Applying to Graduate/Professional School General Information

Graduate school provides an opportunity to specialize in an academic discipline that you enjoy and most likely excel in. It also provides education needed for many professions. It is important to give careful consideration to your career aspirations and motivation for advanced study prior to beginning the application process. Regardless of your goals, the following resources will be helpful to you as you navigate the graduate/professional school process:

• CDC's Applying to Graduate School Quick Reference Guide addresses many questions you may have about advanced study, from application timelines and processes, evaluating programs, financing your studies, and testing.
• The Writing a Personal Statement Quick Reference Guide provides a framework for beginning your application essay. Binghamton's Writing Center also provides support for students looking for feedback and assistance in writing their essays.
• Students planning on applying to Law School should consult with the Pre-Law Advisor prior to beginning the process.
• Students interested in medical programs need to consult the Pre-Health Advisor.
• The application process can get expensive! Through a generous gift from the May Company, parent company of Lord & Taylor, current matriculated Binghamton students can apply for a short-term loan. The Career Advancement Program (CAP) is a revolving loan fund to which students may apply for funds to support career advancement expenses, such as those associated with applying to graduate school.
• Letters of recommendation are an important part of the application process. CDC recommends utilizing Interfolio to eliminate the burden of asking individuals to prepare multiple letters of recommendation, while preserving the confidential nature of these letters. 
• Each fall, CDC sponsors a Graduate School Fair and collaborates with Pre-Law Advising to host Law Day. These fairs offer an opportunity to learn about program requirements and to speak individually with representatives from multiple schools.