How to Apply to Grad School: A Step-by-Step Guide

The steps for applying to grad school include researching programs that align with your goals, understanding each school’s admissions requirements, and preparing for standardized tests such as the GRE (if required).

Then, you have to gather transcripts and letters of recommendation, write a compelling statement of purpose, and submit your application by each program’s deadline.

As a result, applicants typically apply to a total of 4 to 6 schools and start the grad school application timeline 6 to 12 months in advance.

However, grad school admissions can feel like a black box — but it doesn’t have to be. To help with that, this guide to applying to grad school aims to open that black box and examine many unchecked assumptions.

Here are the topics we’ll cover:

• Should You Apply to Grad School?
  • Key Questions to Ask
• How This Guide Will Help You
• Choosing the Right Grad Program
• What Are the GRE Requirements for Grad School?
  • GRE Requirements by Degree Type
  • GRE Requirements by Discipline
• GRE vs. Other Exams — Which Test Should You Take?
  • GRE vs. GMAT
  • GRE vs. LSAT
• How Important Is the GRE for Competitive Grad Schools?
• What to Expect from the GRE
• When to Study for and Take the GRE
• How to Send Your GRE Scores (Without Messing It Up)
• How to Get Into Grad School
• Deciding Where to Attend
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• What’s Next?

Should You Apply to Grad School?

Chances are, if you’ve landed on this guide, you’re contemplating a big leap and mulling over some big questions.

• Do I really need another degree, or is this career FOMO?
• Will the GRE really open doors that a mediocre application might keep shut?
• How are people even getting letters of recommendation when all I have is a foggy memory of a professor’s Zoom box?

Key Questions to Ask

Before getting swept up in GRE drills and admissions deadlines, pause and ask yourself these core questions: Why grad school? Why now?

For example, sometimes the answer is clear:

“I need a Ph.D. to conduct the kind of research I want to do.”
“I’m switching fields and need to show I have the credentials.”

However, other times, the motivations are … fuzzier:

“My job feels like a dead end, and who knows what a Master’s could open up?”
“It seems like everyone is going back to school, maybe I should too?”

That said, there’s no shame in not having a perfect answer. Ultimately, be real with yourself: Is grad school essential for where you want to go? Alternatively, could certifications, networking, or a different experience (one that’s possibly far less costly) get you there?

No matter what, grad school is a major investment — in time, money, and energy. During that time, you’re likely not making a full-time income. And let’s not forget: the application process? It’s part strategy, part endurance sport, and part mind game.

Unfortunately, many bright, capable students underestimate this. As a result, they misread what schools really want and burn out mid-process. In many cases, rejection isn’t about GPA or GRE scores — it’s about knowing what matters at each stage, what doesn’t, and how to avoid hidden traps.

TTP PRO TIP:

Applying to grad school demands strategy, stamina, and clarity on what’s important at each stage.

How This Guide Will Help You

Whether you’re just starting to explore programs or already knee-deep in your grad school applications, this guide will help you:

• understand what a strong GRE score really means (and when it’s just a tiebreaker)
• choose the right programs based on your goals, not just prestige
• determine whether to take the GRE, GMAT, or no test at all
• build an application that stands out, even if some parts of your profile aren’t perfect

TTP PRO TIP:

If your grad school motivations are unclear, it’s a good idea to pause and reflect before diving in.

Choosing the Right Grad Program

So, you’ve decided to apply to grad school. With that decided, now comes the critical question: Which program is right for you?

Instead of asking, “What’s the biggest name school I can get into?” ask, “Where will I thrive, not just survive?”

Here’s a framework to guide your search:

1. Academic and Personal Fit

To make the best decision, choose a program that aligns with your values, learning style, and long-term goals — not just one with prestige. Ask yourself: Do you want a highly collaborative environment? Or do you prefer theoretical research or applied, hands-on work? To get clarity, read course descriptions. Then, look at program structures. Ask yourself: Will I be energized by the work here?

2. Geography and Professional Network

When considering location, picture graduation day. Where do you want to live and work after the program? In fact, many grad programs function as pipelines into regional industries. For example, if you want to work in environmental law in California, a top-ranked East Coast school may not offer the right network or opportunities. To make the most of your degree, prioritize location and proximity to the industries you care about.

TTP PRO TIP:

When selecting a program, consider where you want to live and work after graduation.

3. Faculty and Mentorship

Instead of relying on branding and reputation, look at who teaches in the department. Ask yourself, whose work do you admire? And, who’s doing research or projects you’d be excited to be part of?

In many cases, faculty quality correlates with post-grad outcomes. In turn, strong faculty usually means better mentorship, research opportunities, and professional connections. To dig deeper, look up where recent grads are landing the types of roles you want.

4. Talk to Real Students

Finally, go beyond glossy marketing materials. Reach out to current students or recent grads (especially ones not featured on the admissions page).

Ask:

• What’s the real culture of the program?
• Which faculty are accessible and supportive?
• Are there hidden challenges with bureaucracy, funding, or burnout?

Their answers will tell you more than the website ever could.

TTP PRO TIP:

Find a program where you can see yourself thriving and where graduates are likely to land roles in industry-specific work that attracts you.

What Are the GRE Requirements for Grad School?

The short answer: It depends.

GRE requirements for grad school vary. While some programs require the GRE, others list it as optional, recommended, or not considered at all. And thanks to lasting post-COVID policy shifts, many schools now fall into the test-optional gray area.

So how do you make sense of it?

Always check the GRE policy for the exact program you’re applying to. Policies can vary widely even within the same university or department.

Here’s what to look for in admissions language:

• Required = You must submit a GRE score.
• Optional = A good GRE score can still boost your app.
• Not accepted = Do not send GRE scores.

When in doubt, reach out to admissions and clarify.

Learn about why schools require the GRE.

KEY FACT:

GRE requirements can vary widely even within the same university or department.

GRE Requirements by Degree Type

Master’s Programs

GRE requirements for master’s programs vary widely by field:

More likely to require GRE:

• Engineering
• Psychology
• Some sciences
• Economics

Often test-optional or not required:

• Biology
• Social work
• Education
• Public Health

Many master’s programs dropped the GRE requirement during the pandemic and never reinstated it. In addition, others now list the GRE as optional, but don’t assume that means “ignored.” In competitive programs, strong scores can still give you an edge. And be aware, it’s not unheard of for “optional” programs to quietly weigh GRE scores into their decisions — especially stellar ones.

KEY FACT:

Some “optional” programs do consider impressive GRE scores, even if they don’t officially require them.

Ph.D. Programs

Requirements for Ph.D. programs are even less consistent than for Master’s programs:

• Within the same university, one department may require the GRE while another doesn’t.
• In the sciences and humanities, many top programs have made the GRE optional or have eliminated it entirely.

Bottom line: Never assume. Always check the policy for your specific Ph.D. program.

MBA Programs

Today, over 90% of MBA programs accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT. Be sure to check with the specific business school.

If a school does accept both the GRE and the GMAT, choose the test that plays to your strengths.

KEY FACT:

Today, 90% of business schools accept the GRE as an alternative to GMAT.

GRE Requirements by Discipline

Learn more about GRE requirements for grad school.

GRE vs. Other Exams — Which Test Should You Take?

If your target program accepts multiple tests (such as the GRE and GMAT for business school or the GRE and LSAT for law school), here’s the golden rule:

Don’t just compare raw scores; compare percentiles.

A 170 on GRE Quant is only the 91st percentile, while a 705 on the GMAT Quant might land you closer to the 98th. Similarly, a 168 on GRE Verbal is the 99th percentile, which is hard to beat on any test. Learn more about GRE percentiles.

Take official or reputable practice tests for both exams and see which gives you a higher percentile ranking. The higher your percentile ranking, and the bigger the gap between the two, the clearer your choice.

GRE vs. GMAT

Then vs. Now: The GMAT was once the gold standard for MBA programs, but today, most business schools weigh the GRE and GMAT equally.

Key Consideration: It’s generally harder to stand out in quant on the GRE than on the GMAT due to how the percentiles work. (Learn whether the GRE or GMAT is easier.)

Learn more about the GRE vs. GMAT for business schools. Also, check out the differences between the GRE and GMAT Focus Edition.

GRE vs. LSAT

While the GMAT is no longer the gold standard for business schools, the general sentiment is that LSAT scores are still weighted more heavily than GRE scores.

Submitting GRE scores may make sense if:

• you score significantly higher (percentile-wise) on the GRE
• you’ve already prepped for the GRE and are pivoting to law

Learn more about GRE vs. LSAT in this post and read about recent changes to the LSAT.

TTP PRO TIP:

When comparing scores from different tests, look at the percentiles for each score and choose the test where you can get a higher percentile.

How Important Is the GRE for Competitive Grad Schools?

Strong GRE scores can boost your chances of admission to competitive schools, but just how much they matter depends entirely on the program. Some competitive grad schools weigh GRE scores heavily, especially in fields such as law, business, and engineering. Others don’t consider them at all.

In fact, even within the same institution, GRE expectations can vary by degree. For example, MIT’s Chemical Engineering department doesn’t review GRE scores for M.S. applicants but does expect them for Ph.D. candidates. (Also learn about the importance of GRE Verbal for engineering programs.)

Unfortunately, programs aren’t always transparent about how they evaluate GRE scores. Some schools report detailed score ranges; others remain tight-lipped. Still, we can often infer expectations. For instance, if Stanford or Yale doesn’t report GRE ranges, they’re likely similar to peer institutions such as MIT or Harvard.

If you’re curious to see how your scores compare, here are a few useful articles:

• GRE score range for MIT
• GRE score ranges for Harvard Business School
• GRE score ranges for Wharton
• GRE scores for law schools
• GRE scores for engineering programs

TTP PRO TIP:

Be sure to check how heavily your target programs weigh GRE scores.

What to Expect from the GRE

The GRE is potentially very different from most tests you’ve taken recently. You’ll have to recall the meaning of difficult vocabulary, unpack complex geometric figures, and discern between almost-right answers and those that are clearly right — all under time pressure.

As a result, it might take some time to adjust to the exam. Learn more about the different elements of the GRE exam.

However, if you remember taking the SAT, this adjustment might not be as major. The 2 tests are not that different. To understand this better, learn more about the difference between the GRE and SAT and which is harder.

Given their similarities, you might be wondering whether your SAT performance can indicate how well you’ll do on the GRE. To explore that connection, learn how your SAT score converts to a GRE score.

When to Study for and Take the GRE

Ready, set … not so fast.

Just because you’ve decided to apply to grad school doesn’t mean you need to start drilling vocab flashcards for the GRE tomorrow.

If You’re Still in College

If you’re in college and busy juggling 15 different things, you may not need to study just yet. In fact, GRE prep is often easier for current students because you may:

• already reading complex texts, which is great training for GRE Verbal
• be in a STEM or quant-heavy major, making GRE math feel familiar

 Read Should I Study for the GRE While I’m Still in College?

If You’ve Been Out of School for a While

On the other hand, if you haven’t cracked open a textbook in years, and your first thought when you see “π” is “dessert,” then you’ll probably need more time to get GRE-ready.

To give yourself the best shot, start early, ideally 3 to 6 months before your intended test date. That gives you time to:

• understand the exam format
• brush up on math and verbal fundamentals
• build the endurance and pacing GRE success requires

How to Time It Right

So, how do you know when to start studying for the GRE? You’ll want to train in the way a marathon runner trains for race day: months ahead of test day and with a goal in mind. Don’t start training a few weeks or days before. Instead:

1. Figure out your target score. Check the average GRE scores for your target programs.
2. Take a practice test. This gives you a baseline and helps you estimate how much prep you’ll need. The greater the delta between your practice score and your target score, the longer you’ll need to study.
3. Plan your test date. Aim for peak training a few weeks before that date, like a runner training for race day.

Learn how to use practice tests to choose your GRE test date.

TTP PRO TIP:

The longer it’s been since you were in school, the more time you’ll need to prep for the GRE.

How to Send Your GRE Scores (Without Messing It Up)

Submitting your GRE scores to schools is relatively simple, but there are a few details you’ll need to watch closely to avoid costly or confusing mistakes.

Use ScoreSelect Wisely

Immediately after test day, you’ll be able to send your scores to up to 4 schools for free using ETS’s ScoreSelect:

• Send now or later: You can choose to send your scores on test day or wait until later (but after test day, each score report costs $27).
• Choose which scores to send: If you’ve taken the GRE more than once in the past 5 years, you can decide to send only your most recent score or send some (or all) of your past scores.

If you’re unsure how you did, it might be worth waiting and paying the fee later, especially if you’re applying to competitive programs.

Read more about the GRE Score Report and ScoreSelect here.

Avoid Sending Your Score to the Wrong School

It happens more often than you’d think: Students accidentally send their scores to the wrong institution or department. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Verify the school name carefully. For example, there are 5 different schools named Loyola.
• Confirm the department or program code. Some schools require that scores be sent to a specific department, not just the university.
• Use ETS’s school search tool or look up program codes in advance to avoid mix-ups.
• Optional step: Some students memorize the program code ahead of test day for peace of mind, but that’s up to you.

Learn more about how to avoid sending your GRE scores to the wrong place.

TTP PRO TIP:

Carefully confirm key details such as program and department codes before submitting your scores.

How to Get Into Grad School

Ultimately, to get into grad school, you’ll need a comprehensive and competitive application.

You are far more than your GRE score, and admissions knows this. Admissions looks at the whole candidate and at how different parts of their application combine to tell a compelling narrative. It’s that narrative, not any single component, that’ll help determine whether you’re the right fit for the program.

For example, a close-to-perfect GRE score is great, but only if it fits with the rest of your application. Vague letters of recommendation and a subpar GPA aren’t dusted under the rug just because you got a high GRE score. Rather, they become looming question marks.

Below, I’ll frame each facet of grad school applications in terms of the myth and the reality. Why? Because often the myth is what we hear and read about — usually to our detriment.

You are far more than your GRE score, and admissions knows this.

GPA

Myth: Top schools require a 4.0.
Reality: Schools also look to see if your GPA trended upward and how tough your major was.

If your GPA trended upward throughout undergrad, admissions boards will look favorably on this. And they won’t just want to know your GPA. They’ll want to know how rigorous your major was. For a quant-heavy program, a 4.0 in Art History is not worth the same as a 4.0 in Applied Mathematics.

Finally, admissions will look at the rigor of your institution. A good GPA at a top 25 school will carry more weight than a second-tier school (though a second tier in and of itself certainly does not close doors!)

One final note on GPA: if something happened in your life that impacted your GPA, you can always contextualize this in your personal statement or optional essays.

KEY FACT:

Beyond GPA, schools also consider factors such as course rigor when making admissions decisions.

Research & Experience

Myth: Only Ph.D. applicants need to show they’ve done real research.
Reality: Research, or indeed, any deep engagement in your field, can elevate applications even for Master’s programs.

In addition to being a net positive for just about any grad school application, research can be especially powerful when it aligns with a program’s strengths and connects clearly with your future goals.

And if you’ve already dipped your toes in the research waters — and your name on publication will certainly bolster your case — then grad school seems inevitable.

Personal Statement

Myth: This is where you humble-brag all of your accomplishments.
Reality: This is your narrative thread, tying together past and present, present and future.

Look, admissions already knows your relevant accomplishments by looking through the rest of your application. Your personal statement shouldn’t be redundant, and neither should it be a soapbox speech about how great you think you are. Instead, it should tell a compelling story about what brought you to this current moment and how the specific program is a natural next part of this narrative.

And you’ll want to cultivate your own personal voice. Don’t sound robotic or distant or like AI. Stand out from the repetitive pile of essays. You should come alive on the page so that a day or even a week after reading your personal statement, admissions will remember you.

TTP PRO TIP:

Your personal statement should be more than a recap of your accomplishments.

Letters of Recommendation

Myth: Any personal recommendation will help.
Reality: Vague or generic references can be a liability.

College admissions aren’t just checking a box that you submitted a letter of recommendation. They are looking at several important factors.

First, what is the depth of the relationship you had with the professor? Did you do nothing more than provide a few compelling answers in class? Or did you actually work closely with this person, contributing real value?

Second, how specific is the recommendation? Like your personal statement, you’ll need to jump off the page as a unique, multidimensional person. “X worked hard and was punctual” simply doesn’t sing in the same way as, “X was able to bring a fresh perspective on our work by applying decision tree analysis to messy data sets that led to clear algorithmic gains for the entire department.”

Finally, are the letters of recommendation aligned with the field you are applying to? After all, admissions will want to know whether you have what it takes to do the work.

TTP PRO TIP:

A vague recommendation can hurt more than help, so make sure yours is detailed and specific.

Extracurriculars & Life Experience

Myth: Only the academic stuff really counts.
Reality: Admissions officers are people, and the “human factor” can resonate.

Did you help launch a shelter for homeless youth? Teach yourself Python over the summer and use it at your job? Or run a community-wide club? Projects like these speak to grit, initiative, and leadership. These elements can prove to be the “tie breakers” because they make you memorable.

When your application weaves all of these pieces together in a compelling fashion, it does something that nothing else can: tell the story of you.

TTP PRO TIP:

Craft a memorable and compelling personal narrative that resonates throughout all parts of your application.

Deciding Where to Attend

So you’ve been accepted not just to 1, but to several programs. Once the rush of euphoria wears off, though, decision paralysis is likely to set in.

Sadly, this oh-so-close-to-the-finish-line stage is one that gets overlooked and undercoached. Picking a school based on the wrong factors could echo negatively for years to come. To avoid this outcome, keep the following in mind:

• Don’t: Pick the school with the biggest name.
• Do: Find the school that’s the best fit.

Prestigious names might open certain doors, but if you want to thrive once you walk through them, fit is what matters most. Here, fit means the right location (hate long, cold winters?), the right faculty (have you seen what they’ve published?), and the right support (have you read online reviews from actual students?)

• Don’t: Go wherever gives you the most money.
• Do: Think ROI.

Sure, university A might give you more money, but what if it’s in the heart of New York City, where the cost of living is very high? And what about your prospects post-graduation? Strong job pipelines and alumni networks can dramatically increase the chances of employment after graduation.

• Don’t: Think only in terms of academics.
• Do: Consider what life outside the classroom looks like.

The reality is you’ll be 24/7 in the place you choose, and the surrounding environment will likely determine your overall experience. Love the big city vibe? A collaborative atmosphere over a competitive one?

Go beyond glossy marketing materials and do some sleuthing. Contact current students and read online reviews from real people. Ultimately, the place that “feels right” is the place that often ends up being the best fit.

TTP PRO TIP:

Find the school with the best “fit” for your personal goals rather than basing your decision on prestige alone.

Conclusion

The graduate application process can oftentimes seem confusing — if not overwhelming — and filled with conflicting information. But it doesn’t have to be. Equipped with advice and strategies from this guide, you’re now well-positioned to avoid the many application quandaries and confidently move forward.

Before we leave you, here are the most important parts of the process to keep in mind:

• Make sure grad school isn’t an impulse decision but a clear stepping stone on a carefully mapped journey.
• Figure out a competitive GRE score for the program you’re interested in and then take an official GRE practice test to see how close you are.
• Your application is far more than just your GRE scores.
• Admissions look at the complete candidate, favoring a cohesive narrative over a disconnected one, even if it’s filled with strong scores.
• Choose a school based not on name but on how it aligns with your ambitions.

And remember, the application process is a long one, but you’re not in it alone. Other grad school hopefuls are going through a similar struggle. Armed with a clear roadmap, you can chart your way intentionally and land somewhere you are right for — and that’s right for you.

TTP PRO TIP:

The grad school application process is long, so pace yourself and follow a clear roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many grad schools should I apply to?

Most students apply to between 4 and 6 programs. This number allows you to maintain the narrative focus of your application without leaving yourself too vulnerable to zero acceptances or only 1 acceptance. Applying to, say, 10 schools also adds to the cost of applying.

How much does it cost to apply to grad school?

Applying to grad school can cost as little as $100 or north of $5,000. It all depends on how many schools you are applying to and how much you spend on test prep. Some students spend little on test prep, and others thousands. Application fees can run anywhere from $60–$120. GRE score reports and transcripts can cost $10–$20 each.

When to apply to grad school?

Most schools’ deadlines fall between December and February, giving them enough time to make decisions for the following fall year. The best time to start preparing for grad school is 6 months to a year before deadlines.

How does applying to grad school work?

The graduate application process is a multifaceted one. It includes:

• researching programs
• understanding admissions requirements
• taking standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, etc.) if required
• preparing materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement)
• submitting applications through school admissions portals

What’s Next?

Ready to Study for the GRE? Learn more about How to Study for the GRE in this comprehensive guide.

Want to Boost Your GRE Score? Target Test Prep is here to help you achieve a competitive score for the programs you are applying to – get started for free!
Want to see how other students used TTP to get accepted? Check out our Student Testimonials playlist on YouTube!

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