The present study provides a controlled study of the effectiveness of an online graduate preparation program, The Virtual Advisor. The effects of the Virtual Advisor were compared to a website control and a wait-list control group in relation to a range of graduate school preparation variables. Students who utilized The Virtual Advisor were expected to show (1) an increased level of knowledge and information about graduate preparation; (2) higher levels of confidence in relation to their ability to make career decisions; and (3) higher levels of achievement of their vocational identity. Results showed evidence confirming the first and second hypotheses, that using the Virtual Advisor significantly increases students' confidence in their preparedness and knowledge about graduate school, and their belief in their ability to make career related decisions. The results did not show support for the hypothesis regarding vocational identity. Finally, the nature of these findings in relation to the literature on graduate preparation is discussed and limitations and future directions are noted. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]