Whether you’re entering a master’s program straight from earning your undergrad degree or coming from and already established career in the professional world, graduate school can be challenging. And, in fact, it’s supposed to be. Not only do you have to be academically and financially prepared, you’ll also need more advanced study skills, new self-care routines, and solid plans for how to put your master’s degree to use once you graduate. So how do you figure it all out?
Luckily, there’s no shortage of resources out there designed to help students get ready for graduate-level studies, make the most out of their enrollment, and ultimately walk away with that coveted master’s degree. Discover how you can go from grad school hopeful to master’s student to graduate with the help of the valuable online resources below.
Preparing for Your Degree
Not all master’s programs require the GRE or GMAT. But if you do need to take one of these exams, finding the best resources and giving yourself enough time to study will be absolutely key. Once you clear that hurdle, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for other academic preparation sources out there to help prepare you for graduate-level studies, whether you’re planning to attend in-person or online. Here are some great resources to help you transition to grad school life.
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Planning for Grad School: The Ultimate Guide for Students
From applying and acceptance to finances and social life, learn how to prepare for your grad school experience. Get insight and advice from a higher education expert and stay on track with our downloadable grad school checklist.
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The Ultimate GRE Prep Guide: Expert Advice & Resources to Ace the Exam
GRE test scores are often a primary component of the admissions selection process, so you’ll want to get the highest score possible. Check out this guide that focuses on the general test where you’ll find plenty of study tips, test resources, and strategies to do your best.
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From Underdog to Overachiever: Getting into a Master’s Program with a Low GPA
If you face the hurdle of a low GPA when applying to master’s degree programs, we can help you showcase your potential beyond just grades and get into the right graduate program for you.
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How to Make a Grad School Transfer Seamless
Transferring during grad school can be complicated. This OMD guide will walk you through the transfer process and offer insights to make the switch less painful.
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Grad School Interview Questions, Answers, and Tips to Prepare
Your admissions interview with a graduate school admissions representative is an important opportunity to form a personal connection. Our expert panel of admission professionals will provide some great sample answers, and our tips and resources will leave you well-prepared to ace your admissions interview.
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Easiest Online Master’s Degree Programs
We identify some quality master’s programs that make it easier for you to get your degree with fewer life and professional disruptions.
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Military Friendly Programs
Active military personnel and veterans need extra support when pursuing a master’s degree. An online program can provide tailored financial and academic assistance while service members pursue their degrees regardless of where they’re stationed.
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Graduate School Lifestyle Changes
Your life during your master’s program is going to be different from you lived during your undergraduate studies. Idealist.org provides actionable advice on how master’s students can best handle time management, budgeting, finding work, and more.
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Graduate School for Working Professionals
Headed back to school for a master’s degree but keeping your day job? The University of Washington offers ten valuable tips to working professionals seeking to manage their studies while keeping up with their careers.
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GRE Powerprep Practice Tests by ETS
Test-maker ETS provides prospective master’s and doctoral students access to online GRE practice tests and test-taking strategies.
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How to Choose the Right Graduate School
Duke University provides tips on what to look for in a graduate program. You’ll also find a checklist of essential characteristics of good master’s programs, advice on submitting a strong application, insights on how applications are evaluated, and an admissions FAQ section.
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How to Get a Master's Degree
Franklin University offers eight tips for successfully completing your master’s degree. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, take advantage of important campus resources, and mentally prepare for your program – even before it starts.
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Mastering the GMAT
Studying for the GMAT can be a major component of your master’s application process. Learn the strategies you’ll need to tackle the GMAT and gather valuable resources to help you along the way.
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Preparing for the Graduate School Admissions Interview
While not a requirement for all master’s programs, admissions interviews are a common step for many program applicants. Idealist.org provides some excellent tips for prospective master’s students looking to make a positive impression in their admissions interview.
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Test Driving an Online Program: How to Try Before You Apply
Is remote learning for you? Get valuable information and tips on successful online learning, then find out how to try some classes before you commit to a master’s program.
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Yale University Open Courses
Need to get your academic juices flowing again? Warm up your brain with recorded lectures for entire classes at Yale. Taught by distinguished teachers and scholars, classes are available in video, audio, and text transcript formats.
Paying for School
Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant financial investment for just about anyone. It’s important that you consider all of the funding and financial aid options available, including work-study programs, grants, scholarships, fellowships, federal and private loans, and more. The ultimate goal is to make sound financial decisions and avoid taking on any or too much debt. The resources below will help you earn your degree without breaking the bank.
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50+ Scholarships & Resources for Nursing Master's Students
On the road to a master’s degree in nursing (MSN)? Check out this list of 50 scholarships & grants to help you pay for your degree and graduate with less debt.
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American Indian Graduate Center Scholarships
Students with Native American heritage can apply for scholarships and fellowships through the AIGC. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited degree program and provide the necessary documentation of their tribal affiliation.
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Cappex Scholarship Search
Cappex’s scholarship site offers easy-to-use tools to locate sources of funding at nearly every academic institution in the U.S. The site includes special search criteria for specific demographics, including first-generation students, non-U.S. citizens, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and more.
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Chegg
Chegg provides an excellent list of financial aid tips and resources, including how to save money on textbooks by renting, where to find internships and tutors, and a subscription service for writing assistance. You can even use their online plagiarism scanner to make sure you’re citing sources correctly in your academic papers.
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Federal Work-Study Programs
These part-time jobs, which are typically on campus, help students in financial need pay for their college educations. Check with your school’s financial aid office to see if they participate in this program.
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Financial Pressures for Graduate Students
Dr. Teresa A. Sullivan, president of the University of Virginia, provides concrete suggestions on how to manage graduate school expenses, financial aid, and budgeting while in your master’s program.
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First-Generation College Student Scholarships
The GoingMerry site provides a great list of 20 scholarships for first-generation college students, many of which are available for graduate programs. A free account matches you with other scholarship options.
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How to Pay for Grad School: 8 Ways to Save
From fellowships and tax credits to employer tuition assistance and assistantships, this guide helps you consider the best strategies for paying for and saving money during your master’s program.
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How to Prepare Your Personal Finances Before Graduate School
In addition to paying your tuition bills and expenses for school supplies, you’ll have rent, utilities, food, insurance, and more to pay for as well. This guide will help you make the best financial preparations before you enter your grad program so you can be ready for anything that life or school throws at you.
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Meaningful Graduate School Connections and Mentorship
Provided by GradResources.org, this tool allows you to connect with a current or former graduate student for advice on financial aid, navigating the academic field, study tips, and more. You may also be able to access helpful local community resources.
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Out to Innovate Scholarships
Out to Innovate provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. These awards are for students in a STEM field.
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Paying for Grad School: Where and How to Start
This Northeastern University guide lays out the essential steps to locate and secure financial aid for graduate school to make sure you cover all your bases and not overlook valuable opportunities.
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Scholarships & Resources for Criminal Justice Master’s Students
Explore top criminal justice scholarships that master’s degree students use to fund their education and graduate with less debt.
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Tips for Landing a Graduate Assistantship
A graduate assistantship, which is typically offered through your department or graduate school, is one of the best ways to fund your education. Assistantships usually require 10-20 hours of work per week in exchange for covering your tuition costs. Some additionally come with a small stipend to help you pay for living expenses.
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Top Minority Student Scholarships in 2021
This Scholarships360.org list of funding opportunities for minority students includes many scholarships that provide money for students in particular areas of study.
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U.S. Federal Loans
One of the most common resources for graduate students to fund their educations is the federal student loan. While federal loans still must be repaid, you’ll get a better interest rate than with private loans.
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Scholarships for Online Graphic Design Master’s Students
Use this guide to learn about graphic design scholarships and resources for grad students, so you can graduate with less debt and turn your designs into dollar signs.
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Scholarships & Resources for Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylum – seeking Master's Students
Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant or seeking asylum in the states, you can build a better future for yourself and your loved ones by pursuing a master’s degree in the U.S. This list of scholarships and resources can help fund your graduate education — regardless of your citizenship status.
Studying Like A Scholar
Most master’s degrees require a substantial amount of academic research and writing. You’ll need to develop advanced studying and note-taking skills along with ability to digest and understand extensive readings. From research tools and organizational smartphone apps to study tips and writing labs, here are some of the best resources available today to help you get the most out of your master’s program.
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Study Smarter, Not Harder: Techniques & Tips for Online Master's Students
This guide offers study techniques and tips for online master’s degree students who want to create effective, disciplined study habits while learning remotely.
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40 Must-Have Resources for Writing a Master’s Thesis
Let this OMD start-to-finish guide help you plan, execute, and defend your master’s thesis on your way to graduation.
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How to Network in Graduate School: Making Connections Beyond the Classroom
Grad school is a great place to network and establish valuable connections to help you further your career. This OMD guide gives you the tools to effectively expand your professional connections circle.
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Flourishing After Failure: A Guide for Online Graduate Students
Whether you’re struggling with a class, semester, or program, this guide can help you recognize, prevent, and overcome failure as a graduate student.
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31 Tips for Thriving in Graduate School
The Virginia Tech Graduate School offers this quick reference list for master’s students trying to make the most of their programs and resources.
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Best Phone Apps for Graduate Students
As a master’s student, technology should be one of your best friends. Offered by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, this list of student-centered phone apps can help you save time and energy as you strive to meet the demands of grad school life.
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Google Scholar
Regular Google is a valuable tool, but Google Scholar will help you find more credible information from scholarly sources. Instead of sifting through ads, blogs, and sites of questionable credibility, Google Scholar helps you quickly and effectively locate accurate information for your best master’s-level papers.
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Is Earning a Master’s Degree Worth It?
Find out if earning a master’s degree will be a worthwhile investment in your profession and discover the fields where a master’s degree makes the biggest impact.
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National Association of Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS)
From financial aid and self-care to thesis writing and job advice, NAGPS offers lots of quality resources for master’s-level learners in all majors.
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Purdue University Writing Lab
Purdue’s award-winning writing lab isn’t just for Purdue students. Anyone with an internet connection can access these valuable writing resources and instructional materials. Get help with research, citations, ESL challenges, and more.
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Tips for Taking Online Classes
Provided by Northeastern University, these eight strategies will help you meet the unique challenges of remote learning.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Navigating your master’s degree should be free of concerns about feeling welcome and included by your peers and professors. To help empower students from diverse backgrounds, we’ve compiled the following guides and resources aimed at helping you fully engage in your academic journey — without the burden of exclusionary worries.
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Empowering Women in STEM to Pursue Master’s Degree
Women have made significant gains in science, technology, engineering, and math over the several years, but are still vastly under-represented in STEM fields. Find lots of great tips and resources to help close the gender gap during your master’s degree studies.
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Is an Online Master’s Degree Right for Me? A Guide for Working Professionals
Use this guide to weigh the pros and cons of earning an online master’s degree while working full time and make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and goals.
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Campus Pride's Health and Wellness Resources
LGBTQ students can learn about a variety of health issues that commonly affect college students and how to get support if needed.
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LGBTQIA+ Student Resources
This comprehensive guide offers information on finding campus resources, healthcare providers, scholarships, student organizations, and more for those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Resources for Homeless Students
If you’re a master’s student struggling with housing or food insecurity, this list of great resources will help you keep progressing toward graduation despite those challenges. There’s also information here on scholarships and financial aid for unhoused learners.
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Resources and Support for College Students with Disabilities
Even though master’s students are experienced learners, new technologies are created every day to help you do your best in school. Check out the latest through this list of valuable tools for learners with disabilities.
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Top 20 Online Colleges for AAPI Graduate Students
For students from AAPI communities looking to start online grad programs, a few schools stand out. Read about the best online grad schools in 2024.
Prioritizing Health & Wellness
One of the biggest challenges faced by online master’s students is finding the time for your education, career, commitments, and loved ones was you earn your degree.
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Supporting Graduate Students with Mental Health Resources
More universities and colleges today recognize that graduate students face mounting pressures while pursuing their master’s degrees leading to serious mental health issues. Learn how you can best manage your mental health during graduate school by recognizing and understanding the conditions and symptoms to look for.
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15 Strategies for Self-Care in Graduate School
It might seem obvious, but practicing self-care is essential to your success in grad school and beyond. This University of Texas San Antonio article provides some valuable tips and links to promote better self-care.
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Introduction to Self-Care
Want to take a closer look at how self-care practices can benefit your academic studies and personal life? This University of Buffalo guide features detailed explanations and links to valuable related resources.
Starting Your Career
After finishing your master’s degree, hitting the job market might seem a bit daunting. But with the right resources, it doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Job search tools are available to help you save time and energy, and ensure you’re applying for the right jobs based on your needs, wants, and skills. The resources below can help you jumpstart your job search upon completing your master’s program.
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Master the Job Market: How to Get Hired & Paid After Grad School
Graduates with master’s degrees can leverage their new academic achievement during their job hunt. Our guide will help you get hired, evaluate job offers, and negotiate your salary.
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The Balance Careers
The Balance Careers’ resume writing, cover letter, and interviewing guides will help you make sure your application materials are in top shape. You’ll also find help on work-life balance, obtaining leadership and management experience, and more.
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Bureau of Labor Statistics Industries at a Glance
Not sure which industry you’d like to work in? Looking for a job in a particular location? BLS’s Industries at a Glance site can help you zero in on a rewarding career that fits your unique skills and desired location.
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CareerOnestop
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOnestop offers an excellent search engine and exploratory tool. Whether you’re looking to find an in-demand career in a particular area, find jobs that meet your salary requirements, or locate a new field for a career change, CareerOnestop can help.
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Careers for Veterans
If you’re a veteran of the U.S. armed forces, there are a number of dedicated job search tools out there for you including this one. Military.com features an easy-to-use search engine, links to upcoming job fairs, a military skills translator, and free employment master classes.
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Handshake
From full-time positions to summer internships, Handshake is a great platform for undergraduate and graduate students to locate employment opportunities. This site is highly favored by campus career services offices. All you need is an “.edu” email address to open an account.
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How to Market Your Master's Degree to Employers
This Northeastern University page will help you highlight your soft and hard skills and specialized knowledge. You’ll also learn how to make the most of your hands-on experiences and transferable skills so you’ll get noticed by hiring managers.
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Indeed Career Guide
Besides having one of the most active and diverse job boards on the web, Indeed.com offers “The New Graduate’s Guide to Job Search” for first-time job seekers. You’ll get tips on researching companies, salary trends, and how to make the most of the time you spend seeking employment.
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LinkedIn Career Explorer
Excellent tool designed to help college graduates and others find new jobs.
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Wittenberg University Career Services
Narrow your job search with this valuable career services page. Wittenberg offers a list of resources by industry so you can locate great opportunities quickly.