How to Save Money When Applying for Graduate School

Upon first glance, the costs associated with applying and getting into graduate school may only seem like the application fees. In actuality, there are numerous costs that add up throughout the admission process with the end result being a shocking amount. Before you start trekking through the process of applying to graduate school, here are some of the costs to consider and ways to save on each step of the application:

Application Fee

Each graduate school has a fee associated with submitting the application, and these fees are continuing to rise. For the most part, the application fee is unavoidable, except if you qualify for a fee waiver due to your current financial situation. However, there are ways you can avoid paying more than you should. Many graduate schools offer electronic applications in addition to the traditional paper applications. Although a paper application may seem more organized, especially if you're already mailing in supplemental documents, schools will sometimes tack on additional fees for the paper application. Similarly, don't pay for the application fee until you have everything else submitted since some schools won't refund you if you change your mind about applying.

Campus Interviews and Visits

It's not uncommon for admissions committees to request an interview prior to making a decision on your application. While more and more schools are offering video chats and phone interviews as a way to accommodate applicants, numerous schools ask that students visit the campus and meet faculty face to face. An in-person interview request can cause costs to skyrocket since you have to factor in travel, whether it be by car or plane, and sleeping accommodations. Instead of just making your travel plans immediately, consider some potentially cost-saving techniques. See if the college offers travel reimbursement, which could be the full amount of your ticket or up to a certain amount. Additionally, check if you're able to travel at a low-traffic time when plane and train tickets or gas prices are usually lower. Also, before you book your hotel, see if you can possibly stay in graduate housing with a current student. Oftentimes, schools will allow visiting students to stay a night in campus housing for free.

Transcripts

Nearly all graduate schools require applicants to submit their undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts, and if you're applying to numerous schools, you may be able to beat some of the costs. Look into how exactly your transcripts are sent from your institution since some may send them directly, while others use a transcript-sending service. Sometimes faxed transcripts are cheaper for you than mailing them, and you should see if this is an option. Similarly, if you have to mail them, plan accordingly. Sending transcripts at the last minute usually means that you'll be paying for express mail, which can cost upwards of $15 or more. If you plan early enough, you'll only have to pay the minimum prices. Also, the graduate school you're applying to might only ask for unofficial transcripts at first, and once you're accepted, may then ask for official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are almost always free and can be sent by you directly.

Test Scores

Whether you're taking the LSAT, the GRE, the MCAT, or the GMAT, you can save money by planning accordingly. For example, Educational Testing Services (ETS) handles everything related to the GRE, and after taking the exam, you have the option to submit your scores to four schools for free. Prior to taking the exam, you should have an idea of which schools you want to send your scores to. If you have decent GRE scores, not using the four spots is a waste of money since you'll have to pay $23 to have any more score reports sent. Remember to check if the graduate school even requires the test you're looking to take, and remember that scores are valid for a certain number of years.

Supplemental Documents

In addition to your application, schools will require that you submit extra documents like a statement of interest, recommendations, and a resume. If a school gives you the option of uploading or mailing the documents, uploading them electronically is the most affordable option and often more reliable since you don't have to deal with them possibly getting lost in the mail or other delays. Along the same lines, you'll know that everything is with your application, which can make organization a lot easier if you're applying to numerous schools.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.