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Is it too late to apply?
How do I find a Program
that’s a good fit?
I wonder if there are
special tricks to getting admitted?
Going to Graduate School: Steps to take and issues to consider
Erika Barthelmess and Emily DixonOctober 11, 2006
St. Lawrence University
Planning for grad school
• Selecting a program• Applying to the program• Finding funding• Making visits to the program• Selecting an advisor
Grad School vs. Undergrad School
• Key differences between the two programs– Extracurricular activities– Working– Studying
• What degree should you go for?– Masters degree vs. PhD
Choosing where to apply
Select a person Select a program
Initiating contact
Taking the GRE
Submitting your application
Writing a personal statement
Obtaining letters of rec
Committing
Securing funding
Visiting programs
Finding housing
Oct - Nov Feb - Mar Apr - June July - SeptDec - Jan
Choosing where to apply
• Selecting a person– Searching the literature
– Talking to professors
– Via research experience
• Selecting a program– Searching the literature
– Talking to professors
– Via research experience
Some web resources: Peterson’s guide
Pedigree?!
Initiating contact
• Correspond with potential faculty mentors:– Do they have room in their labs?– Do they have support?– Do they bother?
• Introduce yourself– Interests in research, subject– Relevant experience
• Do your homework!!!
Initiating contact
• Correspond with current grad students:– What do they like/dislike about program?
– Person (Advisor)?– Adequate funding?– Life issues (cost of living, etc.)
Initiating contactDear Dr. X,
I am a junior/senior at St. Lawrence University majoring in X. I am writing to inquire whether you will be taking on any new graduate students next fall. During my tenure at St. Lawrence, I have developed interests in X (something more specific than the name of your major). I am familiar with your research, and would be interested to learn more details about your research program. I have had the opportunity to conduct my own independent research as an undergraduate (tell something about what you’ve been doing), and am excited about the prospect of continuing to do research in graduate school.
I’d be happy to send more information about myself, including my current resume and transcripts. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Taking the GRE
• Which test?• When should I take it?• How should I prepare?• Who should I send my scores to?
Writing a personal statement
• Do a good job (proof-read, spell check, etc)
• Sell yourself• Be honest (you are not promising anything)
• Consider having a mentor read your statement
• Be able to say why you want the degree• Have some sort of research interest?
Submitting your application
• Timing is everything!– Important for access to support funding
– Often requires support from a graduate mentor
– Communicate with your potential mentor
Obtaining letters of rec
• Who from?• When?
– As early as possible!!!!!! – Give a copy of your resume, personal statement
– Check to see if you need envelopes
– Make deadlines clear
Securing funding
• Generally two types:– Research Assistantship (RA)– Teaching Assistantship (TA)
• Other sources:– Bring your own funding (NSF)– Work - not advised
• Issues to be aware of:– Tuition waivers– In-state tuition– Establishing residency
NOV 8, NOV 13
Visiting programs
• Crucial to making a good decision
• INTERVIEW OTHER GRAD STUDENTS• May have to spend your own $• Interview weekends
But when should I go?
• Should I take time off?
• What is different if I take time off before I go?
• What should I do in the meantime?
• Masters vs. PhD
Committing and Finding Housing
• Generally need to commit to a program by April 1-15 or so.
• Ask graduate school for information about housing in the area– Share with other grad students– Cheap rentals– University housing?