Are you thinking about Graduate School

Are you thinking about Graduate School Its never too early to start thinking about what you want to do after graduation. If grad school is in your list of goals, then this is especially true. You can check out U of Is offered graduate programs here. Generally, there are 4  major requirements for admission into grad programs: A GPA of 3.0 or higher, with 3.5 or higher being preferable. If your GPA is lower than a 3.5, you should be able to compensate for it through your leadership or research activities. GRE or GMAT test scores, depending on the nuances of your program. At least 3 letters of recommendation is the norm Ive seen for most grad programs. Some indication of interest in your selected program, whether it be through coursework, organizations, or extracurricular activities. Its not uncommon for someones undergraduate field to be unrelated to their desired grad field, but if you dont have anything to show for your interest, schools are going to have a hard time believing that you will excel through their masters or PhD  program. So what does this mean for your undergrad?   Your grades matter. No, its not always fair. People take easier classes, bad professors can screw you over, or life just comes at you and its hard to be your best self. But think of it as a gateway your GPA doesnt define you, but it shows how much you tried despite lifes difficulties. Its never too early to start relationships with professors. As a freshman, it will be hard since professors from gen eds wont be teaching your future classes. However, start looking at upper level classes and who teaches them. Plan out your classes so you can repeat with some, have small class sizes with others, and always always feel free to reach out to them via email. But if you do, make sure you do your research and have a specific goal in mind for a discussion with them; you want to be mindful of their time and have specific things you want to learn more about. Think about what you need to get involved with. Are you going into a program like anthropology that will require you have a research background? Take steps to get an undergraduate research certificate. Planning on getting an MBA? Join a professional organization for projects and case studies you can talk about in interviews with prospective schools. I know theres a lot to research when youre a freshman. You get burned out with 30 tabs in your browser of things you dont want to miss. But trust me, those nights you take to plan your future will be so worth it; you dont want to be graduating with any doubts about what you could have done when you can do it now! ?? James Class of 2016 I’m an Advertising major also pursuing a minor in Anthropology. I’m heavily involved with the American Advertising Federation on campus. I'm from Naperville, Illinois.