Students
and alumni considering graduate or professional school programs can work with
the Career
Services staff to assess the pros and cons of an advanced degree. We
can help you discern and reflect on the decisions ahead including when, how,
and where to apply after graduating from Hendrix.
Here are some reflection questions to serve as a guide
through the process:
- What are your career
goals?
Is a graduate degree necessary? Searched Linked
In to find examples of career pathways that you are seeking. Consider
whether gaining more experience through employment, a gap year experience,
internship, or shadowing might be useful in your application process.
Many application cycles begin a year or more before enrollment
(i.e., if you plan to begin your program in Fall 2026, you will apply in
Fall 2025).
- Narrow your list of
schools. Search
Linked
In for the career you want and which programs people sought for that
career. Use search engines such as Peterson’s
Guide and GradSchools.com
to find programs. Consider applying to 4 to 6 schools. Where are
the scholars in your field? Which program best fits your career goals?
Where do you want to live for the foreseeable future? What are the
employment outcomes of the graduates? Does the vision of the program or
the institution’s philosophy fit with your own values? What are the
financial aid opportunities?
- Create a spreadsheet. What is the application
timeline for each program? Is there a common application? How many
recommendations are needed? Do you need a graduate admission test (i.e.
GRE, LSAT, etc.)? You can request transcripts through the Office
of the Registrar. Most programs require a personal statement and a
curriculum vitae (CV). Some programs will invite you for an interview and
some will request a writing sample. The Career
Services staff can help with personal statements and mock interviews.
Search Engines for graduate programs
Graduate Admission Tests
Financial Aid
www.finaid.org
Soros
Fellowship (immigrants and children of immigrants eligible)
Samvid
Scholarship (merit-based graduate scholarship)
-Check with professional associations for scholarships
(i.e., American Physical Therapy Association | APTA, Association of Social Work Boards (aswb.org))
-Search for employment opportunities at the institution. The
position may give a tuition discount or provide housing on campus.
-Graduate programs often have teaching fellowships, research
assistantships, and other financial aid opportunities. Check with each
program’s Office of Admission.