Applying to Grad School
Before Applying
You can find resources in our office (SSC 270) and on the web. Be sure to visit the college's websites that you are interested in and review their catalog and visit their campus.
Research schools and programs
- Student's Guide to Choosing a Graduate Program (opens in new window)
- Petersons.com(opens in new window), Gradschools.com(opens in new window), and CJBNetwork.com(opens in new window)
- Grad school research check list (PDF)
- Talk with professors, family, friends and coworkers
- Make an appointment to meet with an advisor in the Career Center
- Identify deadlines and program requirements
Putting Together your Application
- Application (most are online)
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent(opens in new window)
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- 2-3 usually required
- Ideally give professors/employers 4-6 weeks advanced notice
- Give recommenders tools to be successful (pre-stamped envelope, copy of your resume, description of grad program, etc.)
- Follow up to ensure you meet set deadlines
- Entrance Exam
- Chico State Testing Office: test dates and locations
- Graduate Studies Master's Thesis/Project Writing Workshop Series
- GRE Fee Reduction Certificate Application (PDF)
Graduate School Interview Questions
After Admittance
- Apply for assistanceships/fellowships: Understanding Fellowships and Assistantships(opens in new window)
- Identify scholarship opportunities
- Research federal graduate financial aid (if needed)
International Graduate Programs
- InternationalGraduate.net
- Diversity Abroad(opens in new window)
- Peace Corps - Master's International(opens in new window)