A quick guide on different types of scholarships for graduate school, websites to search, plus the best keywords to find free money to fund your next degree.

Did you know there’s a chance that some of your college credits might transfer and count toward your intended graduate degree? (Example: Your undergraduate business classes might count toward your intended MBA at certain universities.) Credit transfer eligibility ultimately saves time and tuition dollars, which are major factors in graduating sooner and with less debt. As someone who graduated a YEAR early due to graduate credit transfer, it’s my moral duty to help others ask the same questions that saved me time and money.

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the graduate school application process. Getting a good letter of recommendation is as much about strategy as it is about your relationship with the faculty member. If you ask the right person, at the right time, and give them the right information, chances are you will end up with a great letter for your application.

You may have started researching programs and are getting an idea of what the annual cost may be between tuition and student fees. You’re thinking ahead about a new budget, potential loans, and even tuition assistance through your employer. But before your first tuition statement, you need to apply… which isn’t usually free. This list goes over the highest costs you can expect from the graduate school application process.

“Tell me about yourself.” That common interview question takes on new life when you write a personal statement for graduate school. After 10 years of reading 1000s of applications, I can share that the best essays and statements have one thing in common: strong self awareness. To boost how you express this self-awareness, outsource the language you use to describe yourself. These 3 tools will help.

Submitting transcripts as part of your application gives admissions committees a full picture of your academic history. Requesting transcripts can be a more tedious process than you’d expect, however. Follow these steps to ensure you request and submit every transcript on time for your application deadline.