Continue to do well in your courses and begin to narrow your career interests.
If you are uncertain of your career path, take courses in different areas with different topics and volunteer with organizations in the fields you are interested in pursuing.
Attend career panels and job fairs offered by the university.
Stay involved with clubs and extracurricular activities.
Junior Year
Update your resume and identify mentors, professors, or supervisors that can serve as references.
Consider running for a leadership position within a student organization.
Talk with faculty members about graduate school. They can offer guidance about the specialties of different schools, which universities are most likely to admit you, and what you can do after earning a graduate degree.
Understand the various prerequisite requirements of each school you are interested in applying to. Requirements will vary, but many graduate programs in political science or public policy require calculus, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and foreign language proficiency. Some schools will not accept AP credit for these prerequisites. You are strongly encouraged to begin researching graduate schools a year before submitting applications. More information can be found on individual school websites.
The GRE and LSAT are the Graduate Record Examination and the Law School Admission Test. The GRE is often the required entrance exam for graduate school, while the LSAT is the required entrance exam for most law schools. Note: The University of Arizona Law School will accept either the GRE, LSAT, or the JD-Next exam as part of their required application materials. More UA Law admission information can be found here: How to Apply - General Requirements | University of Arizona Law If you plan to attend law school in the fall after your May graduation, take the test no later than December of your senior year.
Most graduate programs will require two letters of recommendation. These should detail your analytical abilities and writing skills. Request letters of recommendation from faculty several months in advance of the application due date.
Create a personal statement, typically, no longer than four pages, that clarifies your unique characteristics, personal qualities, education and work experiences, talents, background, community involvement, and why you are pursuing a graduate degree.
Update your resume and include GPA under the education section.
Requirements for international students may be different. Check school websites for more details.
