Prepare for Graduate School Early and prepared planning is the key to a strong and successful graduate school journey. Master your application!

Preparing for Graduate School at the University of Kentucky

Applying to graduate school is an exciting step toward advancing your academic and professional goals. At the University of Kentucky, tailoring your undergraduate experience can help you stand out and find the best fit for your aspirations. Here are a few valuable ways to prepare:

Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Engaging in research allows you to collaborate with faculty mentors and deepen your expertise in your field. Highlighting your research experience on your graduate application demonstrates your ability to work closely with a mentor and your passion for contributing to your area of study. Explore UK’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities to get started! If you're not a current UK Student, reach out to your academic advisor to find Undergraduate Research opportunities at your university! 

Community Engagement and Service Learning
Real-world experiences like volunteering, internships, and service-learning can enhance your application while providing insights into your discipline. These opportunities not only highlight your dedication beyond academics but also showcase your commitment to your field and confidence in your career goals. Learn more about UK’s Community Engagement initiatives.

Stay on Track with Advising
Regularly meet with your academic or career advisor and faculty mentor to review your plans and ensure you’re progressing toward your goals. They can provide guidance tailored to your interests and help you make the most of your time at UK.

With over 85 graduate programs spanning master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees, the University of Kentucky offers something for everyone. Review our Graduate Program options and take the next step toward achieving your dreams!

Admissions requirements can vary by program and school. Once you have identified your program of interest, please confirm specific requirements with your department, then explore the general application requirements via Program Exploration Tool. 

We encourage you to connect with faculty in your academic department to ask questions about your program of interest and learn more about the resources available to graduate students. At the University of Kentucky, each program has a Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) who can provide guidance on program requirements, deadlines, and funding opportunities. Visit the DGS Directory to learn more about your program and start your journey!

We are dedicated to supporting your academic journey with diverse funding opportunities to help you thrive. Prospective doctoral students can access comprehensive packages that include full tuition, stipends, and health insurance, easing the transition into graduate studies. For master’s students, we offer resources and guidance to navigate program-specific funding options. Our mission is to connect you with the financial support you need to stay focused on your studies and achieve your goals. You can achieve funding through assistantships, internships, and fellowships in addition to scholarship opportunities. 

Explore the University of Kentucky’s many resources designed to help fund your graduate education.

As part of your application process, you may be required to submit various types of essays or statements.

Essay prompts offer an opportunity to showcase your experiences, skills, values, and qualities that align with the success in your program. Respond to the required prompts thoughtfully and explain how you will contribute to the university’s educational community.

A personal statement is a common requirement where you can outline your academic and professional aspirations, emphasizing how the program can help you achieve your goals.

Some programs might also ask for additional essays, such as teaching philosophies or other supplemental statements.

Helpful Links: 

Writing a Compelling Personal Statement

Writing a Successful Personal Statement, by UK Healthcare 

Example Graduate School Application Essays

Applicants use a resume or CV to communicate their education, work experience, skills and qualifications to potential graduate schools. You can reach out the UK Stuckert Career center for resume building help, or check out some great resources below. These will help guide you in formatting, style, and content for your resume and/or CV. 

Helpful Links: 

Resume Sections | UK Stuckert Career Center

Stuckert Resume Full Guide (PDF) | UK Stuckert Career Center 

Steps to Build Your Resume (Template Available for Download)

CV vs. Resume (CV Template Available for Download)

Resume Strategies for PhDs

Resume and CV Examples by Academic Field  

Letters of recommendation play a key role in your application process. They should be from advisors, professors, or others who can attest to your knowledge, skills, and potential for success.

While most applications utilize an automated system to send recommendation requests, it’s a good idea to reach out to your recommenders beforehand. Aim to give them at least one month’s notice, ensuring they have ample time to craft a strong letter. Share helpful resources like your resume, personal statement, and a list of the programs you’re applying to, along with their specific requirements.

Helpful Links: 

Getting Letters of Rec | Rice University

How To Request a Letter of Recommendation | Northeastern 

How To Format Your Request for a Recommendation 

Depending on your program of interests and your English Language proficiency, you may be required to provide one or more tests for admissions. 

The GRE Tests GMAT™ Exam 

International Students: You may have to complete an English Language proficiency. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Some programs may require a higher TOEFL score.  Please report your official scores before the two-year expiration date. More information can be found on the Prospective Students page. 

TOEFL Test Takers IELTS | Welcome to IELTS

Academic transcripts provide programs with a record of your completed degrees, coursework, and academic performance in prior studies. All college transcripts must be submitted directly to the Graduate School by your previous institution(s).

In certain cases, departments may provisionally admit applicants using unofficial transcripts. However, if admitted provisionally, you must submit an official credential evaluation before the second month of enrollment.

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Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a bachelors degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by one of the seven regional academic accrediting associations. A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a post-secondary, academic degree-granting institution.

Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 2.75*

Minimum Graduate GPA: 3.0*

*on a 4.0 scale (individual programs may have higher requirements)

Students who wish to calculate their GPAs for self-reporting may wish to use https://www.scholaro.com/premium.

If you are offered admission and decide to enroll you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Official transcripts can be sent the following ways:

Electronic transcripts: Graduate Admissions, University of Kentucky [email protected].
You may also choose to use the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, used by most institutions.
Electronic transcripts must be sent through one of these clearinghouses or directly from your institution.

You can direct hard copy transcript mailings from your institution to:

University of Kentucky

Graduate Admissions

202 Gillis Building

Lexington, KY 40506-0033

Helpful Links: 

How To Obtain Your Transcripts 

Obtain Transcripts | UK Students