Prepare for Graduate School
Early planning is key to navigating the process and submitting a strong, successful application.
Applying for graduate school can be an overwhelming and complex process, filled with numerous steps and requirements. To navigate this journey successfully, it is essential to begin your research and preparation as early as possible. Early planning allows you to explore various programs, understand their prerequisites and gather necessary materials such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and a strong personal statement. Taking the time to thoroughly prepare will help you present a compelling application that reflects your strengths and aspirations. Additionally, meeting application deadlines and following up on any required documents are crucial for ensuring your application is complete. Ultimately, the effort you invest in the application process will set the foundation for your future success as a graduate student.
Things to consider when preparing your application.
To prepare to apply for graduate school, it is important to explore your academic and professional goals and ensure that you are tailoring your undergraduate experience to increase your chances of finding the right fit school and program. Some beneficial experiences you may be able to explore are:
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities- These experiences allow you to work closely with a faculty member and expand your research experience. Highlighting your undergraduate research experience during your graduate application process shows your department that you have experience working with a mentor, and that you are passionate about making meaningful contributions to your field of study. Check out undergraduate research opportunities at UofL.
- Community Engagement and Service Learning- Real-world experiences such as volunteering, interning, and community-based learning opportunities can all contribute to your graduate application. These experiences often highlight your interests outside of the academic realm, but—if narrowed to your discipline—they can also serve as an example of your commitment to your field of study and help you feel more confident in your career aspirations. Check out UofL Community Engagement opportunities!
Be sure to meet with your academic and/or career advisor or faculty mentor each semester to go over your plans—ensuring that you remain on track.
The Career Services Office at your school is a great place to start!
The University of Louisville has over 140 graduate programs, offering approximately 39 doctoral, 89 masters, 3 professional and 18 certificate degrees. Applicants should review the available programs and choose the program most appropriate for their academic goals. Start your search by visiting the Program Finder.
Admissions requirements can vary by program and school. Once you have identified your program of interest, please confirm specific requirements with your department, then explore the general application requirements via Program Finder.
We encourage you to meet with faculty within your academic unit to ask questions regarding your program of interest and explore the resources available for graduate students. The University of Louisville has Directors of Graduate Studies for each program to help you understand program requirements and deadlines as well as funding availability. Visit the DGS Directory to find out more about your program.
Many programs recommend you submit your application and required materials, including transcripts and test scores, before the priority date or admissions deadline. For specific deadlines, visit the admissions related pages on your intended department's website.
We are committed to supporting your educational journey with a range of exciting funding opportunities. Prospective doctoral students can benefit from comprehensive funding packages that include full tuition, stipends, and health insurance, making your transition into graduate school smoother. For master’s students, we provide valuable resources and guidance to help you explore available funding options, though they may be more program-specific. Our goal is to help you find the financial support you need to focus on your studies and achieve your academic and career goals.
The University of Louisville has many resources to help fund your graduate education.
Common Application Materials and Activities
There are several types of statements or essays that you may be expected to submit as a part of your application.
- Essay Prompts provide you with a place to describe your experiences, skills, values and attributes that will help you succeed in your program. Be sure to respond thoroughly to the minimum number of prompts and describe what you will contribute to the university’s educational community.
- A personal statement is a standard requirement that allows you to describe your academic and professional goals and how admission to the program can help you to achieve them.
- Some programs may also require supplemental essays and statements, such as teaching philosophies.
Applicants use a resume or CV to communicate their education, work experience, skills and qualifications to potential graduate schools.
Some programs may ask you for a writing sample. This is a typically a document that was previously produced and is often related to your intended field of study.
Letters of recommendation are an important component of your application. Letters should be written by advisers, professors and others who can speak on your knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed.
Though most applications send recommendation requests through an automated system, it can be beneficial to connect with your recommenders prior to sending them an automated request (giving at least a one-month notice is best practice). Provide your recommenders with information to help them write an impactful letter. This might include your resume, personal statement and a list of programs and requirements for each school.
Academic transcripts are used by programs to confirm degree completion, assess your coursework taken and performance in your previous program. All college transcripts are required and must be sent to the Graduate School directly from your previous institution(s).
In some cases, departments can decide to provisionally admit applicants with only unofficial copies of academic transcripts. In the case of a provisional admittance, an official credential evaluation must be submitted before the second month of enrollment or a hold will be placed on your account and you will be unable to register for a second semester at UofL.
Depending on your program of interests and your English Language proficiency, you may be required to provide one or more tests for admissions.
| GRE | GMAT | English Proficiency Tests |
The University of Louisville’s institutional code for official score reporting is 1838.
Some graduate programs require interviews, as it helps the programs understand who the applicant is beyond what they present in their application. Prepare for your interview:
- Do your research on the institution and programs.
- Be prepared to articulate your academic and career goals, research interests and how they align with the program and faculty members within the unit.
- There are several interview methods that can assist you in giving a focused, thoughtful response to interview questions.
- Listen intently.
- Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers.
- Be yourself!
- Send thank you notes to each interviewer.
For more information regarding interview preparation, visit the Career Center.
International Student Requirements
In addition to the general graduate admissions requirements, international students are often required to submit additional materials as a part of their graduate school application. Visit International Student Requirements for more information.
