Thinking about graduate school? St. Cloud State University’s Career Center can help you explore advanced degree options, understand the application process, and prepare for success. Whether you’re considering continuing your education or transitioning into a specialized field, we provide resources and guidance to support your next academic step.

Use the resources on this page to manage the application timeline, find the right school and program, prepare for admissions exams, and more!

Location

• Where do you want to go?
• What's the community like — total population, employment opportunities (for you and/or your partner), access to recreation or cultural activities, distance from major metropolitan areas, etc.

Institution/Program type

• The type of institution may affect the number of faculty members in your program, the number of students admitted each year, level of competition for admission, funding opportunities, and other factors.
• Do you want to be at a large national research institution? Regional university? Private institution?

Curriculum

• Does the program meet your interest needs?
• Is the program research-based or practice-based?
• Do they require an assistantship, practicum, and/or internship?
• Do they require a thesis and/or comprehensive exams?
• Are you able to pursue a concentration or emphasis?
• How many credit hours are required?
• Is the program full-time or part-time?

Admission requirements

• Some are more competitive while others may be more flexible.
• What is the minimum GPA?
• Do they require any specific undergraduate coursework or work experience?
• Is an entrance exam required (and if so, is there a minimum score requirement)?
• Do you need to submit a personal statement and/or references?

Cost

• Tuition is an important factor, but not the only cost consideration.
• How much will you pay each year?
• Do out-of-state residents pay more?
• Are there graduate assistantships or tuition waivers available?
• What types of financial aid are available?

Class size/student-to-faculty ratio

• How many students are admitted each year?
• How many students will be in your classes?
• How many faculty members teach in the program?
• Small and larger programs each have benefits, so determine which is best for you.

How many schools should you apply to?

• General recommendation is four to six graduate programs.
• Apply to a few highly competitive.
• Apply to a few “maybe/probably” schools you feel may be competitive but you should get into.
• Apply to a few “safety” schools you feel you very likely would get into.