How to Prepare for the Graduate & Professional School Fair
Students
Representatives
Reasons to Attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair
- Explore the possibilities of graduate and professional education.
- Meet with admission representatives and learn more about the requirements for each program.
- Gain detailed information about various schools and programs.
- Gather material you can use for later review.
What To Expect at the Graduate and Professional School Fair
- Please swipe your I-Card or check in to receive a bag and packet which includes a list of schools and programs represented and a table map.
- Student Volunteers will be wearing “ Illinois” t-shirts and will be available if you have any questions.
- After the fair, you may receive an evaluation via email. Please take a couple minutes to fill out the evaluation to help The Career Center in planning next year’s event.
Tips for Attending the Graduate and Professional School Fair
- Research the schools and programs represented ahead of time. Refer to the pages on this website that have a list of programs attending that day.
- Rank the schools according to your preference. Visit the schools you are most interested in first.
- Prepare questions to ask the representatives ahead of time.
- Prepare answers for questions representatives might ask you, i.e. Why do you want to attend graduate school? When? What would you like to do with this degree?
- Dress casually, but appropriately. Remember, you still want to make a good first impression.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Arrive early and take a few minutes to review the table map.
Sample questions to ask at the Graduate and Professional Fair
- What are the admission requirements (GPA, undergraduate coursework, entrance exams, experience, interview, etc.)?
- What is the average entrance exam score and GPA of students who are accepted?
- When is the application deadline?
- Is there an early admission deadline?
- What is the application process/timeline (application materials, interview)?
- Are students admitted in both the fall and spring semesters?
- How much does the program cost (tuition, student fees, housing)?
- What types of financial aid are available (fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, loans)?
- How long is the program?
- Will I gain clinical/field experience or complete an internship as part of the program?
- How much choice will I have about where I do my internship/field experience?
- What is the location and size of the institution?
- Could you tell me more about the facilities (labs, lecture rooms, etc.)?
- Could you tell me more about student life on campus (diversity of the students, student organizations, housing, campus support services)?
- How many faculty members are there and what are their areas of research?
- Is there anything unique about your program?
- How important is it for applicants to have extracurricular activities, volunteer and/or work experience?
- Are there any recommended courses in addition to the stated pre-requisites?
- Do you provide joint degrees (M.D./Ph.D., J.D./MBA)?
- Where are graduates of the program employed?
- What percentage of graduates are employed in a relevant field within 6 months/ 1 year of graduation?
- Do you have open houses or information sessions?
- Would it be possible for me to arrange a campus visit in which I could meet with admissions representatives, current students, and faculty?
- Is it possible to work full-time and complete the degree as a part-time student?
- Is a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive examination(s) required for completion of the degree?
- Will I be able to take electives to pursue other areas of interest?
- Will completion of the program meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification needed to enter a particular occupation?
- What is the projected size of the entering class?
- Do you reserve spots for in-state residents?
- Does your program offer any programs for underrepresented minority students?
- How diverse is the class and/or institution?
- May I contact you if I have additional questions (business card)?
