Graduate School Planning: Applications, Essays & Admissions Tests

This guide provides an overview of the basic requirements for admission to most graduate programs.

Applying to graduate school can be a confusing, frustrating and tiresome process. This About.com guide answers many of the questions you might have about getting into graduate school.

The Educational Testing Service site includes links to information for most graduate school admissions tests, including information about registering for tests, practice tests and more.

The official website for the GMAT allows you to find a test center, sign-up and prepare for the test used by graduate business programs to make admissions decisions.

From the Princeton Review, this page provides a sample schedule for a student hoping to enter grad school in the fall. This is a best-case scenario that leaves time to craft a great application, resolve unforeseen problems (a lost transcript, a delinquent recommender) and submit with time to spare.

Geared towards working professionals, this guide walks you through application tasks the year before you plan to attend.

Graduate school admission timelines for grad school applicants.

The official website for the GRE allows you to find a test center, sign-up and prepare for the test.

A commercial test preparation service.

Practice tests to prepare for the MAT exam.

Information from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

A commercial test preparation service.

A list of 10 reasons to attend graduate school compiled by MastersDegree.net

There are many resources that you can use as you begin the test preparation process. You will find much information about most tests completely free and online at official websites, containing test dates, the types of questions, how long the test will take, and most other questions concerning the details of the test. This site also provides access to test study guides and free practice tests that will help you prepare as well.

Your graduate school personal statement may initially get only five minutes of an admissions officer's attention. In those five minutes you have to show that you are a good pick for the school. Use this guide from Peterson's Online to help prepare an effective essay.

Common questions, points to consider to get you started, etc.