Transcript My Presentation Title
Applying to Graduate School
Presented by Clark University Career Services
Reasons to apply to graduate school
• Advanced specialized knowledge • Professional training • Research / in depth exploration of a topic
How is graduate school different?
• Graduate schools are much more focused; quite different from going to college • The top ranked schools will vary by program, not by institution. • It is essential to know why you are a good fit for a program before you apply.
Types of degrees
•
Master’s
2 – 3 years. Professional Master’s is typically “terminal”; academic can be stepping stone to PhD •
PhD
: 5 – 7 years. Those interested in research and academia typically pursue a PhD. •
PsyD
: 5 – 7 years. More practical / professional training. Check with the Psych department and in particular a member of the Clinical Psych program for info on the differences between a PsyD and PhD.
• Master’s programs are gaining in popularity and joint degree programs are becoming more common
Getting started: Questions to ask yourself
• Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
• What is your specific academic interest? • What are your short & long term goals?
• What can you bring to the program?
• Do your academic credentials fit within the institution’s admission standards?
Suggested Timetable
• Junior Year, Fall and Spring – Research programs and institutions – Register, prepare for, and take appropriate tests • Junior Year, Summer – Write for application materials – Visit institutions of interest if possible – Draft your application essay – Check on application deadlines and rolling admissions policies
Suggested Timetable
• Senior Year, Fall – Obtain letters of recommendation – Take graduate admissions tests if you haven’t already – Submit completed applications well before the application deadline – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Senior Year, Spring – Check with all institutions before the deadline to make sure your file is complete – Visit institutions that accept you – Send a deposit to the institution of your choice – Notify other colleges and universities that accepted you of your decision so that they may admit students on their waiting list
Researching Programs
• General sites like gradschools.com and Petersons.com
• Professional associations may list accredited programs • Speak to Clark faculty for suggestions • Look for information on courses, faculty areas of research, admissions criteria, geographical location • Write to a faculty member at the school who is doing research in your area of interest (research openings; mentor opportunities) • Research what types of positions graduates of the program obtain. Does this fit with your career goal?
• Make contact with programs through open houses, interviews, and emails to faculty • FIT is important • Consult Clark faculty, graduate school directories, and the Career Services office for assistance
The Application
Consists of: • Transcript • Entrance Exams GRE (humanities, sciences) GMAT (management) LSAT (law) MCAT (medicine) MAT • Letters of Reference • Personal Statement/Application Essay
Deadlines are between December to March
Quick Overview of the GRE
• General Test: 3 Sections – Test is administered electronically –
Verbal
30 Q’s, 30 minutes: word knowledge, analogies, reading comp.
–
Qualitative
28 Q’s, 45 minutes: geometry, algebra • Scored on a 200-800 scale; unofficial scores seen onscreen after testing period –
Analytical Writing
Two essays: “Present Your Perspective on an Issue” (45 minutes), “Analyze an Argument” (30 minutes) • Subject Test – Administered in paper form – Subject Ares: • Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Math, Physics, Psychology
Career Services Resources
• Individual advising appointments • Workshops on the graduate/professional school application process, writing a personal statement, and researching career interests • Admissions test study guides – available for reference in the Career Services library • Personal statement critique service • Books on financing graduate school and writing personal statements
Plan B
For a variety of reasons, you may decide not to go right on to graduate school. Having an alternative plan is important. • Career Services can help you create a resume and begin researching job opportunities if you decide to work for a period of time before going on to school. • Consult Career Services for career panels, information sessions, and alumni events to learn about different career opportunities.
Websites for reference
For program information: • GradSchools.com
www.gradschools.com
• Petersons.com
www.petersons.com
• Council of Graduate Schools www.cgsnet.org
The Fifth Year Free Program
Clark’s 5 year accelerated B.A./M.A. degree program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5A55dzv-30
For Additional Help…
Consult with Clark’s Career Services staff.
To schedule an appointment, contact us at: (508) 793-7258 or email us at: [email protected]