FCBA read “qualified” on graduate school applications

03/04/2011 1:41 PM

GMAT scores. Transcripts. Letters of recommendation. Personal essays.

Business students must prepare all of these things before applying to a graduate program.

But while these requirements may seem daunting, Bradley senior Lauren Piggush is ready for the challenge.

“I have a desire to learn more about human resources because I know that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Piggush said.

Piggush has BMA major with a concentration in human resources (HR). So far, she has applied to graduate programs at the University of Illinois and the University of Minnesota and plans to apply to Purdue and DePaul in order to further her education in HR.

Piggush is certain that graduate programs will take notice when they see she has a degree from Bradley’s Foster College of Business Administration (FCBA). 

“I think that it will stick out in their minds,” Piggush said. “I think we’re classified as a different university compared to other larger universities because Bradley has a strong business program.”

Lauren feels that Bradley’s personal touch really sets it apart from other schools. 

“Students receive one-on-one attention with the teachers and are able to gain a better relationship with professors and also fellow colleagues,” Piggush said. 

She says her professors have helped to make the grad school application process go smoothly. 

“The professors here have been great with references, helping me apply to grad school and giving me great advice because it’s obviously something I’ve never done,” Piggush said. “They’ve been extremely helpful.”

Accounting senior Sam Lee has already been accepted into the graduate program of his choice. He thinks Bradley’s main strength is its size and excellent faculty-to-student ratio.

“This is crucial for application to graduate schools – nearly every program I applied for asked for at least two letters of recommendation, preferably from professors,” Lee said. “I can honestly say that I would not have been accepted to the graduate school that I will be going to without the relationships I made with my professors.”

While Piggush is still waiting to hear back from the schools she applied to, she’s confident that the education she has received will get her to where she wants to go.