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Applying to Graduate School requires thought and preparation

Grad School 101

Grad School 101 Professional Development Series provides current undergraduate students a glimpse into the Graduate School application process with the resources, programming, and support necessary to achieve their aspirations for graduate study.

The Grad School 101: Professional Development Series aims to help Mizzou undergraduates learn about graduate school through four sessions. Each semester will see the series repeated up to three times. In the Fall semester, the series will take place in September, October, and November, and in the Spring semester, February, March, and April. There will be two series modalities, in-person and online.

Description of the Series

Session 1: What is Grad School, and Is it For Me?

  • This session will discuss degree options (master’s, specialist, doctorate), career choices with a graduate degree, the difference between a traditional graduate degree and a professional one, an overview of the funding structure, and considerations for pursuing graduate school.
  • Who is this for? All undergraduates who want to explore further education after their bachelor’s.

Session 2: How Can I Identify a Graduate Program for My Needs?

  • This session will discuss identifying graduate programs, connecting career aspirations with the appropriate graduate degree, reading and finding pertinent information about a program (focus, faculty, funding, resources), and a timeline to optimize chances of getting into graduate school.
  • Who is this for? Juniors and Seniors.

Session 3: How do I Assemble my Application for Graduate School?

  • This session will discuss application components like personal statements and recommendation letters, provide tips for assembling materials, and provide a checklist for the next steps.
  • Who is this for? Juniors and Seniors who attended Session 2 or already identified a graduate program.

Session 4: Graduate Student Panel

  • This session will be a conversation with graduate students on how they navigated applying to graduate school, what they wished they knew beforehand, and their advice for prospective graduate students.
  • Who is this for? All undergraduate students focus on Juniors and Seniors who attended Sessions 2 and 3 or have already started a graduate school application.

To register, go to MU Engage, click Groups, and search for Graduate School. Choose the session that is right for you.

Spring 2025 Series and Dates

February 2025 Series:

  • Session 1: What is Grad School, and Is it for Me? On Feb 3 at 11 a.m.;
  • Session 2: How can I Identify a Graduate Program for my Needs? On Feb 10 at 11 a.m.;
  • Session 3: How do I Assemble my Application for Graduate School? On Feb 17 at 11 a.m.; and
  • Session 4: Graduate Student Panel – Ask a Graduate Student on Feb 24 at 11 a.m..

March 2025 Series:

  • Session 1: What is Grad School, and Is it for Me?  On Mar 4 at 12:30 p.m.;
  • Session 2: How can I Identify a Graduate Program for my Needs?  On Mar 11 at 12:30 p.m.; and
  • Session 3: How do I Assemble my Application for Graduate School? On Mar 18 at 12:30 p.m.

April Series 2025 – Online series:

  • Session 1: What is Grad School, and Is it for Me?  on Apr 2 at 5 pm;
  • Session 2: How can I Identify a Graduate Program for my Needs?  on Apr 9 at 5 p.m.;
  • Session 3: How do I Assemble my Application for Graduate School?  on Apr 16 at 5 p.m.; and
  • Session 4: Graduate Student Panel – Ask a Graduate Student on Apr 23 at 5 p.m.

Contact

Questions regarding the Grad School 101 Series should be directed to CIE Director Dr. Raquel A. Arouca at MUGradCIE@missouri.edu.

MU Connect allows Mizzou Undergraduate Students to schedule individual appointments to talk about graduate school.