There are a lot of moving parts that come with applying to graduate school, and with those moving parts comes the possibility of making mistakes, but as you tackle the graduate school admissions process, remember that you're not alone!

Here at West Virginia University, we're prepared and excited to help you in whatever way we can. And that's why we took the time to list out a few mistakes and faux pas that you should definitely avoid when applying to graduate school.

We've talked before about the value of a graduate assistantship, and we're here to give you one more real-life story about one graduate student who participated in a grad assistantship as a way of gaining professional experience and off-setting the cost of graduate school.

Here's what Amelia, a teaching graduate assistant at West Virginia University, had to say about her experience. 

You have countless options for graduate school, but if you are specifically interested in enrolling in a research-intensive graduate programs, then you should limit your options to the kind of institution that is going to prepare you to meet your research-focused career goals.

What kind of institutions are these? Carnegie R1 institutions.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of

Carnegie R1 institutions are recognized as some of the strongest research universities in the country — and West Virginia University is one of them.

At R1 institutions, research study spans the academic spectrum, engaging graduate students with critical research opportunities from the creative arts and humanities to the social sciences and

As the shape of higher education changes daily, colleges and universities are rapidly adapting to develop new strategies that will transform the industry for the next generation. In order to meet the needs of today’s students, schools rely on their team of administrative professionals who work together to provide innovative, forward-thinking programs and policies that ensure the long-term growth of their institution.

Higher education administration (HEA) is a career path for professionals who...

Your graduate education is more than what you learn in the classroom — it’s also the work experience you gain and the networks you cultivate.

One way to obtain work experience in graduate school is through a graduate assistantship. A unique experience during graduate years, graduate assistantships provide an excellent learning environment, exposing students to what it is like to be in the workforce (and will also help you in financing graduate school!).

Here are a few reasons graduate...

Not all universities – and graduate programs – are created equal. You may be surprised to know how important it is to attend a university that has R1 status, especially when it comes to your future academic and professional career.

But what does it mean for a university to have R1 status?

Read on to find out how an R1 institutions affect graduate students who are interested in research and want to be engaged in the latest discoveries in their chosen field.

Are you a creative individual with a background in liberal arts? Are you feeling dissatisfied with your current career options, or are you searching for something more technical?

If this sounds like you, you might want to consider an advanced STEM education and jumpstart your career in a STEM field.

Although this suggestion may conjure up the prospect of long, dull hours spent doing repetitive technical work, the reality is that many STEM-related professions actually rely heavily on creativity...

Safety management is a niche field of interest. In fact, there are many who aren't overly familiar with safety management as a field or as a degree.

A Safety Management graduate degree program is designed for students trained in areas of business and economic sciences, animal sciences, chemical and biological sciences, engineering and technology sciences, medical sciences, or the physical sciences. 

A safety management degree is ideal for aspiring professionals interested in public safety,...

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Looking for helpful tips for grad school? You're in the right place.

For a few years now, we've been posting helpful content related to choosing grad school on our graduate education blog, The Summit Ahead, but we also recognize that you're busy and that you might not have time to add more reading to your busy day.For that reason, we're launching The Summit Ahead Podcast— a monthly podcast that will