Name:
Pre-Graduate Knights
Lesson
Graduate Programs
Topic
Finding Information + Identifying Graduate Programs
Assignment 7: Investigate Alternative Pathways to Graduate School
Part I: Research Alternative Pathways
Purpose
Search for alternative pathways to understand what options are available to you and how you can
prepare for these pathways. Remember there is no single path to graduate school. Therefore, it is
good to create a list of alternative, or parallel pathways, that you can prepare for as potential
options, in addition to graduate school, to ultimately help you reach your graduate school goals.
For help with potential alternative pathways, schedule a visit with AAP Pre-Grad Advisors.
Instructions:
Research and take notes on potential pathways (i.e. applying directly to graduate school,
professional/work experience, post-baccalaureate., etc.) for your graduate school goals. List
pros/cons of each pathway, requirements, and add anything that can help you understand your
options.
Undergraduate Degree
Alternative Pathway 1:
Alternative Pathway 2:
Alternative Pathway 3:
Graduate School
1
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Pre-Graduate Knights
Pre-Graduate Knights
Part II: Reflect on your Alternative Pathways
Purpose
Reflect on what you learned about your alternative pathways. Consider the various paths to your
graduate school goals and what you can do now to prepare. For assistance schedule an
appointment with AAP Pre-Grad Advisors.
Instructions:
Complete the reflection prompts below.
Note: Exploring your options online is only the first task. Interviewing faculty, professionals or
current graduate students in your field is a great way to learn about alternative pathways to
graduate school. If you need assistance initiating a meeting with a potential interviewee please
schedule an appointment with an AAP Pre-Grad Advisor.
Reflect:
Why did you choose these pathways as an alternative for your graduate school goals?
What are steps you can take now to initiate these pathways? (i.e. update resume, meet faculty.)
What do you still need to learn about these pathways? Who can you interview to gain further
insight on these pathways?
How would these alternative pathways help prepare you for your overall career goals?
2
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Pre-Graduate Knights