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Graduate School

Graduate school is an important step in many people’s career journeys. This page contains information about deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree, the application process, getting application support, and more.

Did you know?

Most Macalester grads do not go straight into graduate school after completing their undergraduate education; only 15% of the class of 2025 were enrolled in a graduate program 6 months after graduating from Macalester.

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Planning

Whether or not to attend graduate school is an important decision! Here are some questions to ask yourself to guide your thinking. If you’d like to talk with a career advisor about pursuing graduate school, please schedule an appointment on Handshake.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • What subjects, courses, and projects have you been passionate about? 
  • What questions or problems inspire you within your field?
  • Is a graduate degree necessary for what you want to do in your career? 
  • What type of program will you attend? There are two types of graduate degrees: academic (Master of Arts, Master of Science, PhD) and professional (MBA, JD, MD, MSW, PsyD).
    • Academic programs focus on communicating new ideas through original research.
    • Professional programs stress the application of knowledge and skills.
  • Do you want to go to graduate school right after college or would you like to gain work experience first?
  • How will you afford graduate school?
    • There are many options for scholarships, loans, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.
    • Pursue your funding options early as many are competitive and require preparation in advance of starting your graduate program.
    • Reach out to program administrators and financial aid officers at the institutions of interest, and talk with a career advisor at Mac if you need help.

Get more information

Graduate school is a big commitment of time and finances. Make a thoughtful decision by pursuing some of these steps:

  1. Talk to people: Get the inside scoop on particular programs, degrees, and application tips by talking to people who have enrolled in or completed a graduate program that interests you.
    • Search alumni on MacConnect and LinkedIn
    • Many Macalester staff and faculty members have completed graduated degree programs. They may also be able to recommend people for you to connect with. 
  2. Research programs
    • Compare factors like faculty, courses, tuition cost, scholarship availability, application timelines, etc.
    • Attend info sessions.
  3. Get experience in the field
    • If you’re really unsure, consider applying for entry-level jobs in your field of interest, or engage in volunteer opportunities. You’ll engage with people in the field and get a better idea of what working in this area would look like.

Applying

Standardized Testing

Requirements vary by type of programs and school, but common exams include:

Common application components:

  • Personal Statement. Your personal statement allows the admission committee to picture you as an individual, understand your goals. Review our Personal Statement Quick Start Guide (gdoc). We always suggest meeting with the Writing Center to get your personal statement reviewed.
  • Letters of Recommendation. Develop strong relationships with professors and supervisors throughout your undergraduate years and keep in touch after graduation. These are the people you will be asking to write you a recommendation. Give your letter writers at least one month’s notice and any supplemental information they request to assist them in writing the most effective argument for your admission.
  • Interviews. Some graduate schools may invite you to interview with them upon reviewing your application. You can practice interviewing with a Career Advisor and/or on the “Big Interview” online tool, to which you have free access as a Macalester student.
  • Transcripts. You will need to send your undergraduate transcripts from Macalester. 
  • Portfolio. You may be asked to submit a sampling of your work. If so, be sure your personal statement and essays (if applicable) align with the vision you represent in your portfolio.
  • Application Forms and Fees. Each form should be thoughtfully filled out and carefully proofread. Fees are often associated with applications, but may be able to be waived by the school’s department of financial aid. Also, check with your Macalester academic department advisor to see if they offer any application fee funds.

General Timeline & Checklist

Though each school has a wide variety of requirements in their application process, the following checklist provides an outline of materials required for most programs. 

Note: law school and medical school often have significantly different application requirements and schedules. Speak with your pre-med or pre-law advisor for more information specific to that application process.

12 to 15 Months before Enrollment

  • Research schools and funding options
  • Seek advice from faculty and professionals in your field, including Macalester alumni
  • Register for, prepare for, and take admissions tests (Macalester students can check MCSG for grant funds)
  • Request letters of recommendation
  • Draft your application strategy and begin your personal statement 
  • Consult with Career Advisors on application strategy and themes.

9 to 12 Months before Enrollment

  • Revise your personal statement (Work with Macalester’s Writing Center)
  • Confirm your letters of recommendation
  • Submit application forms and fees
  • Request and submit transcripts
  • Prepare for and conduct interviews
  • Follow up with each program

6 Months before Enrollment

  • Complete financial aid applications
  • Consider your options
  • Reconnect with people who assisted you in the process. Share an update for your next steps. 

(Adapted from “Planning for Graduate School” by Bowdoin College Career Planning Center).