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GRADUATE SCHOOL

GRADUATE SCHOOL. Making Yourself Competitive For, Applying to and Surviving Graduate School Duane Larick Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Dean of the Graduate School NC State University. GRADUATE SCHOOL MYTHS. Graduate School is just like undergraduate

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GRADUATE SCHOOL

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  1. GRADUATE SCHOOL Making Yourself Competitive For, Applying to and Surviving Graduate School Duane Larick Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Dean of the Graduate School NC State University

  2. GRADUATE SCHOOL MYTHS • Graduate School is just like undergraduate • It takes an extremely high GPA to get admitted. • I can’t afford the cost. • A graduate education does not pay. • An advanced degree makes you overqualified. • Those who work first perform better in graduate school.

  3. What is Graduate School? • Obtaining specialized knowledge from concentrated study in one area • Development of specialized knowledge and skills to practice a profession • That generally includes active participation in research in your chosen discipline

  4. Kinds of Graduate Degrees • PROFESSIONAL DEGREES • MD, DVM, MBA, etc. • Professional Masters (coursework only) • RESEARCH DEGREES • Masters of Science & Doctoral

  5. Why Graduate School? • IT CAN: • Influence how fast and how far you advance in your career • Increase your earning power • Enhance your job satisfaction • Give you greater flexibility to change careers • IT CAN BE A JOB REQUIREMENT: • For faculty positions • For research positions

  6. Why Not to Go to Graduate School

  7. What Are Graduate Programs Looking For in Prospective Students? Emotional Maturity Academic Preparation Academic Achievement Curiosity, Creativity, Passion Standardized Test Scores Perseverance, Persistence Research Experience & Ability Compatible Career Goals

  8. Before the Process • Determine your areas of interest • Investigate schools that align with those interests • Identify professors within your areas of interest • Collect and summarize a few recent papers of professors • Eventually, make a formal, professional introduction to directly contact the professor(s) for information about their research program • The goal is to have a professor within the university who knows who you are and what you’d like to do BEFORE you apply

  9. How Do I Choose a Graduate School? Questions to Consider About Yourself: • In what type of academic climate do I wish to study? • What type of degree am I seeking? • What are my academic credentials? • What are my financial needs?

  10. How do I Choose a Graduate School? Questions to Consider About the Institution: • REPUTATION OF THE • Institution • Program or Department • Particular Faculty Member • COST/FINANCES • Availability of financial assistance

  11. http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/

  12. ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL The Admission Process: • Applicant Sends Application to the Graduate School • All electronic now • Graduate School Sends to Department for a Recommendation • Department Makes Recommendation • Graduate School Responds to Applicant

  13. How Do I Apply? • Apply to a specific program. • Contact department; visit if possible. • Apply to at least 3 or 4 programs. • Submit all requested materials. • Submit application packet on time, • Particularly when applying for financial aid.

  14. General Admission Requirements • Minimum Admission Requirements • 3.00 Undergraduate GPA • BA/BS from an Accredited College or University • Other Factors that Are Considered • Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, MAT) • References • Personal Knowledge – YOU! • Departmental Capacity & Other Resources • Competition

  15. Transcript Analysis • Grade Point Average • Expect 3.0+ • Performance in Key Courses • Major Courses (GPA = 3.0+) • Math and Science (major courses) • English • Performance Patterns • Start vs. Finish • Strengths/Weaknesses

  16. Standardized Test Scores • GRE • Required by Most Programs • General Exam Includes: • Verbal Reasoning • Quantitative Reasoning • Analytical Writing • Subject tests (Some may require) • Practice, Practice, Practice! • Online at ETS - http://www.gre.org

  17. Letters of Recommendation • Standard Reference Report Form • Aptitude for Graduate Research and Course Work • Comparison with Prior Students • Formal Letters • Expanded Comments • Suitable References (Examples) • Undergraduate Advisor • Research Project Supervisor • Teachers of Upper-level Courses (400/500) • Managers/Supervisors at Work • Summer Internships • Other Technical Positions

  18. Statement of Purpose • What is a statement of purpose? • One or two page essay describing your career goals and how your past experiences have prepared you for your desired path • Should be customized for research happening at the department of application • Include potential advisors and their research • Cite any published works, meetings, etc. • Tips • Concise • Identify gaps quickly • Write, rewrite, have others edit (Spell Check) • Customize

  19. Experience Outside the Classroom What Makes You Unique as an Applicant? • Summer Internships • Leadership Positions in Clubs and Organizations • Summer Research Experience or Academic Year Research Experience • Completion of an Academic Minor If you have unique experiences that you cannot highlight in the goals statement – attach a resume.

  20. Secrets : Successful Graduate Application • Preparation • Research • Connecting/Networking • Consider applying to more than one institution • Familiarization with, knowledge of, and adhering to application guidelines/instructions • Deadlines • Required vs recommended • Follow up – contact the program director and faculty

  21. Additional Online Resources http://www.statementofpurpose.com http://accepted.com/grad http://www.princetonreview.com/grad http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/gradapp.html

  22. How Can I Finance GraduateSchool? Loans/ Grants Assistantships - research - teaching Internships; part-time Jobs Co-Op Fellowships/ Traineeships Work-Study

  23. What Does the Graduate School Expect of Students? • Graduate School is not an extension of undergraduate school • Usually research oriented in addition to courses (problem solving and innovation) • Student must work independently (initiative) • Judged on research in addition to grades • Ultimately, you will be expected to become independent as a researcher and thinker

  24. Requirements for Success – Your Approach Towards Graduate School • Set clear and attainable goals • Carefully choose a research topic or discipline • Select mentor and graduate committee early • Be organized, focused and determined • Learn how to manage time and set priorities • Understand accountability

  25. Requirements for Success – Your Approach Towards Graduate School • Be ready to have your ideas challenged and changed - Adjust to a critical environment • Develop leadership skills • Learn to work in teams and across fields • Take advantage of professional development opportunities(attend conferences, present papers, etc.) • Persevere

  26. Requirements for Success – Your Personal Wellbeing Maintain a well balanced life • Counterbalance stress • Get involved with department, community, church, etc. • Be well informed (newspapers, etc.)

  27. QUESTIONS?

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