faculty member in a non-classroom environment who can also provide useful career contacts and information.

Step 3.

Participate in Internships

Internships provide students an opportunity to learn more about a subject of interest and get to know contacts in the field.

Step 4.

Research Schools and Programs

After deciding to attend graduate school, you should begin doing research on schools and programs that might be of interest to you. You can visit a school's website directly or check out website guides that will give you an insight to several schools and their programs.

Step 5.

What about Financial Aid?

There are many sources of financial support for graduate study. Graduate assistantships often (but not always) pay for a student's tuition, fees, professional memberships, and travel to professional meetings. Make sure you understand what will and will not be covered by the graduate institution. Fellowships are very competitive but are also very prestigious. They do not require service, such as teaching, in return for funding, but some fellowships may have payback requirements. Fellowships can be externally funded or funded by your institution. To find out more about UCF financial asssistance opportunities, visit our Financing Grad School webpage.

Step 6.

Prepare for the GRE or GMAT

Prepare to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the General Managment Admission Test (GMAT) by taking practice tests until you feel comfortable with the content, instructions, and item formats and until you believe you can score up to your ability. Visit www.gre.org or www.mba.com. UCF's Division of Continuing Education also helps students prepare for these important tests through various workshops and programs. Visit www.testprep.ucf.edu or call (407) 882-TEST for more information.

Step 7.

Apply to Graduate School

Each school's application process is different and programs vary in their requirements. Be sure to follow the instructions on your application packet.