towson university application essay

Towson University

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Cultural Studies
• Cybersecurity
• Deaf Studies
• Electronic Media and Film
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Kinesiology
• Liberal Arts
• Mass Communication
• Mathematics
• Performing Arts
• Physical Therapy
• Social Science
• Speech Language Pathology
• Sports Management
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Center for Student Diversity
• Civic Engagement
• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Inclusion & Institutional Equity
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Student Government
• Study Abroad
• Transfer Center
• Undergraduate Research
• Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

Towson University makes applying easy. TU is also test-optional. A holistic review process is used to determine freshman admission. The primary factors in our evaluation are based on your high school courses, grades and supplemental materials submitted with the application. We will evaluate the academic rigor in the context of the high school environment, extracurricular involvement, college application essay, and other information provided on your application. Submit your application with all required materials by TU’s new  November 15  Early Action deadline to be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Early Action is also the application deadline for TU's competitive Honors College. TU's final Regular Decision deadline is February 1 . See our  Admission Requirements & Deadlines  for more information.

• November 15:  Spring deadline (remains open on a space-available basis). 
• March 1:  Fall Early Action deadline (to be considered for merit-based  transfer scholarships  or the Honors College).
• June 1:  Fall Regular Decision deadline (application may stay open on a space-available basis).

"It's one of the most diverse colleges in the state of Maryland. That's what really interested me." Dominique Watts, Student, Education Major

Admissions office

8000 York Road Towson , MD 21252 , United States of America

Phone number

410-704-2113

For first-year students

Admissions website.

www.towson.edu/admissions/undergrad/

Financial aid website

www.towson.edu/admissions/financialaid/

For transfer students

Mid-Atlantic

View more in this region

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Towson University Requirements for Admission

What are Towson University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Towson University and build a strong application.

School location: Towson, MD

Admissions Rate: 78.6%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Towson University is 78.6% . For every 100 applicants, 79 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet Towson University's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

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Towson University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.84

The average GPA at Towson University is 3.84 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.84, Towson University requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.84, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Towson University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Towson University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Towson University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1130

The average SAT score composite at Towson University is a 1130 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Towson University Competitive for SAT test scores.

Towson University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1030, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1230. In other words, a 1030 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1230 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Towson University has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Towson University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Towson University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1030, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Towson University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Towson University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 22

The average ACT score at Towson University is 22. This score makes Towson University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 19, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 25.

Even though Towson University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 19 or below, you'll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 19 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

However, in our research, we found that Towson University does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy . To quote their Admissions Office:

If you send us scores from multiple test dates, we’ll take your highest score for each section of the test and consider those scores as we evaluate your application.

Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Towson University receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit .

For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:

Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Towson University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Towson University forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 19, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Towson University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1030 SAT or a 19 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Towson University here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $45
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes Extracurricular activities list or resume recommended for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office February 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 6

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes February 1 November 21
• Yes November 15 January 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 8000 Towson, MD 21252
• Phone: (410) 704-2000 x2000
• Fax: (410) 704-3030
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Towson University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Towson University.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Towson University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Towson University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Towson University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Towson University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, admissions requirements for towson university.

I'm stressing out a little over college apps. I want to know what GPA I should have to get a decent shot at being admitted to Towson University. Also, what other factors should I consider when applying to this school? Is there anything extra I can do to increase my chances? Thanks.

To give yourself a good shot at being admitted to Towson University, you should aim to have a competitive GPA. For Towson, the average high school GPA of admitted students ranges from 3.46 to 3.98, with the middle half of admitted students having a GPA between 3.31 and 4.0. While GPA is an important factor, it's not the only aspect of your application that matters, as Towson University reviews applications holistically.

For standardized testing, Towson currently maintains a test-optional policy, so submitting SAT or ACT scores is your decision. If you believe your test scores will be a strength on your application, you can submit them. Otherwise, you can focus on other aspects of your application.

When applying to Towson University, make sure to put effort into crafting a strong essay on the Common Application. This is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills and share more about your personality, goals, and experiences. Demonstrating your interest in your intended major or explaining how Towson's programs align with your academic goals can also help your application.

Extracurricular activities are another consideration. Try to highlight your involvement and achievements in clubs, sports, community service, or other outside interests. Showcasing leadership positions or accomplishments in these areas can be beneficial to your application.

Letters of recommendation can also play a role in helping the admissions committee get a better understanding of your character and abilities. Typically, one or two recommendations from teachers or counselors who know you well and can speak to your qualities as a student or leader are optimal.

Lastly, make sure you apply by priority deadline as well, which is December 1st. Applying by the priority deadline ensures that you will be considered for certain scholarships, and that you hear back early (by February 15th). The regular decision deadline is January 17th.

In summary, concentrating on having a solid GPA, strong extracurricular involvement, well-written essays, and positive letters of recommendation will increase your chances of being admitted to Towson University. Don't forget to keep track of deadlines and apply by priority deadline for additional benefits. Good luck!

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Towson University

Student Life

Tuition & Aid

Towson University Admissions

It is moderately difficult to get into Towson University. Around 79% of applicants get into Towson University each year. Out of 17,770 applications received in 2023, 13,967 students were offered admission.

If you are thinking about applying to Towson University, the deadline for Fall 2024 admissions is 2/1 and the fee for the application costs $45.

Students who submit their applications to Towson University for fall semester should anticipate a decision by November 21 .

Towson University Admissions Stats at a Glance

The following is an overiew of some of Towson University's admissions stats.

Towson University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Towson University.

Want to Apply Early to Towson University?

Towson University does not offer early decision but does offer early action.

🗓️ The Early Action deadline is November 15. Towson University will release EA admissions decisions no later than January 15.

Towson University accepts around 85% of early action applicants and 79% all applicants for all deadlines. In 2022, Towson University admitted 1,842 of the 12,813 who applied early action.

Some students apply to college early because they hope it will boost their chances of acceptance. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase the chance of admission, since it demonstrates your interest in a school.

➡️ Find a list of some top colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

More on Towson University Admissions

For applicants who are not residents of Maryland, getting into Towson University is moderately difficult.

Transferring to Towson University

For more information on transferring to Towson University, contact the school directly.

For Students Waitlisted to Towson University

In 2022, Towson University waitlisted 1,101 students and 240 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 240 eventually got off the waitlist.

What's Most Important for Getting Into Towson University?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college decides which factors are are most important when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that put the most emphasis on the admissions factors where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at Towson University

What does Towson University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Make sure to check with Towson University for more information on admission factors.

Towson University Application Requirements

To apply to Towson University, all applicants must submit the following items. Check in with Towson University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

GPA and Testing

What gpa do i need to get into towson university.

Students admitted to Towson University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.8. Towson University considers weighted GPA scores from incomging students.

Out of all students that were admitted, 22% submitted a class rank. At Towson University 6% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 25% were in the top 25% and 68% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Towson University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Towson University directly.

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Towson University is a test optional school. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 21% of Towson University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 2% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Towson University?

To be competitive with other Towson University applicants, you should strive to earn between 1030 and 1230 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Towson University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1230 and 25% of scored lower than 1030, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Towson University student is 1130.

On the SAT Math Section , 25% of Towson University students scored 600 or higher and 75% of students scored 510 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Towson University students scored 630 or higher, and 75% scored a 510 or higher.

To be most competitive at Towson University, you should strive to earn between 19 and 25 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 25 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Towson University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 25, and three out of four students scored lower than 25 on the ACT.

A 19 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Towson University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 19.

More Information on Transferring to Towson University

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is June 1 .

Transfer students can enroll in Towson University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Summer Term

Towson University Admissions FAQs

Can I defer my acceptance to Towson University?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to Towson University.

Does Towson University accept transfer credits?

✅ Towson University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Towson University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Towson University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Towson University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Towson University?

❌ No, Towson University is test optional, so you can decide whether or not to submit your standardized test scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you should strongly consider submitting them. If your scores are average or below average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Towson University's acceptance rate?

✅ The acceptance rate for Towson University is 79%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Towson University?

❌ Towson University does not offer early decision.

What is the early action acceptance rate at Towson University?

✅ The early action acceptance rate at Towson University was 85% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About Towson University?

Choose one of the options below to find out more about about Towson University:

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Towson University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Somewhat Selective

How hard is it to get into Towson University? Towson University is a somewhat selective institution. The Towson University acceptance rate is 79%. This means that the institution accepts 78 out of every 100 applicants.

Towson University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Transfer Applications are Due

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to Towson University is Feb 1.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to Towson University is Jun 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

Towson University SAT Scores

Composite SAT Range

1030 - 1230

Math SAT Range

Reading SAT Range

Estimated Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

Estimated Chance

1230 and Above

1030 to 1230

1030 and Less

SAT Scores Needed to Get Accepted

The median SAT score for Towson University students is 1130. Applicants with SAT scores of 1230 and above have a good chance of being admitted to Towson University, while applicants with SAT scores between 1030 to 1230 have an average chance of admittance, and prospective students with an SAT score below 1030 have a low chance of being offered a spot at Towson University.

Towson University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

GPA Needed to Get Accepted

At Towson University, the average unweighted high-school GPA for admitted students is 3.84. This is the average, which means that some applicants submit GPAs lower than this and some applicants submit GPAs above this level. If your GPA falls below the average, strong test scores or other qualifications may help you make you a more competitive applicant.

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

Campus Setting

Acceptance Rate

Tuition and Fees

Out-of-State

Fall Freshmen Application Deadline

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Admissions Procedure

Procedure for undergraduate admissions.

Students must apply to TU using the Common Application and complete the application requirements based on their student type:

• Freshmen Application Process
• Transfer Application Process

Application fees and enrollment deposits are non-refundable. Freshman applicants are responsible for submitting their official high school transcripts, including final grades with verification of graduation, as they become available. Transfer applicants must submit all official college transcripts from every institution attended, whether or not credit was earned.

TU is test-optional: SAT and/or ACT scores are not required for admission but are considered if submitted. To be considered official, scores must be sent directly by the testing agency. TU’s College Board identification code number is 5404 and our ACT code is 1718. The Writing section is not required for either test.

Applications that remain incomplete will be canceled, with students notified prior to this action taking place. The applications of admitted students who do not enroll for the given application term will be canceled, and a new application will be required to be considered for any future terms.

All entering students including freshman, graduate and transfer students are required to submit proof of immunizations. The list of immunization requirements and the submission portal can be found on the Health Center website .

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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog.

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog.

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Information For

Applying to Graduate School

If you’re thinking of graduate study, the following guide includes information about choosing a graduate program, the application process and more.

We recommend researching programs and consulting with your professors and advisors no later than your junior year. The Career Center can assist with the timing and decision-making process, essay reviews, admission practice exams and mock interviews.

Graduate School Timeline

• Graduate School Timeline (PDF)
• Graduate School Search Organizer (Excel)

Junior Year: Fall and Spring

• Determine your area of interest and whether you prefer an academic or professional based program.
• Research related institutions and programs (Peterson’s Guides and professors are both good resources).
• Register for practice graduate admissions tests (i.e., GRE, GMAT, LSAT).
• Begin requesting information from target schools.
• Be sure you’re developing strong relationships with faculty, as letters of recommendation will be required in the application process.

Junior Year: Summer

• Review the information you have received and decide to which schools you would like to apply.
• Begin drafting your statement of purpose. Some programs might ask specific questions and provide specific formatting guidelines, so be sure to check the applications carefully.
• Register and prepare for any admission tests you will need (GRE, GMAT, etc.).
• Research financial assistance, including national scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships.
• Visit the campuses of the programs you are strongly considering.

Senior Year: September

• Meet with faculty members to discuss selected programs and start asking for letters of recommendation.
• Ask faculty members, advisors, fellow students, and anyone whose opinion you trust to help you with your statement of purpose. If you are required to submit other writing samples, a portfolio, or an audition tape, make sure you prepare all portions of your applications well.
• Develop a timeline for the applications you will be submitting. Many programs have different deadlines for different portions of the application. For instance, most programs strongly recommend you apply up to a month in advance if you are interested in an assistantship or fellowship. Also, financial aid deadlines can be different from general application deadlines.
• Register for and/or take admission tests, if you have not already done so.

Senior Year: October

• Finalize the number of targeted schools and make sure you have all necessary application materials.
• Take admission tests and request that your scores be sent to the schools you have chosen.
• Double-check timelines for application packages for each school/program.
• Finish your statement of purpose and other materials required for applications.
• Request letters of recommendation AT LEAST ONE MONTH before they are due.
• Request transcripts from the registrar for ALL undergraduate work. If you have taken courses at another college or university, be sure those are included.

Senior Year: November/ December

• Send in your applications. Most schools' deadlines range from mid-November through early February. Again, sending in an application three to four weeks before it is due will help you avoid mishaps. If you are applying online, make sure to complete your application before signing out/logging off. Whether you mail or submit your application electronically, follow up with the admissions office to make sure your application was received. It is a good idea to consider sending applications by certified mail.
• Stay on top of the financial aid process. If you will be applying for loans, start researching your options now.

Senior Year: January/February/March

• Follow up on your applications.
• When you start receiving your acceptance letters, prepare to decide which program you will choose. Which factors are most important to you? Do you have a back-up plan if you do not get accepted to your top choice?
• Do you have another alternate plan in case you do not get accepted at all?
• You may be asked to interview for admissions, assistantships, and/or scholarships.
• Try to plan your travel arrangements in advance in case you need to visit more than one school. Additionally, the Career Center offers practice interviews that can help you prepare.
• File income taxes. Make multiple copies of your tax return in case you are asked to verify information. Prepare to fill out the FAFSA and any other financial aid forms.

Senior Year: March/April

• You may be asked to submit final financial aid forms/applications. Keep copies of anything you submit for your records.
• Once you have made your final decision about where you will go to graduate school, notify other schools of your choice.
• Send thank-you notes to anyone who helped you during the application process, especially those who wrote you letters of recommendation, and let them know where you are heading to school.

Adapted from: www.butler.edu/post-graduate/pregraduate-school/applicationtimeline

Choosing a Graduate School/Program

Once you have made the decision to go to graduate school, the next step is to research programs on sites such as GradSchools.com to find one that suits your needs and talents. There are more than 1,800 institutions in the United States that offer graduate degrees. Don't limit yourself at this point, but instead gather information on a broad range of programs.

Gathering Information

Talk to faculty on campus and at other institutions that teach in the field you plan to pursue; they often can provide you with the best information that will help identify good programs. Since most universities have websites, the Internet is a great resource to find information quickly and easily. Some sites will provide complete information, while others may tell you where to write to get additional information.

Contact programs directly to get more detailed program information such as courses, professors, costs, financial aid and application forms. In the Career Center’s resource library, you will find books, brochures, catalogues, directories and guides that list information about universities that grant graduate or professional degrees. One such guide is the Peterson's Graduate School Guide, which contains both short and long descriptions of virtually all accredited graduate programs. Additionally, many professional associations will provide lists of accredited programs in their particular discipline.

Conduct informational interviews with current graduate students, professionals, and faculty in the graduate programs you are considering to gain insider information about programs.

Read professional and academic journals related to your area of interest and attend graduate program information sessions.

Deciding Where to Apply

After researching your options, the next step is to decide where to apply. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating programs:

• The Reputation of the Faculty : What are their academic degrees/credentials and research specialties? What is the student/faculty ratio? Some faculty may have homepages that include some of the above information.
• The Quality of the Program : This is measured by many different factors, such as those listed below. Talk to several faculty members and graduate students in the field you are pursuing to get an informed view on the variety of graduate programs available. You may choose to look at graduate school rankings to help you assess a program's quality; however, keep in mind that the rankings may be based on criteria that are different from your own and that many scholars, deans, and advisors question the validity of such rankings.
• Financial Cost of the Program : Add up a list of costs (tuition, books, fees, etc.) What are the opportunities for fellowships, assistantships, or scholarships? What other sources of financial aid are available?
• The Program Requirements : Determine admissions criteria such as GPA, test scores, undergraduate coursework, and specific entrance examinations.
• Available Course Offerings : Are courses you need to fulfill degree requirements frequently offered? Will the course offerings help you meet your professional or educational goals?
• Facilities : Consider the quality of on-site facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and research resources.
• Employment : Where are graduates of the program working, and how much are they earning?
• Geographic Location : Will studying in a particular location help you meet personal or professional goals?
• Student Life : Consider the diversity of students, student organizations, housing, and campus support services.

Finally, keep in mind that there are major differences between applying for undergraduate programs and graduate programs. Your application will be evaluated by a specific department and its faculty members rather than a central admissions office. You should spend time learning about the reputation of the department and its faculty. Evaluate their credentials. Determine how often courses listed in the course bulletin are taught and by whom. Ask questions of the students in the program. Be critical about issues such as faculty turnover, accreditation, and the reputation of the department and its faculty.

Related Links

• Peterson's Graduate Schools
• Baltimore Collegetown
• U.S. News - Best Colleges
• Maryland Higher Education Commission
• MastersDegree.net

The Application Process

Most students apply to several graduate programs. Acceptance rates fluctuate from year to year, so it is wise to apply to some schools to which you have a high probability of being accepted as well as a few “reach schools,” or schools where your chances of being accepted are less certain. In addition, you may find that among the programs to which you are admitted, one may offer a more attractive funding package than another.

Be sure you leave yourself with options so that when all criteria are considered, you matriculate at the school that will offer you the most in terms of intellectual challenge, financial support, and career opportunities. Before you can make that decision, you have to apply. The application package includes numerous components, some of which may be very time consuming to complete. Each program may require different information or different formats, but you can plan on most application packages requiring the following components:

• Online or paper application to the university graduate school and the specific department that houses your graduate program
• Application fee (usually $35-$90 per program)
• Admission test results, including the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) , Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) results for non-native English speakers *
• Statement of purpose (or personal statement)
• Writing sample (for humanities, social sciences, and some fine arts programs)
• Portfolio of works or performances (for most fine arts programs)
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to five)
• Financial aid application

Putting together an application package will take some time. Filling out the forms is the easy part. Taking the GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL, asking for letters of recommendation, writing a statement of purpose, and choosing writing samples or portfolio materials may take months. See the application checklist to help manage this process or come into the Career Center for assistance at any stage.

“ The Career Center helped me with almost every facet of the graduate school application process. Career Counselors reviewed my CV, resume, and personal statement to optimize the quality of my work which led to my acceptance at Columbia University. ”

Information for Test Takers

Graduate record exams (gres) or other standardized tests.

Most graduate programs require standardized exams, such as the GREs , for admission; however, professional schools usually require different exams (the LSAT , MCAT , and GMAT , respectively). Each of these exams is standardized, meaning that they are normed, permitting students from different colleges to be compared meaningfully. The GRE is similar in structure to the SAT but taps your potential for graduate level work. Some, but not all, schools reveal their average GRE scores in their admissions material and in graduate school admissions books, such as the Peterson's Guide. Take standardized tests early (typically, the spring or summer before you apply) to inform your selection of programs as well as ensure that your scores arrive to the programs early, before the application deadline.

Registration and information booklets are available in the Career Center or online at the websites listed in the chart below. Financial aid recipients may qualify for the GRE Fee Reduction Program or Praxis fee waiver . For more information about the graduate or professional school application process call 410-704-2233 to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

Test Preparation

• Graduate School Admissions Tests (PDF)

Test Prep Organizations

These links are provided for convenience or reference only and are not intended as an endorsement.

• Kaplan Test Prep
• Princeton Review
• Chegg Test Prep
• Chegg GRE Test Prep
• Chegg GMAT Test Prep

How to Write a Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

Graduate and professional schools typically require application essays as part of the admission process to assess your skills, background, interest and motivation for their programs. Use the tools below for help with writing your essays.

• Guide to Writing a Personal Statement (PDF)
• Examples of Successful Statements  – Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)

How to Pay for Graduate School

• Paying for Graduate School (PDF)

There are many sources of financial aid for post-baccalaureate education. Financial aid generally is awarded in two forms: gift-aid and self-help aid. Gift-aid includes grants, fellowships and scholarships (institutional or external) that do not have to be repaid or earned. Self-help aid includes loans that must be repaid, work-study funds that must be earned through work on a campus, off-campus work, and assistantships that pay professional or graduate students for their research, teaching, or other efforts. Most students use a combination of the options below over the years or even during one academic year. Make sure that you research all possibilities before attending a graduate program and annually while enrolled in one.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are considered to be part of a student’s training in many Ph.D. programs. Most programs offer a variety of teaching assistantships that range from grading papers or leading discussion sections to lecturing. The compensation for each type varies according to the workload, but most will include tuition remission and health insurance in addition to a stipend for living expenses. Teaching assistantships are competitive as the number available in each program is based on undergraduate course enrollments.

Research Assistantships

Some programs or individual faculty members offer research assistantships to their graduate students. Research assistants are members of a team conducting research on a specific topic or as part of a lab. These positions occur more commonly in the sciences than in the humanities. Compensation depends on the amount allotted for such positions in research grants.

Graduate Assistantships

These assistantships involve working in a university for 10-20 hours per week. Compensation varies with some providing tuition remission and others providing tuition remission and a stipend. Most will include health insurance. Assistantships that are administrative in nature often are available outside one’s academic department or program, so make sure you look for postings from other campus offices.

Resident Assistantships

A resident assistant or RA will live and work in a residence hall on campus. Compensation varies but will include at a minimum room and board.

Grants and Fellowships

Grants and fellowships may be awarded by a department, program, university academic office, or outside institution. Not only do they provide money, but they are prestigious and help build impressive curriculum vitae. Some criteria for winning grants and fellowships include financial need, academic achievement, research project potential, demographic background, or any combination of the above. They can be for one year or multiple years and may include fee remission, a stipend, and health insurance. The purpose of a grant or fellowship is to allow students to concentrate on their coursework or research without having to worry about money. Some fellowships require students to work as teaching assistants, while others do not. Neither fellowships nor grants have to be paid back, although some require progress reports to demonstrate that students are using their time and money appropriately. Most programs will include information about which grants and fellowships are available to their students on their websites. If you cannot find such information on the internet, you should contact the graduate secretary or director of graduate studies of prospective graduate programs to find out which grants and fellowships each program offers its students.

Employer Assistance

Some employers offer assistance for their employees to gain more education and training in a related academic program. Compensation varies, but can include coverage of part or all of book, fees, and tuition costs.

Student Loans

Student loans can be taken out from both private lenders and the government. The amount available varies as do the interest rates and repayment terms. All full-time domestic graduate students qualify for $20,500 annually up to $138,500 total through the Stafford Loan program. Be careful. These amounts add up quickly and could take years to pay back. Plus, depending on the expense of the academic program and local living costs, $20,500 may not cover tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and health insurance.

For more information on student loans and other funding resources, see:

• Federal Student Aid
• Smart Guide to Financial Aid
• Council of Graduate Schools
• U.S. Department of Education

Major Fellowships

Students applying to academic master's or Ph.D. programs may want to explore the following competitive graduate fellowship opportunities and resources. See each fellowship’s website for details on requirements and deadlines.

• Fullbright U.S. Student Program
• Luce Scholars Program
• The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
• Hertz Graduate Fellowship Award

Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters typically are required for application to professional schools (medical, dental, law, business, etc.) and academic graduate programs (academic master's and Ph.D. degrees).

We recommend using Interfolio for collecting, storing and sending letters for application to graduate or professional schools or fellowships. This convenient, online service is accessible 24/7 and allows you to collect and manage the distribution of your letters.

• A Student Guide to Obtaining Letters of Recommendation (PDF)

Related On-Campus Resources

• Physical Therapy Advising
• Undergraduate Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Program
• Towson University Pre-Law
• Towson University Pre-Pharmacy
• Towson University Graduate Admissions
• Towson University Graduate Catalog

Interested in applying to graduate school?

As a current TU student or alum, you can get your $45 TU graduate application fee waived!