Applying to graduate school might seem like a big challenge, but with the right approach, you can navigate it with confidence and be on your way to earning your master's degree or Ph.D.! Start early to explore programs that excite you, learn their requirements, and gather key materials like transcripts, recommendation letters, and a standout personal statement. Think of it as crafting the story of your strengths and aspirations. Stay on top of deadlines and double-check that all documents are in place—it’s all about keeping your momentum. The time and energy you invest now pave the way for an incredible graduate school journey ahead!
Prepare for Graduate School Early and prepared planning is the key to a strong and successful graduate school journey. Master your application!
A Guide to Grad School: Master Your Application!
Crafting Your Application
Ensure your application meets all requirements, highlights your strengths, and shows your best self. Personalize your materials to reflect your unique story and double-check for accuracy. Most importantly, stay ahead of deadlines to submit on time.
Planning Academic & Career Goals
Preparing for Graduate School at the University of Kentucky
Applying to graduate school is an exciting step toward advancing your academic and professional goals. At the University of Kentucky, tailoring your undergraduate experience can help you stand out and find the best fit for your aspirations. Here are a few valuable ways to prepare:
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Engaging in research allows you to collaborate with faculty mentors and deepen your expertise in your field. Highlighting your research experience on your graduate application demonstrates your ability to work closely with a mentor and your passion for contributing to your area of study. Explore UK’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities to get started! If you're not a current UK Student, reach out to your academic advisor to find Undergraduate Research opportunities at your university!
Community Engagement and Service Learning
Real-world experiences like volunteering, internships, and service-learning can enhance your application while providing insights into your discipline. These opportunities not only highlight your dedication beyond academics but also showcase your commitment to your field and confidence in your career goals. Learn more about UK’s Community Engagement initiatives.
Stay on Track with Advising
Regularly meet with your academic or career advisor and faculty mentor to review your plans and ensure you’re progressing toward your goals. They can provide guidance tailored to your interests and help you make the most of your time at UK.
With over 85 graduate programs spanning master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees, the University of Kentucky offers something for everyone. Review our Graduate Program options and take the next step toward achieving your dreams!
Application Requirements
Admissions requirements can vary by program and school. Once you have identified your program of interest, please confirm specific requirements with your department, then explore the general application requirements via Program Exploration Tool.
Connect with your Academic Program
We encourage you to connect with faculty in your academic department to ask questions about your program of interest and learn more about the resources available to graduate students. At the University of Kentucky, each program has a Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) who can provide guidance on program requirements, deadlines, and funding opportunities. Visit the DGS Directory to learn more about your program and start your journey!
Create a Timeline for your Application
It’s recommended that you submit your application and all required materials, such as transcripts and test scores, ahead of the priority date or admissions deadline. Be sure to check the admissions page on your intended department’s website for specific deadlines and requirements.
Undergrad student looking into Grad School? You just might be eligible to start taking grad classes sooner than you think! This can save you time, money, and workload if you are eligible for the Accelerated Masters Program. Find out more about your options and eligibility
Consider Available Funding Options
We are dedicated to supporting your academic journey with diverse funding opportunities to help you thrive. Prospective doctoral students can access comprehensive packages that include full tuition, stipends, and health insurance, easing the transition into graduate studies. For master’s students, we offer resources and guidance to navigate program-specific funding options. Our mission is to connect you with the financial support you need to stay focused on your studies and achieve your goals. You can achieve funding through assistantships, internships, and fellowships in addition to scholarship opportunities.
Explore the University of Kentucky’s many resources designed to help fund your graduate education.
Common Application Materials and Steps
Graduate applications often require several key documents, though specific requirements may vary by program. Be sure to check your department's guidelines carefully before submitting your application to ensure you’ve included everything needed.
Personal Statements and Essays
As part of your application process, you may be required to submit various types of essays or statements.
Essay prompts offer an opportunity to showcase your experiences, skills, values, and qualities that align with the success in your program. Respond to the required prompts thoughtfully and explain how you will contribute to the university’s educational community.
A personal statement is a common requirement where you can outline your academic and professional aspirations, emphasizing how the program can help you achieve your goals.
Some programs might also ask for additional essays, such as teaching philosophies or other supplemental statements.
Helpful Links:
Writing a Compelling Personal Statement
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applicants use a resume or CV to communicate their education, work experience, skills and qualifications to potential graduate schools. You can reach out the UK Stuckert Career center for resume building help, or check out some great resources below. These will help guide you in formatting, style, and content for your resume and/or CV.
Helpful Links:
Resume Sections | UK Stuckert Career Center
Stuckert Resume Full Guide (PDF) | UK Stuckert Career Center
Steps to Build Your Resume (Template Available for Download)
Writing Sample
Some programs may ask you for a writing sample. This is a typically a document that was previously produced and is often related to your intended field of study.
Helpful Links:
Recommendations
Letters of recommendation play a key role in your application process. They should be from advisors, professors, or others who can attest to your knowledge, skills, and potential for success.
While most applications utilize an automated system to send recommendation requests, it’s a good idea to reach out to your recommenders beforehand. Aim to give them at least one month’s notice, ensuring they have ample time to craft a strong letter. Share helpful resources like your resume, personal statement, and a list of the programs you’re applying to, along with their specific requirements.
Helpful Links:
Getting Letters of Rec | Rice University
Admissions Test
Depending on your program of interests and your English Language proficiency, you may be required to provide one or more tests for admissions.
International Students: You may have to complete an English Language proficiency. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Some programs may require a higher TOEFL score. International students who receive college degrees from US universities and universities in other designated English-speaking countries may be exempted from taking the TOEFL test. Please report your official scores before the two-year expiration date. More information can be found on the Prospective Students page.
Academic Transcripts
Academic transcripts provide programs with a record of your completed degrees, coursework, and academic performance in prior studies. All college transcripts must be submitted directly to the Graduate School by your previous institution(s).
In certain cases, departments may provisionally admit applicants using unofficial transcripts. However, if admitted provisionally, you must submit an official credential evaluation before the second month of enrollment.
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Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a bachelors degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by one of the seven regional academic accrediting associations. A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a post-secondary, academic degree-granting institution.
Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 2.75*
Minimum Graduate GPA: 3.0*
*on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may have higher requirements)
Students who wish to calculate their GPAs for self-reporting may wish to use https://www.scholaro.com/premium.
If you are offered admission and decide to enroll you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.
Official transcripts can be sent the following ways:
Electronic transcripts: Graduate Admissions, University of Kentucky gradtranscripts@uky.edu.
You may also choose to use the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, used by most institutions.
Electronic transcripts must be sent through one of these clearinghouses or directly from your institution.
You can direct hard copy transcript mailings from your institution to:
University of Kentucky
Graduate Admissions
202 Gillis Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0033
Helpful Links:
Admissions Interview
The Graduate School does not have an admissions interview, but specific programs may require one. Please check with the Graduate Degree Programs.
Helpful Links:
Things I Wish I Knew About Interviewing for Graduate School
International Students
In addition to standard graduate admissions requirements, international students may be required to submit additional materials for their graduate school application. Visit the International Center website for more detailed information and requirements.
