As the 2022-2023 school year comes to a close, all Penn State students have one thing in common — they are one step closer to leaving Happy Valley and entering the real world. While some are excited to never have to wake up for another 8 a.m. or study for an exam again, some are crazy enough to do it all over again. Applying to graduate school programs is no easy task between entrance exams, essay questions and applications, not to mention applying for scholarships and loans. There is no reason to go through this process alone — Penn State has so many helpful resources to guide you through each part of the way!
Pre-Law
Pre-Law Advising at Penn State covers everything from studying for the LSAT, application and interview tips, choosing a school to finding scholarships. After you attend an initial informational meeting to gauge where you are on the application timeline and when you should begin preparing, you can be added to a mailing list to inform you of various workshops, panels from practicing attorneys, law school visits and more. Kathy Garren, the main advisor, offers many meetings to discuss any questions you may have about the process, schools and crafting your personal statement. Joining Pre-Law Society is also an easy way to meet like-minded individuals, gain access to even more events and panels and a great addition to your résumé.
Pre-Med
Health Professions Group Advising is where to find resources for applying to medical school or physician assistant programs. For these services, you are also required to attend an introductory Zoom session for the speciality you plan to pursue. Following this, you can make one-on-one appointments with advisors and gain access to a Canvas page filled with pre-recorded videos, application timeline information and a calendar of on campus events.
Pre-Dental
Advising for applying to dental school is also under the Health Professions Group Advising page and works similarly to the pre-med and physician assistant tracks. There are modules for studying for the DAT, interview tips and what courses are necessary for applying. There is also a Pre-Dental Society where you can network with peers and Penn State alum who successfully completed dental school.
Applying to graduate school is hard, but there is no need to make it harder on yourself. Check out these resources to meet some amazing faculty members who want nothing more than to see you succeed and make your dreams come true!
Tweet us @VALLEYmag and let us know what you’re planning on pursuing following graduation!
