Acceptance
The graduate and professional school application process can be lengthy, time-consuming and emotionally difficult. It is important that you have support from faculty, peers, family members and other people who are applying to graduate or professional school. Career Center staff are available to meet with you as you explore options and make decisions. Acceptance by more than one school will provide choices. You may want to compare schools based on the factors in selecting a graduate school that are listed above. It may be helpful to visit the schools if you have not previously done so. You may wish to make arrangements to meet department faculty and currently-enrolled graduate students to get a first-hand account of the strengths and weaknesses of the program.
Deferring Enrollment
Some graduate schools will allow you to defer your attendance for one or two years. Since deferment guidelines vary widely among programs and institutions, contact the department chairperson or dean of the graduate college to obtain specific deferment policy information. You are encouraged to discuss your plans for deferment with a career counselor, dean or faculty member.
How to Benefit From Rejection
You may wish to contact the graduate college or the department at the schools to which you applied and were rejected. Ask why you received a rejection. Suggestions of what action you can take to get admitted in the future may be offered (i.e., gain experience, enroll in certain courses, re-take entrance exams). It is always important to have "Plan B" in mind in case of rejection by graduate schools, lack of funding, or other unforeseeable circumstances. Seek out faculty, Counseling Center staff and Career Center personnel to help you as you make decisions about alternate plans.
