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FAQ: Graduate Study in HA--Part 3

Getting Accepted

This document is the third in a series of three HA Web pages discussing graduate study. The other two are:

The current document includes discussion of acceptance standards, financial aid, and dealing with any negative outcomes.

If I apply to graduate school, what will be expected of me?

Standards vary, and you will need to consult specific information about the institutions which interest you to be certain. Many graduate schools expect a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average. There are two exceptions:

Often graduate schools will look more closely at a your grades for the junior and senior years, and/or at your major course grades, than at your cumulative average.
Some graduate schools may admit you with as low as a 2.5 average on a "probationary" basis, with full acceptance depending on your performance in the first year of graduate coursework.

In addition to grade point average, scores on a standardized national examination, usually the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) will be considered. You can obtain information on taking the GRE and GMAT from the office of the College of Liberal Arts, 2046 Haley Center. Both are usually offered several times a year.

Some students find that studying books designed to prepare them for the exams is useful; these can be purchased at most area college bookstores. If you score poorly the first time, it may be useful to retake the test. However, many graduate schools will average your results and take that average as the benchmark of your abilities.

Letters of recommendation are also considered. These should mostly be from professors, but you may want to include one from an employer or internship supervisor as evidence of your professional skills. "Character" references from ministers or others evaluating your moral standards are rarely used; if an institution requires such, this will be specified.

Be sure you ask permission of any individuals before you use them as recommenders and supply them with a stamped envelope addressed to each graduate school. In general, references should be from persons in high positions who know your work well. Don't seek a recommendation from a senior professor or a hospital CEO if the person has only passing familiarity with your abilities.

Graduate schools will also consider your answers to questions on application forms. They may also note your participation in undergraduate extracurricular activities.

Some also use formal interview. If you are asked to participate in such an interview, treat it like a job interview. Be prepared to face the possibility of any type of question; in fact, some institutions deliberately try to "rattle" applicants just to see how they react. Prior to the interview, you may want to review your own career plans, orientations, and opinions on major health policy issues. These may come up. Above all, be honest; be yourself.

Some graduate programs in health administration do not require applicants to their programs to have had undergraduate preparation such as that provided in the HA Program; however, many graduate programs are well acquainted with the high quality of Auburn HA graduates and welcome applications from our students.

Should I apply for financial aid?

By all means. Even if you don't need the money, having a scholarship or fellowship will look impressive on your record. A teaching assistantship or research assistantship will be good experience.

How soon do I need to start on all this?

Again, the sooner the better. Keep in mind that most graduate schools admit only in the fall. Applications usually are due around January to March, but, if financial aid is requested, they may be due as early as late December. Check the catalogs for the schools that interest you.

What if I apply but no school accepts me?

Don't despair. Examine the probable reasons. Plan to seek employment, work for one or more years to build up your professional reputation, and reapply later. Meanwhile, stay current in your professional readings and active in professional groups, such as the Auburn University HA Alumni Association. If there is an institution of higher learning in your area, you might want to apply to take a graduate course or two as a "special" student to demonstrate your competence.

Above all, don't get discouraged. Others have had the same problem but eventually were accepted the "second time around."

What's the best way to learn more about specific graduate programs?

For starters, see the related page on graduate programs in HA. You should also study the AUPHA's book on graduate program and you can contact your HA faculty adviser for further information on graduate study.

Grad3 Page by MB (last updated 4/5/99)