Graduate School Admissions What They Look For

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Graduate School Admissions What They Look For
Ann Marie Daniel, Ph.D. The Pennsylvania State
University
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Common Credentials

• GRE / MCAT
• TOEFL (international students)
• GPA
• Transcript
• Goals Statement
• Recommendation Letters
• Resume

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Goals Statement

• Organization
• Why Science / Engineering
• Evidence
• Future Goals and How Specific Institution Can
  Help You Achieve Goals (customize)
• Talents You Can Offer

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Goals Statement

• Format
• Professional Font Style
• 1.5 2 pages, Single Spaced
• 12 point Font Size
• Appropriate Grammar
• Correct Spellings

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Recommendation Letters

• Approach individuals before listing
• Query Write a good letter?
• Provide copies of credentials and pre-addressed
  stamped envelope
• Ask one month in advance, follow-up

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Under Consideration

• GPA 3.0 min
• Portray junior/senior compilation
• Courses Taken
• Major
• Baccalaureate Institution
• GRE / MCAT
• TOEFL 550 / 600 min
• Resume (often optional)

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On-Campus Interviews

• Comfortable Professional Attire
• Be Punctual
• Be Prepared
• Show Interest
• Ask Questions
• Indicate Faculty You Wish to Meet
• Smile

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Good Resources

• Faculty Advisor
• Current Graduate Students
• Graduate School and You
• by Clara Sue Kidwell, www.cgsnet.org
• Getting What You Came For
• by Robert L. Peters, www.fsgbooks.com

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In the fields of observation, chance favors the
prepared mind. - Louis Pasteur
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Thank You !
Ann Marie Daniel, Ph.D. The Pennsylvania State
University 814 863 - 5487 amd9_at_psu.edu