Graduate Schools
Researching Graduate Programs
The Career Center library has many print resources, including books for students of health, law, engineering & technology, graduate psychology, business and others. Professors, academic or departmental advisors, staff, other students, and alumni are also good sources of information. You can also access graduate school information right on line.
In reviewing the programs of each school, look for:
- Emphasis and content of each program.
- Special options that may be offered.
- Tests required for entrance (e.g. GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT).
- Educational/experiential background of faculty members in your anticipated department.
- Application procedures and CLOSING DATES.
Links to graduate schools and continuing education websites:
- ETS
- Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools
- MBA Explorer
- US News & Graduate School Rankings
- GradSchools.com
- Graduate School Fairs
- Postgrad.com - postgraduate in the UK!
Links to Stony Brook graduate programs:
- Graduate Programs at Stony Brook
- College of Engineering & Applied Science
- School of Professional Development
- University Health Sciences Center
Testing for Admissions
Make arrangements to take the appropriate graduate or professional school admissions tests. Application materials for most of these tests are available at Career Center. For those interested, there are organizations that offer classes to help you prepare for graduate school entrance exams. Here are a few examples:
Recommendation letters/Credential files
Stony Brook students & alumni may collect confidential letters of recommendation from professors and supervisors in one electronic file that can be distributed to multiple graduate schools at once through a service called Interfolio. For a small fee you will have online access to your credentials data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Benefits of using Interfolio
- 24 hour availability
- Online mailing requests and online views of file contents and mailing history.
- 1 business day mailing request processing with no rush fee.
- Multiple mailing options include priority mail and fax.
- Flexibility in payment: credit card payments are accepted
- Flexibility in content handled
- files may contain documents other than recommendation letters (i.e. writing samples, articles, unofficial transcripts)
- file holders may self-manage the file content while still maintaining confidentiality
- files may contain both confidential and non-confidential letters
- Online storage options are offered for one or five-year renewable contracts.
- Reliability: this sophisticated technology reduces the risk of human error, offers security and privacy with instant back-up of data. All inactive files are stored electronically for 20 years from the date of last use.
- Letter writers may submit content either electronically or through hard copy.
How do I set up a file?
Visit Interfolio.com and set up your account.
Whom to ask for a letter of reference?
- Ask people who know your work and can adequately comment on your abilities to perform well in a graduate program.
- We strongly suggest asking faculty members as they are in the best position to assess your capabilities for doing graduate level work.
- A supervisor or past employer may also be appropriate.
- Personal references from family members should be avoided.
When asking for a letter of reference....
- Schedule a meeting with the person to discuss your academic or career goals.
- Provide a copy of your resume and unofficial transcript as well as any other pertinent information.
- Give your references advanced notice of at least one month to compose a good letter.
Click here for help in asking for a letter of reference.
Medical Schools require something different...
Visit the Health Professions Advisor (631-632-7080) in the Academic Advising Center.
Law Schools require something different...
Law schools require all applicants to establish their credentials file with their on-line service. Click here for more information.
