Planning Graduate School

The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has created a general timeline for students planning to go to graduate school after graduating from Keystone College. This is meant to be just a guideline, and students should know that the steps in this process are subject to change.

Freshman Year

• Study hard and maintain a good GPA in all courses but especially science courses.
• Students intending to transfer in the Junior year through articulation agreements with Kings Physician Assistant program, or Wilkes' Pharmacy program, must declare their intent to their Academic Adviser in the Fall term.

Sophomore Year

• Consult with your Academic Adviser about expectations and requirements for graduate level study.

• Study hard and maintain a good GPA in all courses but especially science courses.

Junior Year

• Begin researching available programs in your area of interest.
• Review graduate school guides and directories.
• Visit schools' websites and request catalogs and admission materials.
• Start exploring financial aid resources.
• Take a practice test.
• Sign up for required standardized tests.
• Order an unofficial transcript and check for and correct any discrepancies.
• Take the required standardized test for your discipline.
• Arrange a visit to schools you are considering attending.
• Identify professors from whom you would like letters of recommendation. 

Senior Year

Fall Semester

• Write the first draft of your statement of purpose for attending graduate school. Consult with your Academic Adviser or Career Services for help.
• Arrange a visit to schools you are considering attending.
• Notify professors from whom you would like letters of recommendation. Give them an up-to-date résumé of your academic coursework and lists of extracurricular, experiential learning and work activities before you leave for the Thanksgiving break.
• Order official transcripts.
• Complete applications before the end of the Fall semester.
• Complete and mail your applications by or before January.   
• Apply for aid available through the graduate program; teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, scholarships etc.

Spring Semester

• Complete and submit financial aid applications.   
• Visit prospective campuses if possible, and talk to faculty/students to help you make your final decision.   
• Follow-up with schools to make sure your file is complete.  
• After receiving acceptance from the school of your choice, send in the required deposit, and contact other schools and decline acceptances.   
• Write thank you notes to people who helped you! Keep a record of the name and title of the person you interview with, along with names and titles of anyone else you may have met at your prospective school.