As you explore the employment post-graduation pathway, use the 5Cs to take action and refine your decisions along the way. Calibration serves as a check-in point after each phase, allowing you to assess and adjust your goals at every step. This process helps you gain more insight into what's important to you, enabling you to confidently create a plan for moving forward after Ohio State.
Graduate or Professional School Pathway
Curiosity
Identify your goals and take your first steps.
Review past experiences
Consider how you spend your spare time and what you enjoy most.
- Check out Exploration's Exploring You prompts to answer eight questions that can guide your career direction.
Determine if graduate or professional school is right for you
Many factors influence the decision to attend graduate school.
Ask yourself:
- Will this help me achieve my professional goals?
- Is it essential to reach my goals?
- Am I willing to invest the time and money?
- Is it important to pursue graduate education now or can I wait?
- Do I have deep interest in this field?
- Am I considering it to delay career decisions?
Consult a career coach or faculty member
Talk to field experts to decide if and when more school is needed.
- Visit your college career services to explore aligning your academic plan with future school.
- Consult trusted faculty members to see how your undergrad performance can prepare you for grad school.
Calibration
Did exploring graduate or professional school change your plans? That’s OK! Changes happen all the time when making decisions — especially big ones. You can explore another pathway or discuss your uncertainty with a career advisor.
Connection
Engage with resources and build your network as you refine your options.
Pursue research, internship and leadership opportunities
These experiences will boost your resume and clarify your grad education plans.
Identify opportunities:
Engage in networking
Most graduate programs require letters of recommendation. Connect now to build relationships.
- Conduct Informational Interviews. Career Services offices can offer referrals.
- Get to know your professors. Visit during office hours, often listed in the class syllabus.
- Visit LinkedIn to build your network — connect with faculty, classmates, your family and potential graduate programs. Update your profile regularly.
- Grow your network through student organizations.
Request information from schools of interest
It’s never too early to ask for more information about programs of interest.
Research programs via:
- Virtual admissions sessions hosted by programs
- LinkedIn connections
- Ohio State’s “applying to graduate school” webinar
Research eligibility and application requirements
Application requirements and timelines vary by program.
- Create an application tracker to record deadlines, application fees, location, program features, faculty and facilities and program length.
Financial planning
The financial aid process, including fellowships and scholarships, is different for each graduate or professional school.
- Several iGrad articles highlight ways to fund graduate education:
- Consult with an Ohio State financial aid counselor to understand the differences between undergraduate and graduate financial aid.
Let's calibrate
Did an internship or research experience change your plans? Now that you understand the graduate financial aid process, does that change your budget or timeline? That’s all part of the process! Refine your plan based on your new knowledge about yourself and potential path.
Commitment
Focus your efforts. Gather, prepare and submit materials.
Narrow programs
Deciding which programs to apply to involves many factors; you may need to narrow your list.
Check out iGrad to help with your decision:
Prepare and take standardized exam(s)
There are many ways to prepare for standardized exams.
Create a study plan matching your style. You can find support through:
- Princeton Review test preparation materials (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT)
Secure letters of recommendation
Letters should come from those familiar with your work and academics, like faculty, supervisors or mentors.
- Before listing a reference on an application, ask if they will write a recommendation. Provide your resume and personal statement to each potential recommender.
Budget
A budget can help you anticipate and prepare for the expense of applying to graduate school.
- Use the iGrad’s budgeting module. Your budget may include test prep materials, testing and application fees, attire, portfolio or materials, and interview travel.
- Look for fee waivers or travel vouchers. Individual programs or supporting organizations like LSAC (for LSAT) may offer waivers.
- Visit Ohio State’s Career Closet for free, gently used professional clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Submit!
You're ready to apply.
- Review deadlines and submit your complete application prior.
- Complete the FAFSA and any scholarship or fellowship applications.
- Notify recommenders of schools and deadlines.
Time to calibrate
After working on your application and submitting materials, take a moment to reassess your goals. Is there anything you want to adjust as you gain more clarity and insight into what excites and motivates you?
Conviction
Consider your options, make decisions and transition to a "Buckeye for life."
Weigh offers and make decisions
Sometimes there’s no “right” decision. Review your academic and career goals, and your financial plan to guide you.
- Congratulations — you got accepted! Share the good news with your family, friends and those who helped you.
- For offer clarification and decision-making support, consult a career counselor, family member or mentor.
Make a transition plan
Once you’ve decided on a school, review your budget, timeline and steps needed for a smooth transition.
- Include all steps in your transition plan:
- Submitting required documents
- Planning your class schedule
- Research, job, assistantship or work requirements
- Relocation, moving costs and housing
- Review the iGrad article, “5 Services Grad Students Should Take Advantage of On Campus” for more ideas.
Budget for your move
Even if you are staying in Ohio, you’ll need to consider a housing move.
These iGrad articles and courses to help you create a moving plan checklist:
Join the Alumni Association
Ohio State offers alumni networking and engagement opportunities as well as ways to give back to students.
- Join the Alumni Association to stay connected with Ohio State news, events and opportunities to connect.
- Contributing to Ohio State's scholarship fund is an excellent way to give to current Buckeyes.