Unpacking Grad School offers an inside look at graduate study at Loyola University Chicago. This series spotlights our innovative programs, celebrates the achievements of our students and alumni, and features practical guidance from admissions experts who break down the application process and offer guidance for finding your path at Loyola. Whether you are still exploring your options or preparing to apply, tune in to discover how a Loyola graduate degree can empower you to lead with purpose and build a successful career that reflects your values.
Accelerated Master's Pathways: A Guide for Loyola Undergrads with Lia Davis, Associate Director of Recruitment
Whether you're already planning for graduate school or just beginning to explore your options, Loyola's Accelerated Master's Pathways can help you reach your goals sooner. In this episode of"Unpacking Graduate School," host Dylan Peterson talks with Lia Davis, associate director of recruitment in Loyola University Chicago's Graduate and Professional Admissions Office, about Loyola's Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP). Find out how eligible undergraduate students can begin graduate coursework during their senior year, apply credits toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees, save on tuition, and complete a master's degree in as little as one additional year. Davis also explains eligibility requirements, the Returning Rambler Scholarship, and the simple steps students can take to get started.
3 Sept 2026
Insider Tips for a Stronger Grad School Application with Eric Puente, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Applying to graduate school involves more than filling out an application, it starts with understanding why you're pursuing an advanced degree in the first place. In this episode of"Unpacking Grad School," host Dylan Peterson talks with Eric Puente, assistant director of recruitment at Loyola University Chicago, about what prospective students should know before applying. Puente walks through the graduate application timeline, explains which materials take the longest to gather, shares tips for crafting a compelling statement of purpose and resume, and discusses how admissions counselors can help throughout the process. He also offers thoughtful advice on choosing graduate school for the right reasons and making an informed decision about your future.
27 Aug 2026
Writing a Strong Statement of Purpose with Breanne McDonagh, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Your statement of purpose is more than just another graduate school application requirement; it's your opportunity to tell your story. In this episode of Unpacking Grad School, we talk with Breanne McDonagh, assistant director of recruitment at Loyola University Chicago, about how to write a compelling statement that goes beyond grades and test scores. McDonagh discusses what admissions committees are looking for, how to connect your goals and experiences to a program's specific prompt (available on the program page and your applicant status portal), tips for career changers, common mistakes to avoid, and why authenticity matters most.
27 Jul 2026
Building a Standout Resume for Your Grad School Application with Alicia Oladipo, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Your resume is one of the first opportunities to show an admissions committee you're ready for graduate school. In this episode of "Unpacking Grad School," we sit down with Alicia Oladipo, assistant director of recruitment at Loyola University Chicago, to discuss how to tailor a resume for a specific graduate program. While not every program requires a resume, it can be a valuable opportunity to highlight your academic achievements, research experience, leadership, and transferable skills. Whether you're applying straight from college or making a career change, Oladipo offers actionable tips to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your resume makes a strong first impression.
27 Jul 2026
Get to Know Loyola's Graduate Admissions Team with Shannon O'Connor, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone. In this episode of "Unpacking Grad School," Assistant Director of Recruitment Shannon O'Connor shares how Loyola University's Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management (GPEM) team helps prospective students every step of the admissions journey. Learn how Loyola takes a holistic approach to applications, why your story matters just as much as your transcript, and what resources are available to help you find the graduate program that's right for you.
23 Jul 2026
Welcome to Unpacking Grad School
Unpacking Grad School offers an inside look at graduate study at Loyola University Chicago. This series spotlights our innovative programs, celebrates the achievements of our students and alumni, and features practical guidance from admissions experts who break down the application process and offer guidance for finding your path at Loyola. Whether you are still exploring your options or preparing to apply, tune in to discover how a Loyola graduate degree can empower you to lead with purpose and build a successful career that reflects your values.
7 Jul 2026
Returning Rambler Scholarship: Saving on Grad School as a Loyola Alum with Breanne McDonagh, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Thinking about returning to Loyola for graduate school? You may already qualify for a significant tuition discount. In this episode of "Unpacking Grad School," host Dylan Peterson talks with Breanne McDonagh, assistant director of recruitment at Loyola University Chicago, about the Returning Rambler scholarship, which provides eligible Loyola undergraduate alumni with a 25% tuition discount on more than 150 graduate and professional programs. McDonagh explains who qualifies, which programs are eligible, how the scholarship works with other financial aid, and why many alumni choose to continue their education at Loyola.
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