Graduate School Info
for
English Majors
If you are planning to attend graduate school rather than seek immediate employment, then this site will provide basic information about how to do so. It will help guide you in the processes of selecting a school or program and of writing a personal statement, a key element of most applications.
First, though, you should know that while some questions have very objective, fact-based answers (When should I begin applying? or What is the GRE? or How do I sign up for the GRE? to identify just three), many others will depend upon two factors:
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Your own decision or desire
Some questions only you can answer effectively: Where should I go to school? What focus should I pursue? Do I want to finish with an MA or should I go on to a PhD?
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Information that can be gleaned only from asking/researching a particular school
Since every program is different, you'll be able to find out specifics only by researching on your own: What sorts of exams will I take at X school? Does the school require a foreign language on the graduate level? Can I apply for an assistantship? How many classes will I take each semester? How many will I teach? For answers to specific questions like these, you will need to contact the individual graduate programs.
For advice on careers for English Majors and Minors, please visit the Career Services for English Majors site.