Steps to Grad School

Steps to Graduate School (for Undergraduates)

	First Year Start building your resume Attend a research conference Begin assembling a professional wardrobe Ask upper-class students for guidance Use summer to gain work and/or research experience or take extra classes
	Sophomore Year Take leadership roles in teams, groups and projects Consider studying abroad Get research experience in a field of interest Network and connect with people on LinkedIn Research environmental or other graduate programs Learn about the application process
	Junior Year Look into graduate-level courses Continue to build a strong GPA Search/apply to summer research programs/internships Attend campus open houses Attend and present at research conferences Start drafting personal and academic statements Start saving money for applications, transcripts, required exams and interviews Look into application fee waivers and additional resources to help cover application costs Start preparing for entrance exam(s)**
	Summer of Junior Year Participate in a summer research program Create a list of graduate programs of interest Look at financial resources for graduate students Finish personal and academic statements (tip: ask faculty and/or colleagues for feedback) Take a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prep course or search for free practice tests online** Take entrance exam(s)**
	Senior Year Attend campus visit programs and/or symposiums Prepare a “recommenders’ package” that includes a list of universities to apply to, deadlines, copies of your transcript, and personal and academic statements Request letters of recommendation (at least two months before the deadline) Apply to your top schools. (Most applications open in September, and deadlines will vary by program) Talk with faculty, family and friends about your options Accept an offer by April 15

**Note: The U-M School for Environment and Sustainability no longer requires or accepts GRE scores

Steps to Graduate School (for Professionals Returning to School)

After working for several years, your goals may change and you may want to advance your career and/or start a new career path. Many students decide to explore graduate school as one of their key options. Programs like the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability value the experiences and skills these applicants bring to the classroom. Relevant work experience and demonstrated skills can give you an advantage during the admissions process, so please make sure to highlight these items throughout the admissions journey.

As you take the next steps to graduate school, consider the following items:

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