Preparing for Graduate School

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Preparing for Graduate School

• Dana Werner, Director
• Graduate Student Recruitment Services
• dkwerner_at_purdue.edu
• Purdue University, The Graduate School
• www.purdue.edu/grad

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What is Graduate School?

• Provides in-depth, specialized training
• Requires original research and/or scholarship
• Impacts society in relevant ways
• Develops intellectual relationships
• Requires intense commitment, passion, drive

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Types of Advanced Degrees

• PhD
• Direct Ph.D.
• Masters first
• Masters
• Thesis
• Non-thesis

• Professional Degrees
• DVM/VMD
• JD
• MD
• Etc.

• Professional/Terminal Masters
• M.F.A
• M.P.H
• Etc.

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Why Graduate School?

• Average Earnings in 2006
• Bachelors Degree 56,788
• Masters Degree 70,358
• Doctoral Degree 103,944
• Source U.S. Census Bureau, The 2009
  Statistical Abstract, The National Data Book,
  Education Educational Attainment, 224 - Mean
  Earnings by Highest Degree Earned 2006,
  http//www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/09s0
  224.xls

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Why Graduate School?

• Attain your personal goals
• You have a passion for learning and/or research
• You want to specialize in an area or become an
  expert and generate new knowledge
• Employers prefer or require an advanced degree in
  your profession
• Professional growth and advancement

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Is Graduate School for Me?

• Ask yourself
• What are my short and long term goals?
• Will an advanced degree help me obtain these
  goals?
• Am I choosing graduate school because I feel
  there are no other options at this time?
• Am I willing to invest the time, effort, and
  expense required for graduate study?

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When Should I Go to Grad School?

• Immediately following your undergraduate degree
• Your professional goal requires an advanced
  degree to even begin
• Youre unsure that once you leave school, youll
  want to or will be able to return
• After youve worked full-time or taken time off
• Employers may pay for you to go to school
• Your program of interest requires/prefers
  experience that you dont currently possess
• Youre burned out

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Researching Graduate Schools

• Talk to
• professors
• professionals in your field of interest
• current graduate students
• advisors
• Use a variety of sources
• professional organizations and conferences
• research publications/professional journals
• career centers
• graduate school guides
• major publications
• university Web sites

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Researching Graduate Schools

• Find out
• Who are the best professors and emerging leaders
  in your field?
• What projects are they working on?
• What universities do they work at?
• Where did they get their degree from?
• Which professors and schools do others suggest
  you consider?
• At what universities do current professionals
  find their best employees?
• What graduate programs have the best reputation
  in your field?

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Deciding Where to Apply

• Consider
• What are the admission and degree requirements?
• Are there a variety of specializations available?
• Are you interested in attending a certain type of
  school?
• Are you looking for a standardized curriculum or
  one thats customizable?
• What type of financial assistance is available?
• What do graduates go on to do professionally and
  whats their placement rate?

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Understanding the Admissions Process

• Admissions committees are made up of professors
• Typically base their decisions on the following
  factors
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT)
• TOEFL or IELTS (international students)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Transcripts
• Previous work experience
• Research experience (REU SRO)
• Curricular activities
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

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Action Item Standardized Tests

• Tests include
• GRE GMAT LSAT MCAT TOEFL or IELTS
• Register early
• Schedule the exam 12-18 months before you intend
  to start graduate school
• Helpful Web sites
• www.ets.org
• www.gre.org
• www.Number2.com

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Action Item Statement of Purpose

• Write a one or two page statement
• What are your specific goals for graduate study?
• Why do you want to pursue this discipline?
• How have you been prepared academically?
• What experience has helped you prepare?
• What are your goals beyond graduate study?
• Answer specific questions required by each school

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Tips for Writing Your Statement of Purpose

• Demonstrate your points by providing concrete
  examples, including specific outcomes
• Be positive
• Be specific
• Demonstrate mutual benefits
• Have your statement reviewed by professors

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Action Item Recommendation Letters

• Make requests courteously and obtain approval
• Provide the person writing the letter with a copy
  of your statement of purpose and resume/CV
• Allow ample time for them to complete letters
• Let them know when you get accepted!

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Action Item Transcripts Test Scores

• Order transcripts from your current school early,
  so that they will be received near the same time
  as your application
• Check to see if transcripts can be mailed
  immediately after fall term grades are recorded
• Order test scores to be sent to each school (If
  you did not do so at the time of the exam.)

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Action Item Submit the Application

• Complete a draft of each application first
• Type all paper applications
• You may be required to include a resume/CV
• Proofread, proofread, proofread!
• Mail all materials well in advance of deadlines
• Make copies of everything and print copies of
  electronic applications

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Choosing a Graduate School

• Arrange campus visits
• Make appointments to meet with faculty and/or the
  admissions office
• Talk to current students
• Some schools may be able to pay your travel
  expenses
• Gather information about the community and
  housing options
• Arrive on time and be prepared

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Choosing a Graduate School

• Make a list of potential schools and compare
• Quality of programs
• Research and scholarly opportunities
• Reputation of the school, its programs, and
  professors
• Potential fit with professors whose interests
  match yours
• Program job placement rates and information
• Financial assistance
• Student services
• Locations cost of living

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Funding for Grad School

• More Than 80 of Purdues full-time grad students
  are funded!
• Grants are free money
• you don't have to work or repay the funds
• fellowships are the most common type of grant
• Graduate assistantships are the most common
  funding
• you receive a stipend and your tuition is waived
• other benefits may apply
• assistantships include research, teaching, or
  administrative/professional positions
• Loans are also available
• federal government and other financial
  institutions
• complete a Free Application for Federal Student
  Aid (FAFSA)

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Funding for Grad School Contd

• Funding sources
• A college, department, or program
• The Graduate School/Office of Graduate Studies
• Other organizations, such as government agencies,
  foundations, and professional organizations
• Eligibility requirements and application
  processes vary
• The majority of funding is available in the fall
  semester

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Want to Learn More?
If you want to learn more about grad school and
you are interested in

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Other science-based fields

• Science
• Engineering
• Technology

• check out the Big Ten Graduate School Expo
• conference at www.purdue.edu/gradexpo

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Check out what Purdue has to Offer

• Agriculture
• Consumer Family Sciences
• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Programs

• Liberal Arts
• Management
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Science
• Technology
• Veterinary Medicine

www.gradschool.purdue.edu
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Best of luck!