If you are thinking about Graduate School for next year — and we know many of you are considering it — it’s time to get serious in your planning.  Application deadlines are coming up the next few months and getting organized now can mean success this Spring.

To take some of the fright out of the process, we asked a fellow 2015 graduate, Megan Meuser, for some advice.  She started Grad School this Fall at Drexel University in Philly, so she’s been through the application dance.

Ryan Chartier: What are some things you wish you knew before applying to graduate school?

Megan Meuser: Just because a school seems wonderful doesn’t mean that it is the right fit for you. It is important to look at every aspect of the program you are applying for – the classes, the faculty, the curriculum, and the research opportunities available. I’m very fortunate to say that I made the right choice and love Drexel.

Ryan: Who did you ask for advice when thinking about a school or program?

Megan: I talked to pretty much anyone who would have any insight — my adviser, my professors, people who were currently in graduate school, people who have been through graduate school, other people who were also applying, and, of course, my family and friends.

Everyone had different opinions and I thought it was really important to hear about everyone’s experiences and thoughts so I could get a more rounded and balanced view.

Ryan: What was the most difficult part of the application process? 

Megan: I would say that the most difficult part of the process was waiting. I am not always the most patient person and easily let my nerves get the best of me. Each school gets a lot of applications and it takes a while for them to go through every single one.

Ryan: If you could go back and do something different, what would you do?

Megan: I would have liked to moved to Philly earlier in the summer, so I had more time to adjust to a new city before I had to adjust to a new school and academic program.

If you need more advice, check out the grad school section at the UVM Career Center Blog.

OK, you’ve got some solid tips, now: