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]