FSU Panama City

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Most graduate and professional programs require you to submit letters of recommendation from people in a position who can speak about your qualifications. They may specify the types of recommendations that must be submitted, including academic, personal, and employment. Some programs will ask that detailed forms be submitted, and others will ask for individualized letters. In general, you should check the program’s requirements for recommendations before asking anyone. Determine the type of recommendations requested and the format (usually a form or letter) they must follow. Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference, and send a written request for the recommendation to each person. At least four weeks before the due date, provide each reference with: • A copy of your résumé/CV and any other information you feel is relevant. • The forms or guidelines that outline exactly what is expected in the recommendation. • The deadline by which the recommendation must be received. • Correctly addressed, stamped envelope or information on how to submit electronically. Remember to send a note of thanks to each person writing a letter!

HOW TO FINANCE A DEGREE

Ideally, you should begin researching sources of financial support early in the application process because many funding organizations and academic departments have applications due in the fall for the following year. Types of Assistance Fellowships: Prestigious awards, often quite substantial. They are competitive based on academic achievement, and do not usually require work. Learn more at FSU’s Office of National Fellowships: onf.fsu.edu. Assistantships: Paid part-time employment that may include full or partial tuition waivers (often the out-ofstate portion of tuition). Those with this award often teach, conduct research, or work in student affairs. Loans: Low-interest loans are available to most graduate students. Contact the institution’s Office of Financial Aid for more information, financialaid.fsu.edu. Grants and Scholarships: These do not require repayment but occasionally are designated for a specific purpose. For instance, science organizations may award a grant for a specific student research project.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Pre-Law Advising: prelaw.fsu.edu • Pre-Health Advising: med.fsu.edu • Graduate School: career.fsu.edu/ students/consider-graduate-school & gradschool.fsu.edu • Federal Student Aid Information Center: 800.433.3243 • FSU Financial Success: financialsuccess.fsu.edu • Student Loans: estudentloan.com • FinAid: finaid.org

ADMISSION EXAMS

The majority of graduate programs require exams as part of the admission process. The test you need depends on the field you plan to enter. Commonly required exams include: • DAT (Dental Admission Test); Most dental schools ada.org/dat.aspx • GRE (Graduate Record Examination); Most other graduate programs and some law schools ets.org/gre • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test);

Most graduate programs in business mba.com • LSAT (Law School Admission Test); Law schools lsac.org • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test); Most medical schools aamc.org/students/applying/mcat • MAT (Miller Analogies Test); Used by some graduate schools milleranalogies.com Plan to take these exams early! Scores generally stay current for five years.