Professional school
Graduate and professional school can be a powerful next step for students looking to deepen their expertise, expand career opportunities and enter highly specialized fields. Whether you are preparing for law, medical, business or other advanced programs, Career Services provides tools and guidance to help you make informed decisions and submit competitive applications.
Support
Academic advisors
- Building an education path
- Class advising
- Prep courses
- Add a second major
- Explore options and certificates
Pre-professional office
- Research schools
- Prepare for entrance exams
- Navigate the application process
- Build a competitive application
Career Services
- Develop resume and CV
- Draft Personal Statements
- Prepare for Interviews
- Consider parallel plans
Exploring graduate and professional school
Have you decided to pursue vet, law or medical school after graduation? OSU is here to help at every step of the journey.
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Research professional schools
Visit with the Pre-Professional Office to explore schools that interest you. Location, cost and alumni networks are all important considerations as you decide.
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Understand admission requirements
Most applications require an entrance exam, personal statement, resume or CV, letters of recommendation and academic transcripts. Review the requirements for your preferred schools.
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Register for entrance exams
Review requirements for the programs you are considering and register for the relevant exams. Begin studying six months before you take the test and use practice exams to measure your progress.
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Draft your personal statement
Personal statements, sometimes called letters of intent or admissions essays, should reflect your unique reasons for pursuing the program and demonstrated interest in the career field.
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Request letters of recommendation
Most programs require two to four letters of recommendation from members of your professional network who can speak to your qualifications. Common connections include work supervisors, professors and program staff who know you well.
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Prepare and submit your applications
Carefully review application instructions for the programs where you apply and begin compiling your application at least two weeks before the deadline.
Before submitting, review the materials again, proofreading for any grammatical or informational errors.