Graduate School Preparation Certificate

Graduate School Preparation Introduction

Level: A

Ready to take the next step in your academic journey, but don't know where to start? This workshop provides a general overview of the requirements for graduate school admission (Master's and PhD) and provides information for those pursuing medical school. Students will receive guidance on preparing a timeline and materials for graduate school.

Crafting a Personal Statement for Grad School

Level: A

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to write a compelling personal statement that highlights your strengths, tells your unique story, and captures the attention of admissions committees. Whether you're just getting started or refining a draft, this session will provide practical tips, examples, and feedback to help you succeed.

Crafting a Winning Statement of Purpose

Level: A

Your statement of purpose is your chance to show graduate programs why you're a great fit—and why you're ready for the challenge. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to clearly articulate your academic goals, research interests, and professional aspirations. We'll cover structure, tone, and strategies for making your statement purposeful, persuasive, and personal.

Graduate School Interview and Campus Visit

Level: A

You've submitted your graduate school application. Now it's time to make a strong impression in person (or via Zoom). This workshop will help you navigate graduate school interviews and campus visits with confidence. Learn how to prepare for common interview questions, engage with faculty and current students, and make the most of your visit. Whether virtual or in-person, we’ll cover tips to help you present your best self and gather the information you need to make informed decisions.

NRMN Course: GRE Preparation and Expectations (Self-Paced)

Level: A

This mini-course introduces the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and explains why the GRE is important. Specific topics in this module include: how to create an ETS account, what to expect on the day of testing, the structure of the computer delivered test, a discussion of when to take the GRE, and a description of each section of the test. In addition, students are introduced to fee reduction programs as well as given guidance for test preparation and how to select and send their scores to a graduate program.  This course was developed by a partnership between the National Research Mentoring Network and California State University, Long Beach's BUILD program.