Your Path to Graduate & Professional School

Attending graduate or professional school requires some planning. This page offers everything you

Step 1: Considering Graduate/Professional School

Deciding whether to get an advanced degree requires consideration of several factors. The most important question is whether graduate school is necessary for you to achieve your career goal, and how well you have researched and developed that career goal.

Step 2: Identifying Your Criteria: What You Need in an Experience to Be Satisfied

Before you invest the time, money, and energy it takes to go to grad or professional school, it’s important to know what will actually make the experience, and the career it leads to, feel worth it. Graduate school isn’t just about earning another degree. It’s about setting yourself up for a future that matches your goals, priorities, and the way you want to live your life.

Step 3: Researching Graduate & Professional School Programs

Choosing the right grad or professional school program isn’t just about prestige or rankings; it’s about finding the best fit for your academic, career, and lifestyle goals. The more intentional you are in your research, the more confident you’ll be in your decisions.

Step 4: Applying to Graduate & Professional School Programs

Once you’ve researched programs and built your Target List, it’s time to start preparing and submitting your applications. A well-organized application process will save you stress, help you meet deadlines, and give you the best chance of success.

BONUS: Graduate/Professional School Funding Options

Financing graduate or professional school often requires combining multiple sources of support, from scholarships, fellowships, grants, and assistantships to loans or employer-sponsored repayment programs. Funding varies by program, so research each school’s offerings carefully, meet all deadlines, and explore external opportunities to reduce your overall costs.

Step 1: Considering Graduate/Professional School

If you’re deciding if and when to go to grad school, there are several factors for you to consider. Ask the following questions to help determine what route is best for you.

The most important question is whether graduate school is necessary for your career. To figure this out, visit our Labor Market Insights to learn about the education level requirement for your career goal.  You might also try to conduct informational interviews with people who hold positions you’re drawn to and make an appointment with your Career Coach for additional guidance.

The decision to attend graduate school should include considering multiple factors such as:

  • Is an advanced degree required to achieve your Career Goal? Unsure of your Career Goal? Start developing yours here.
  • Investment of time, money, and energy
  • Your marketability to an employer now versus with an advanced degree
  • Research Salary information for jobs in your field with and without advanced degree
  • Opportunities within your chosen career field now or in the future
  • Your motivation to continue being a student

ASK YOURSELF

  1. Do you have a clear, intentional, well-researched career goal?
    • No: Take time to define your direction and build confidence by completing the Career Goal Activity Worksheet and discussing it with a career coach. Explore job shadowing, informational interviews, or internships to clarify your path.
    • Yes: Move to next question
  2. Is graduate school necessary for you to achieve that career goal?
    • No: Focus on gaining relevant experience, certifications, or skills through work, training programs, or professional development that will help you advance without the added cost of graduate school. Revisit the idea later if your career goals change.
    • Yes: Move to next question
    • I don’t know: Visit these resources to find out:
  3. Are you willing to invest more money or take on more debt to obtain an advanced degree?
    • No: Research fully funded programs, graduate assistantships, or employer tuition reimbursement. Consider delaying your application until you have the financial means or savings to reduce your debt risk.
    • Yes: Move to next question
  4. Are you willing to miss out on one or more years of full-time income while in grad school?
    • No: Consider part-time, online, or employer-supported programs that allow you to keep working while you study.
    • Yes: Move to next question
  5. Will your first-year salary with an advanced degree exceed your loan balance (will you make more than you need to borrow)?
    • No: Reevaluate whether the program offers a good return on investment. Look for lower-cost options or alternative career paths that still meet your goals.
    • Yes: Move to next question
  6. Are you pursuing graduate school because you’re worried about finding a job in the current job market?
    • No: If you’ve answered “Yes” to all the other questions, you may be ready to apply. Begin researching programs, preparing application materials, and talking to current students or alumni.
    • Yes: Focus first on strengthening your job search skills, resume, networking, interviewing, and gaining short-term or contract work experience. Grad school may still be valuable, but it should be a strategic choice, not a way to delay entering the workforce.

Further information regarding benefits of earning an advanced degree

Many students attend a graduate program right after Augustana, while others spend time working before attending. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

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Step 2: Identifying Your Criteria — What You Need in an Experience to Be Satisfied

By clarifying your work values (what matters most to you in a professional setting) and your lifestyle values (what matters most outside of work), you’ll be able to:

  • Choose programs that fit your needs and priorities—not just the ones that look impressive on paper.
  • Avoid costly mistakes like enrolling in a program that doesn’t match your ideal work environment or life balance.
  • Make decisions with confidence when comparing offers later.
  • Tell a stronger story in applications and interviews about why a program is the right fit for you.

How to start:
Select the six work values that matter most to you in your future career, and the four lifestyle values that matter most in your life outside of work. These will become your “must-haves” when evaluating potential programs and career paths.

Work Values (Choose Your Top 6)

What matters most to you in your future career?

  • Autonomy – Freedom to decide how you work and make decisions
  • Collaboration – Working closely with others as part of a team
  • Creativity – Opportunities to design, invent, or think in new ways
  • Helping Others – Making a positive difference in people’s lives
  • Impact – Contributing to something meaningful or important to you
  • Innovation – Working with new ideas, technologies, or approaches
  • Leadership – Guiding others and making key decisions
  • Learning & Growth – Ongoing professional development
  • Prestige & Recognition – Being respected for your work and expertise
  • Problem-Solving – Tackling challenges and finding solutions
  • Security & Stability – Reliable employment and income
  • Variety – Doing different tasks and projects regularly
  • Work-Life Balance – Managing work while still having time for life outside

Lifestyle Values (Choose Your Top 4)

What matters most in your life outside of work?

  • Financial Comfort – Earning enough to support the lifestyle you want
  • Free Time – Having time for hobbies, friends, and rest
  • Geographic Location – Living in a specific city, state, or climate
  • Flexibility – Ability to adjust work hours or work remotely
  • Community – Living in a place with a supportive social circle
  • Adventure & Travel – Opportunities to explore new places and experiences
  • Family Time – Prioritizing time with family and loved ones
  • Personal Growth – Pursuing learning and experiences beyond work

Once you’ve identified your work values and lifestyle values, the next step is to think about the qualities you need in your day-to-day career experience for it to be truly satisfying. This is about matching your personal preferences with the realities of your chosen profession.

Personal Qualities — How You Like to Work

Consider what energizes you and what feels like “work that fits.” Ask yourself:

  • Do I enjoy working with people, things, data, or ideas most?
  • Do I prefer solving complex problems or working on routine tasks?
  • Do I enjoy selling ideas and being persuasive, or do I prefer behind-the-scenes work?
  • Would I rather work outdoors, indoors, or a mix of both?

Employment Qualities — Career Outlook & Opportunities

Advanced degrees can open new doors, but not always in the way you expect.

  • Job Demand: Will there be opportunities in your field when you graduate?
  • Degree Impact: Will an advanced degree significantly improve your job prospects or salary compared to stopping with a bachelor’s degree?
  • Salary Expectations: Consider starting, mid-level, and top-level salaries. Common advice is to avoid borrowing more than you expect to earn in your first year as a professional.

Workday Qualities — Daily Life in the Profession

Look beyond the job title and think about your everyday reality.

  • Work-Life Balance: Does the profession allow flexible hours, remote work, or predictable schedules?
  • Work Hours: Are 40-hour weeks realistic, or are evenings/weekends standard?
  • Work Environment: Will you work in an office, classroom, lab, clinic, or on the road?

Pulling It All Together

Once you’ve identified your values and top career qualities:

  1. Keep Your List Handy – Review it often as you research programs.
  2. Use It as a Filter – Eliminate programs that don’t meet your non-negotiables.
  3. Compare Programs Side-by-Side – Look at each one’s curriculum, faculty, career outcomes, location, cost, and culture.
  4. Ask Targeted Questions – When talking to program representatives or alumni, focus on the factors that matter most to you.

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Step 3: Researching Graduate & Professional School Programs

You’ve already clarified your values and identified your top career criteria—now it’s time to put them to work. By researching programs with your priorities in mind, you’ll be able to:

  • Narrow your options to those that truly fit your needs
  • Compare programs based on the factors that matter most to you
  • Avoid costly mistakes, like enrolling in a program that doesn’t align with your goals or lifestyle
  • Build a strong foundation for application essays and interviews

How to Earn Viking Score Points

  1. Research at least three graduate or professional programs using the criteria below.
  2. Complete the Graduate School Comparison Tracker with your findings.
  3. Meet with your Career Coach to discuss what you’ve learned and create your application timeline.
    ✅ Earn 4 Viking Score points when you complete all three steps.

Graduate School Comparison Tracker

This tool will help you evaluate programs side-by-side and make informed decisions based on your personal criteria.

To Use the Tracker:

  1. Access Graduate School Comparison Tracker
  2. Make a copy of this sheet for yourself:
    Go to File → Make a copy so you can edit your own version.
  3. Use the sample row as a guide, then delete or overwrite it.
  4. For each program you’re considering, fill out one row using the columns provided.
  5. Bring your completed sheet to your Career Coach meeting to discuss what you’ve found and plan next steps.
  6. Use filters (top row) to sort or organize by deadlines, cost, program length, etc.
  7. Need help figuring out what matters to you?
  8. Start with the Identifying Your Criteria Worksheet to reflect on your academic, career, and lifestyle goals.

What to Gather for Each Program

  • School Name & Program Title
  • Location
  • Degree Type (M.A., M.S., MBA, Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.O., D.V.M., D.C., D.P.T., etc.)
  • Institution Type: Public | Private | Non-Profit | For-Profit
    ⚠️ Be cautious with for-profit institutions—ask your coach or faculty for guidance.
  • Tuition & Total Cost of Attendance (include estimated living expenses)
  • Financial Support Options (scholarships, grants, % of students receiving aid)
  • Assistantships (teaching, research, or on-campus work for a stipend or tuition reduction)
  • Accreditation (ensures program meets quality standards and is recognized in your field)
  • Certifications or Licenses Earned Upon Graduation
  • Total Credits & Time to Completion (full-time and/or part-time options)
  • Admissions Requirements (GPA, standardized tests, application deadlines, prerequisite courses, required experience)
  • Program Highlights (faculty expertise, research focus, rankings, student/alumni outcomes, unique opportunities)

Where to Find Reliable Program Information

💬 Pro Tip: As you research, note questions for your Career Coach—especially about financial aid, admissions strategy, or program reputation.

From Research to Your Target List

Once you’ve completed your Graduate School Comparison Tracker, narrow your list to your top 10–20 programs that best match your criteria and career goals. This becomes your Target List—the programs you’ll actively prepare and apply for.

To earn Viking Score points:

  • Meet with your Career Coach to review your research and confirm your target list.
  • Adjust your list as needed while you learn more about each program.

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Step 4: Applying to Graduate & Professional School Programs

Get Organized

The easiest way to track your applications is with a spreadsheet. Include:

  • Program name & institution
  • Location
  • Program website link
  • Application deadline(s)
  • Application method (direct application or centralized service, e.g., CASPA)
  • Application fee amount & payment status
  • Required materials (resume/CV, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation)
  • Notes or follow-up actions

💡 Pro Tip: Use your Graduate School Comparison Tracker as the base for this spreadsheet, simply add new columns for deadlines, fees, and submission status.

Understand the Application Process

Most programs use an online application system. Some fields use a centralized application service (CAS), such as:

  • CASPA – Physician Assistant programs
  • AMCAS – Medical school
  • LSAC – Law school
    Admissions websites will specify where and how to apply.

Application fees typically range from $25–$100+. To manage costs:

  • Apply only to programs that are a strong fit for you.
  • Check the program’s website for fee waiver information.
  • If you don’t see fee waiver details, call the admissions office—it never hurts to ask.

Prepare Your Application Materials

Personal Statement

A personal statement, which may also be called a statement of purpose or letter of intent, is a special type of writing sample about yourself. It is an applicant’s first impression of you and it is your chance to explain your interests, passions and experiences surrounding your chosen career path. The biggest question to answer in a personal statement is WHY. Why is this field a good fit for you? What has inspired you? What have you accomplished so far? Typically, the statement is 2-4 pages; however, each program will have their own specific requirements.

Your personal statement takes TIME. On average, students will go through at least 6 different drafts of their statement. Start early and make sure to meet with your Career Coach in CORE, the Reading/Writing Center, and your academic advisor to review your statement.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Some programs require a resume; others require a CV.
  • A graduate school resume is similar to a job search resume but may be slightly longer (1–2 pages) and emphasize academic achievements, research, and relevant experiences.
  • Include: Education, career-related experience, research, leadership roles, awards/honors, and community involvement.
  • Access the Resumes & Cover Letters resource for tips and examples.
  • Some institutions will request a Curriculum Vitae, see the Curriculum Vitae Guide
  • Viking Score Points: Resume Review = 4 pts | Cover Letter Review = 4 pts |

Transcripts

Letters of Recommendation

  • Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic potential and character.
  • Provide them with your resume/CV and a summary of your goals.
  • Give at least 4–6 weeks’ notice before deadlines.

Prepare for Interviews

Some programs require an interview as part of the admissions process. This is your chance to:

  • Demonstrate fit with the program
  • Share your goals and motivations
  • Build rapport with faculty and admissions staff

Viking Score Points: Mock Interview = 6 pts | Interviewing Attire = 4 pts

💡 Tip: Use the Interviewing Strategies resource to prepare, and schedule a mock interview with your Career Coach for practice and feedback.

Wait… and Manage Offers

You may hear back as early as March/April or as late as June. Some students are placed on waitlists that move right up to the start of the term.

While waiting:

  • Rank programs based on your priorities.
  • When you have multiple offers, politely decline the less-preferred one to free spots for other applicants.
  • If your top choice hasn’t responded but another program is requesting a deposit, contact the first-choice program to politely inquire about your application status.

After Acceptance

  • Submit your deposit to secure your spot.
  • Notify other institutions of your decision.
  • Send thank-you notes to your letter writers and share your exciting news.
  • Prepare financially—grad school often means a reduced income.
  • Celebrate your accomplishment and enjoy the summer before classes begin!

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Graduate/Professional School Funding Options

Finance Your Studies

Because financial support varies widely from institution to institution, it is best to read all financial aid materials carefully and to file documents on time. You should have until April 15 to decide whether you will accept admittance offers when there is a financial package involved.

Funding varies by program, so be sure to take note of what is available from each institution of interest. If funding does not cover the entire cost of the program, federal student aid is available for students in graduate/professional programs.

Scholarships
A scholarship is money awarded to an individual for educational purposes with no expectation of repayment; they are available through colleges and universities, corporations, and private organizations. Organizations award scholarships based on criteria such as year in graduate school, academic merit, race, ethnicity, military affiliation, etc. Conduct an internet search to begin researching scholarship opportunities that fit your unique situation.

Fellowships
A fellowship is a financial award that is distributed by a university, independent organization (such as a foundation or professional association), or the federal government. Some fellowships are awarded to individuals based upon academic focus as well as persona characteristics (for example, a fellowship for women seeking graduate education in biomechanical engineering). A fellowship from a college or university is an institutional fellowship, meaning it is awarded for an applicant to pursue studies at that institution only. A fellowship that can be applied at the institution of the recipient’s choice is called a portable fellowship. Applications for fellowships can be competitive and may be evaluated based on financial need, merit, leadership, professional experience, as well as academic record. A fellowship application may require a personal statement, references, and resume, among other documents. Thus, it is advantageous to begin fellowship research and applications as soon as possible in your graduate/professional school process.

Grants
A grant is very similar to a scholarship in that it is money you can use towards your graduate/professional education that you do not need to pay back. While scholarships may be merit based, grants are more likely to be need based. They also may be associated with particular student identities or courses of study, especially if you are seeking graduate/professional education to enter into a field with high demand for qualified workers, such as nursing and teaching. Grants can be federally funded, state funded, university funded, or funded by outside organizations—similar to fellowships.

Assistantships
An assistantship is a type of financial aid where a graduate/professional student works part-time in exchange for tuition remission and/or a living stipend. Assistantships are offered by the institution or department in which the student is enrolled and can serve different functions depending on the nature of the position. In a research assistantship, the student may assist with the current research endeavors of one or multiple professors. In a teaching assistantship, the student may be responsible for teaching sections of undergraduate or graduate courses, as well as holding office hours, creating syllabi, and grading assignments. In a graduate assistantship, the student may work in an administrative capacity—though this term can also be used to describe the concept of assistantships in general. To find out if you program(s) of interest offer funding through assistantships, check the website or contact the admissions department.

Loans
If you take out loans to pay for graduate/professional school, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs depending on your field of study and employment after graduation. If you are pursuing a career in teaching or public service, among others, loan forgiveness programs may cover your outstanding loans so that you are not obligated to pay your remaining balance and interest. Each person’s situation is unique, so you will need to do some research before determining your eligibility.

Your employer may also offer loan assistance or loan repayment programs, wherein the employer contributes a monthly sum or percentage of your salary towards your student loans. If you are already employed, ask your employer if they provide this service through your benefits package. If you are seeking employment, research the company’s benefits or ask your recruiter about loan repayment benefits after you have received an offer. Employer loan assistance is becoming more and more popular, so even if your employer does not currently offer this benefit, they may add it in the future.

Here is a list of current companies offering loan forgiveness programs

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