Prospective Graduate Students
Who Is Considered a ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Graduate Student?
Finding the Right Program for You!
Research Graduate & Professional Studies Programs
When Applying, Consider the Following:
Program Application
- Specific programs may require a separate program application aside from applying to Cal State Apply. Ensure that you submit any supplemental items in a timely manner. Check program websites or contact the program for additional details.
- Seeking a Second Baccalaureate Degree? Not all programs permit applicants and may be limited in capacity to accommodate applicants. The major may not be the same as the previously conferred degree.
- For specific graduate program questions, visit the graduate program website or attend an information session!
Financial Aid
- Consider applying for to qualify for financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, or loans. Visit our Funding Opportunities page and attend our free workshops to help budget your way through graduate school.
Request Recommendation Letters/References
- Recommendations should be acquired at least three months in advance from faculty, advisors, project supervisors, or employers.
Develop the Personal Statement
- The statement of purpose is a short statement addressing your interest. It helps the reader understand why you are interested in the program, why you fit, what you can offer to the program, and your future goals related to the degree program.
- Need help?
Request Transcripts
- Generally, a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher creates opportunities for admission into graduate school. Request copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Some programs will use the GPA from the last 60 semester/90 quarter units for admission.
- ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ students do not have to submit official transcripts unless they have attended another school since graduating.
Prepare Your Resume
- Programs such as the MBA, MPA, Social Work, and others require a resume that addresses your professional and/or educational experiences.
Dates & Deadlines
- Soft and Hard Application deadlines
- Soft application deadlines are graduate programs that review submitted applications continually until the final deadline is posted.
- Hard application deadlines are graduate programs that review all submitted applications after the posted deadline.
Official Entrance Exams
- Complete all exams required for your program (GRE/GMAT) and request that the test scores are sent to the appropriate department
Graduate School Entrance Exams
Learn whether your prospective graduate program requires you to take an entrance exam as part of the application process. The following links will direct you to specific graduate level exams -
- Graduate Record exam -- the most common graduate level entrance exam
- Law School Admission Test - exam required for entry into law school
- Graduate Management Admission Test - exam required by most business programs
- Medical College Admission Test - exam required for entry into medical school
- The Miller Analogies Test - less common general graduate level entrance exam
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language - used by international students applying to programs of study in the United States and is often used in place of the GRE.
Needing to take the GRE?
For more information on the at home option, go to .
Are you a ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ STEM Major? See if you qualify for the test voucher and Exam Prep Book. Use this link to apply:
Graduate Student TOEFL Requirement
All graduate and post baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory
education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence
in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor's degree from a post-secondary institution
where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score
of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some campuses or programs
require a higher score. Visit the International Admissions Requirements website for more information.
In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.
Need Help with CalState Apply?
Cal State Apply 2025-2026 Graduate Application Guide
