Continue the Journey
Welcome
Considering
Preparing
Taking Steps Toward Graduate School
Graduate Record Exam
Summer Research Opportunities
UC Campus Profiles
Choosing
Degree Options (large file)
 
Applying
Statement of Purpose Guidelines
Financing
Funding Opportunities
Then and Now
Contacting
 

Preparing... studying

Preparing to go to graduate school requires attention to both the application process and the academic experience. To meet the various deadlines, you must be informed and organized. To be a competitive applicant, you must have the substantive academic preparation required for successful admission and participation.

Note admission and financial aid application deadlines carefully.
  • Most schools admit for the fall term only. For some, you will need to apply as early as November 1 of your senior year.

  • Some programs require early submission of certain application materials. Always consult the prospective department for specific deadlines and requirements.
Register for and take the required tests in time to meet deadlines.
  • Most University of California graduate programs require you to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Several programs require both the General Test and a Subject Test (see below for details). Professional programs may require either the GRE or another standardized exam. Check with the schools and/or departments to which you are applying to determine test requirements and deadlines.
  • Registration materials are available in the graduate division or advising center on your campus. You can also check online or write directly to the testing service.

  • At the time of the exam, you will be asked to indicate where you want your test results sent. For the computer-based GRE General Test, results are available immediately. Seven to ten days after you take the test, official scores are sent to the programs and institutions you indicated on your test form. Paper-and-pencil Subject Test results are sent approximately four to six weeks after the exam date.

  • Many schools offer GRE exam fee waivers to eligible individuals. Check with the schools to which you are applying for conditions concerning waiver of GRE fees.
Get hands-on research experience.
  • Research is a central aspect of academic graduate programs. Participating in research activities before applying to graduate school both helps you define your research interests and prepares you for graduate work. Further, prior research experience enhances your application, making you a more competitive applicant.

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  • UC campuses host 8- to 12-week summer research internship programs. Qualified students from throughout the country attend these programs free of charge. These programs are designed to give undergraduates hands-on research experience as well as opportunities to interact with faculty and students with similar interests. See "Summer Research Opportunities" section.
Begin researching various funding opportunities.
  • Most graduate students require some form of financial assistance. Explore funding possibilities early. See the "Financing" section of this publication for further information.

Kim Romero, Developmental & Cell Biology, UC Irvine

As a transfer student I was initially drawn to UC Irvine's undergraduate research opportunities in the Biological Sciences and quickly found that the university had so much more to offer. As a member of the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS), I had the opportunity to interact with diverse faculty from across the country, attend conferences, and participate in outreach programs designed to get students interested in science. MBRS offered an invaluable support system which encouraged me to pursue my passion for Kim Romeroscience and allowed me to mentor other students. UC Irvine has attentive, top-notch faculty who are truly interested in the success of their students. This outstanding undergraduate experience made UC Irvine my number one choice when I was applying for a Ph.D.

Today I am a second-year doctoral student under the mentorship of Aimee Edinger. I am studying the role of growth factors on apoptosis and nutrient transporter expression. Understanding the mechanisms by which growth factors regulate cell death may one day lead to new cancer therapies. The outstanding support and friendly academic environment at UC Irvine has been invaluable in helping me achieve my goals.



Welcome
Considering
Preparing
Taking Steps Toward Graduate School
Graduate Record Exam
Summer Research Opportunities
UC Campus Profiles
UC Campus Profiles
Degree Options (large file)
 
Applying
Statement of Purpose Guidelines
Financing
Funding Opportunities
Then and Now
Contacting