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.
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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 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. 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 Kinds of Graduate Degrees •PROFESSIONAL DEGREES •MD, DVM, MBA, etc. •Professional Masters (coursework only) •RESEARCH DEGREES •Masters of Science & Doctoral 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 Why Not to Go to Graduate School What Are Graduate Programs Looking For in Prospective Students? 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 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? 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 http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/ 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 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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/gra dapp.html How Can I Finance Graduate School? Loans/ Grants Internships; part-time Jobs Fellowships/ Traineeships Assistantships - research - teaching Co-Op Work-Study 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 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 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 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.) QUESTIONS?