Admission Policies of Grad Schools

Interviews: Admission Policies of Grad Schools

In an effort to decipher the admission policies of grad schools, LoveToKnow College spoke with Michael May, director of graduate admissions and Dory Perry, associate director of graduate admissions for Chatham University in Pittsburg, PA; Ted Bouras, director of admissions for Prescott College in Prescott, AZ; and Ashley Woods, director of communications for the University of San Diego Law School in San Diego, CA.

What Areas of Study Are Supported by Your School's Graduate Program?

The area of study the graduate school specializes in will impact where you decide to apply. While medical and law schools offer gradute programs, they are specific areas of study available at different schools throughout the country.

Chatham University

We offer graduate (master’s, doctoral and certificate) programs in accounting, biology, creative writing, counseling psychology, business, film and digital technology, interior architecture, landscape architecture, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and teaching.

Prescott College

Students create self-designed master's programs of study tied to the following academic disciplines: Adventure Education, Counseling Psychology, Education, Environmental Studies and Humanities; and a Ph.D in Sustainability Education.

University of San Diego Law School

The degree of juris doctor (J.D.) is offered by the USD School of Law. Students who wish to emphasize or specialize in a particular area of law can choose electives from a broad range of courses. The law school also offers clinical and internship programs to give law students who have completed their first year an opportunity to earn academic credit while gaining practical experience. USD School of Law offers courses in the following areas of interest: business practice/corporate law, commercial law and bankruptcy, constitutional law and civil rights, criminal law and procedure, environmental law, international and comparative law, jurisprudence and legal theory, labor and employment law, law and technology, litigation and dispute resolution, personal and family law, public interest and public law and regulation, real estate, and tax and estate planning. Three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study are generally required to complete the J.D. degree. The School of Law also offers dual degree programs with the university's graduate schools. Applicants may seek dual degrees with:

• A Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• An International Master of Business Administration (I.M.B.A.)
• A Master of Arts in International Relations (M.A.)

USD School of Law offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business and Corporate Law, Comparative Law (for International Lawyers), International Law, Taxation, and a General LL.M with Concentration.

What Restrictions Govern Admission to the Master's Programs?

Different schools have different requirements and restrictions with regard to admissions for their graduate programs (master's or Ph.D). For example, restrictions on a Master's in Family and Marriage Therapy may limit your options to the state in which you wish to be registered as a therapist.

Chatham University

Students must meet our admissions requirements, which generally require a 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Prerequisite requirements and the need for test scores vary by program. For example, not all programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Others, such as Physician Assistant Studies, require an on-campus interview.

Prescott College

Students must possess a bachelor’s degree granted from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

University of San Diego Law School

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The Law School seeks students who are self-disciplined, academically qualified and motivated to succeed in their law studies. Law school applications are accepted from September to June on a rolling basis. First year law students must begin in the fall session. If your admission to another accredited law school is disqualified, you are not eligible to apply for admission to USD.

How Does a Student Begin the Application Process?

The hardest part of the application process is knowing where and when to begin. You should begin considering where you intend to apply for your graduate studies by the third year of your bachelor’s program.

Chatham University

We have an online application located on our website which is without fee and is submitted electronically. Students may also request a paper application, which carries an application fee.

Prescott College

Applicants begin by touching base with our Assistant Director of Admissions for the Master of Arts program to discuss their educational goals and to get a better understanding of the admissions process. Applicants will use that guidance to complete and submit their Personal Statement, Graduate Admissions Essay, and the remainder of their application materials. The actual program of study for each student is unique, designed by the student with the guidance of faculty.

University of San Diego Law School

For consideration to the law program, first-year applicants should begin the application process by completing an application, writing a personal statement, and creating a current resume. In addition, all applicants, including those reapplying, must register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools attended to the LSDAS. Letters of recommendation are an optional component of the application. Should the applicant wish to submit letters of recommendation, they should contact professors or individuals who can evaluate some significant aspect of the applicant's academic background and/or work experience and request a letter of recommendation on his or her behalf.

What Requirements Do Students Need to Meet to Be Considered for Graduate Programs? GPA? Testing?

Specific studies require specific testing. For example, law schools require a specific minimum score on your LSATs. You will have to take these tests prior to submitting your application so that you can include your scores.

Chatham University

These vary by program.

Prescott College

Our admissions process does not rely on standardized test scores or previous GPAs to guide our decision making. Applicants must demonstrate a readiness to engage in advanced study by showcasing above-average written communications skills, articulating well-developed academic goals, and showing evidence of self-direction and previous academic success. International students whose native language is not English must exhibit a competency in the English language by submitting a TOEFL score.

University of San Diego Law School

The selection process at USD School of Law is selective. The Admissions Committee considers an array of factors when judging each individual applicant. The Committee recognizes that class diversity plays a critical role as students help to educate each other.

USD School of Law accepts both hard copy applications as well as those that have been prepared using the Law School Admission Council's LSACD on the Web. LSAC will then send both printed and electronic versions of your application to our office. The Admissions Committee will also review personal statements, recommendations and LSAT scores. The LSAT is administered four times per year.

What Is the Standard Length of a Class? What Should Applicants Prepare Themselves for in Terms of Study Hours, Classroom Time and Research?

Every level of your education will require a commitment of time, energy and thought. Graduate schools, like four-year colleges, community colleges and high schools before them, will demand more of your personal time and investment to achieve your goals.

Chatham University

Some classes meet only once per week, while others meet several times per week. Class time can vary from approximately an hour to three hours or slightly more. What should applicants prepare themselves for in terms of study hours, classroom time and research? Again, this varies by program and varies by course, but most full-time students can expect to spend anywhere from eight to twelve hours weekly on their coursework in the classroom and an additional five to ten hours outside the classroom.

Prescott College

The Master of Arts program at Prescott College is based on a low-residency delivery model. Students complete their self-designed coursework from their home communities with the support of faculty and graduate advisors. There are no set class times; students complete their coursework independently. Full-time students will typically budget between 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.

University of San Diego Law School

Prospective students are encouraged to concentrate their studies before law school on courses that develop analytical skills and effective written and oral expression. Once attending USD Law, we highly encourage our students to take advantage of our Academic Support Program which offers a variety of services and programs specially designed to help first-year law students succeed. Law school classes usually run anywhere from 50 minutes to three hours long.

USD Law encourages our students to create a study schedule and series of goals to help them stay on track with assignments. This helps our students keep expectations realistic as to the amount of time needed for a particular week’s assignments. We encourage our students to block out time to complete weekly assignment, review notes and take practice exams. The goal is not necessarily to study more, but to study more efficiently. We also encourage our students to maintain a balanced life by scheduling time for family and friends, leisure activities, exercise and adequate sleep.

Making Sense of Admissions

When the time comes to apply, you should visit the website of the graduate school you are most interested in attending and review its admission guidelines. It is important to submit your best work and to plan ahead. Nothing can guarantee you admission to the school of your choice, but hard work and perserverance will help you find the school that is right for you.