Current Undergraduate

Thinking about graduate or professional school while you are still an undergraduate student is an ideal scenario because it allows you to plan and shape your undergraduate career accordingly. As a current student you have built-in access to professors, instructors, advisers, and resource centers that can guide you as you research potential schools, take placement exams, and prepare applications.

Start early

The sooner you begin thinking about and researching graduate or professional school, the sooner you can direct your coursework, internships, research, and extracurricular activities to support your goals.

Develop relationships

Get to know your professors. Attend their office hours, ask them about their own graduate school experiences, and tell them about your academic and professional goals. Faculty can inform you about the benefits and challenges of graduate study and the career outcomes you can expect post-degree. They are also positioned to write effective letters of recommendation for your grad school applications, especially if they are familiar with you and your work. Finally, faculty can introduce you to current graduate or professional students, who will be able to offer a first-hand account of what graduate study entails.

Advisement is key

Work closely with your academic adviser(s) to ensure that you complete the necessary prerequisites and graduate with an appropriate degree for your future pursuits. Advisers can also alert you to beneficial concentrations, certificates, internships, fellowships, and research opportunities that will bolster your application.

Connect with us

• Attend the UNM Graduate and Professional School Fair in the fall, where you can speak with representatives from UNM graduate programs and other universities
• Contact the coordinators of UNM graduate and professional programs that interest you
• Follow Graduate Studies on Instagram
• Join Graduate Studies for our annual spotlight events (LoboBITES in the fall and the Graduate Poster Showcase in the spring) to experience the UNM graduate and professional school community in action
• Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Graduate Support staff at the UNM Center for Teaching and Learning to discuss preparing for graduate school

Resources

Overview on Preparing for Graduate School

Overview and resources from UNM Career Services

Timeline for applying to graduate school

Writing the Personal Statement

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation – general advice for most fields

How to Request Letters of Evaluation – medical schools

Undergraduate Cohort and research programs that offer graduate school preparation

• McNair Scholars Program and Research Opportunity Program
• Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program
• Undergraduate Pathways Network (UPN) Summer Research Program (biomedical sciences)
• Undergraduate Research and Design Network (URAD)