Preparing for Graduate/Professional School
Planning and preparing for graduate/professional school can be overwhleming, particularly if you are finishing your bachelor's degree at the same time. The process can also be costly. We have outlined some resources which might be helpful to you, if you qualify.
Graduate School Test Preparation
Northwestern's Library provides free graduate school preparatory resources to all Northwestern students. You will find books available in 2N of the Northwestern University Library on the subject as well.
GRE Fee Waivers
Some students, on the basis of need, may be eligible for one of the limited number of GRE Fee Reduction Vouchers. College seniors are required to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- receiving financial aid through an undergraduate college in the United States
- a dependent, who has a FAFSA that shows a parental contribution of not more than $2,500 for the senior year, or
- independent status and have a FAFSA that shows a contribution of not more than $3,000 for the senior year
Education Testing Service administers these waivers and has an application that must be submitted to verify your status. The Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid can help you complete the form, provide you with a copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) to assist in the submission of the request.
Law School Funding Resources
We strongly encourage you to check out Northwestern Career Advancement's information on Law School Funding Resources. You'll find a wide variety of information here if you are thinking of applying to law school. Information includes testing and application resources, including LSAT and Credential Assembly Waivers, and application fee waiver information. You'll also find tips and links to help as you start researching financing options as you plan for your law school education.
MCAT
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program provides financial assistance to individuals who, without this aid, would find it very difficult — if not impossible — to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), apply to medical schools that use the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), and fulfill other application obligations.
Eligibility
- You are only eligible for the Fee Assistance Program if you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States (also known as a green card holder), or you have been granted refugee, asylum, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. government
- In 2019, you are eligible for fee assistance if each household reported on your application (yours and your parents, as applicable) has a 2018 total family income that is 300% of the 2018 national poverty level, or less, for your family size. Please refer to the AAMC website for the specific Fee Assistance Program poverty guidelines.
- Your parents’ financial information and supporting tax documentation are required regardless of your marital status, your age, your tax filing status (independent or dependent), your parents’ country of residence, or whether your parents are willing to provide documentation
Other Fee and/or Application Resources
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS)
AACOMAS Application Fee Waiver
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Fee Assistance Program
American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP)
Centralized Application Service for Physicians Assistants (CASPA)
Fee Assistance Program
Nursing CAS
Application Fees and Fee Waivers
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)
Fee Waiver Application
Pharmacy College Application Service (PHARMCAS)
Fee Waivers