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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:

Links to Stony Brook graduate programs:

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 (Interfolio)

Students & alumni may collect confidential letters of recommendation from professors and/or supervisors in one electronic file that can be distributed to multiple graduate schools in support of admissions applications.

This service is provided to SBU students and alumni by the premier web-based credentials management service, Interfolio.com . 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 to view a list of file contents, make mailing requests and to view mailing history.
  • Quick turnaround on mailing requests - 1 business day processing with no added rush fee, multiple mailing options including priority mail and fax.
  • Flexibility - credit card payments are accepted, files may contain documents other than recommendation letters (writing samples, articles, unofficial transcripts, etc.), file holders may self-manage the file content while still maintaining confidentiality, files may contain both confidential and non-confidential letters, and on-line storage options are offered for 1- or 5- year renewable contracts.
  • Reliability - this sophisticated technology reduces the risk of human error, provides a Web site that offers security and privacy with instant back-up of data, and all inactive files are stored electronically for 20 years from the date of last use.
  • Ease for Recommenders - who may also electronically submit and update letters - all via an easy to use and secure Web site.

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.
  • You should certainly ask one or two faculty members, however, a supervisor or past employer may also be appropriate.
  • Personal references from family members do not carry much weight with admissions committees.

When asking for a letter of reference....

  • Meet with the person and talk about your career goals.
  • Tell about what you to hope to achieve through graduate school.
  • Provide a copy of your resume, and any other pertinent information.
  • Give your references 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.