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Congratulations, you’re thinking about your next steps after college—that's big deal! Maybe you're thinking about graduate school to get a master's or doctorate degree. You might also be thinking about getting a terminal degree (i.e. MD, JD, PharmD, DDS, etc.) from a professional school like medical, law, pharmacy, or dental school. The graduate school admissions process looks a little different from the one that got you to where you are now. On this page, we explain the basics of what to expect during your graduate application process, and even provide information on resources to help make sure your graduate applications stands out in the best way. 

Most common parts of a graduate or professional school application

Applying for graduate school may be different from when you applied to school to pursue your bachelor’s degree. Because graduate school is considered advanced study, schools often require a more comprehensive application to make sure they are bringing in the absolute best of the best. These are things you can most likely count on as part of your graduate application:  

• Application 

• Official transcripts 

• Statement of Purpose 

• Letters of Recommendation 

• Standardized Test Scores 

• Writing Sample, Portfolio, or Audition 

• Interview 

Standardized Tests for Graduate Admissions

Similar to the SAT and ACT, graduate-level standardized tests assess logical reasoning, analytical skills, data analysis, and even writing skills. Graduate admissions consider your test scores along with all of your other application materials to determine if they believe you’ll be a successful student in the program(s) you’re applying for. Here’s some detail on a few of the most common graduate-level standardized tests: 

Free Standardized Test Help

During fall and spring semester, Coppin sponsors free test prep workshops for any current student or alumni interested in taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Workshops may be part of semester-long series, and run throughout fall and spring semester. 

Workshops include:  

• Math review 

• Vocabulary Development

• Simulated Computer Tests 

• Question-by-question strategies 

Questions? Reach out to us in the Institute for Standardized Testing to learn how we can make your grad school dreams a reality. (contact info: HHSB 346, 410.951.3387, pgass@coppin.edu)

Resources for Professional School Admissions

Where many schools use the GRE for admissions to many different programs, professional schools may have one specific test all applicants must take. Often, medical schools require the MCAT, law schools require the LSAT, pharmacy schools require the PCAT, and business schools require the GMAT.  

Some professional programs combine program applications, test registration, and test prep into one resource: 

Professional School Programs

Professional school programs combine program applications, test registration, and test prep into one field specific website:

•  for business school and the GMAT
•  for law school and the LSAT
•  for medical school and the MCAT
•  for pharmacy school and the PCAT

Online Resources about Graduate School

has information about grad school and the admissions process, including GRE prep, and links to other useful sites.

 is the company that develops the GRE. The Educational Testing Service website has information about the GRE as well as free reviews, analytic writing prompts, practice tests, and online test prep programs.

 provides instructional videos on GRE specific math topics through Kahn Academy in partnership with ETS.

Free and Paid Test Prep Resources

 and  are the test prep industry leaders for all graduate admissions tests. Princeton Review offers free diagnostic tests to recruit students for their prep programs. Both Kaplan and The Princeton Review are universally recognized as quality programs. We recommend researching their graduate school resources before considering any outside free materials. 

These free materials offer test review, preparation, and practice, as well as a variety of preparation programs for sale: 

•  (also has information on a wide range of graduate programs and scholarships)