Preparation for graduate or professional school study is also best accomplished by starting as early as possible in your undergraduate career. If you think you may be interested in a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic medicine, podiatry, optometry) you should contact UB's pre-health services coordinator and participate fully in the activities and guidance provided. Potential law school students similarly should use the services of UB's pre-law advising program.
Advance preparation is invaluable for students considering graduate study. Most research universities offer fellowships and assistantships for highly qualified students. Admission requirements vary by university and also by program. However, it is generally accepted that the qualified applicant will have at least a "B" average and have performed well on standardized exams (GRE, GMAT, etc). Many programs will also have specialized requirements fulfilled by a variety of work experiences. UB's graduate school is a good place to start researching the basics of preparation for graduate study. You should also talk with your advisor.
For those interested in admission to a doctoral program, participation in undergraduate research or completion of a senior thesis along with strong grades are critical for admission. A variety of scholarships are available at the national and international level for bright students. All will require a visible commitment in the form of research work, extensive community service, or a variety of classroom and experiential learning experiences in order to be a top candidate. For that reason, beginning to plan early in your undergraduate career will enable you to maximize your ability to be a competitive applicant for these long term goals.
Last updated: January 05, 2007 9:55 am EST