Note from CAST: Last spring, we asked our two graduating peer mentors, Melyssa and Daniel, to write this post about applying for grad school since they had recently gone through that process. Enjoy!

Hello Bears! As you begin thinking about life after your undergraduate journey, a lot of possibilities might come to mind. Whether it’s starting a job, moving back home, or continuing your education.

Pursuing graduate school can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and grow academically and professionally. For some career paths, earning a master’s degree may be essential; for others, it might simply be a valuable way to stand out and expand your skills.

Here in the CAST office, we peer mentors want to support you in this exciting next step. That’s why we’ve put together some helpful tips and tricks to guide you as you prepare for graduate school.

Tips of Success:

• Start thinking about your letters of recommendation early!

  Whether it’s a professor you’ve had in class or a colleague you’ve worked closely with, choose someone who can genuinely speak to your work ethic and character. If you’re not sure who to ask yet, that’s okay, start reaching out to professors or mentors to build those connections. The earlier you begin, the better prepared you’ll be!

• When requesting a letter of recommendation, try to ask in person whenever possible.

  It’s a meaningful way to strengthen your connection and show genuine appreciation for their support. If meeting in person isn’t an option or you feel uncomfortable, that’s perfectly okay. Just be sure to send a thoughtful email instead. Aim to make your request at least a month before the deadline to give them plenty of time to write a strong letter.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

  When I started thinking about grad school, I had no idea where to begin—especially as the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree. I felt overwhelmed and anxious, but reaching out made all the difference. I asked professors I trusted for their advice, and I also leaned on peers and friends who were either in graduate school or considering it themselves. If you’re feeling lost or unsure, I highly recommend visiting the Career Center. They were incredibly helpful with reviewing my CV, crafting my personal statement, preparing for interviews, and more. Best of all, it’s a free resource available to all Missouri State students! Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of it!

• Give yourself plenty of time to complete your applications.

  One of my biggest tips is to create a schedule or list of important deadlines. I used an Excel sheet to keep track of when each application was due, which helped me manage my time and avoid last-minute stress. Spacing out the work gave me the chance to put my best effort into each part of the process. I highly recommend you find a system that works for you in order to keep yourself organized. 

• Take some time to look into each school and get a feel for what their program offers.

  As you go through them, make a list of pros and cons for each one. This can really help when it comes time for interviews: you’ll be able to talk about the program in a more informed and positive way. It also makes it easier to figure out which school is the right fit for you in the long run. Having those notes on hand is a great way to refresh your memory when you’re making your final decision, and they might even be the thing that helps you choose between two great options.

Takeaways: 

The graduate school process can definitely feel overwhelming and even a little scary at first, but remember to give yourself grace. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. At the same time, take steps to prepare yourself to be the strongest candidate you can be, and don’t hesitate to ask for support along the way. The CAST office is a great resource, offering Success Coaches who can help with a variety of topics. Since they’re also graduate assistants, they’ve been through the application process themselves and truly understand what you’re going through. Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or just a bit of encouragement, they’re here to help guide you through the journey.

(Bios: Melyssa Hernandez and David Kim are CAST Peer Mentor alums who are both now graduate students. Melyssa is in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Daniel is in a Cancer Biology PhD program.)