How to Get Into Graduate School

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How to Get Into Graduate School

• Information Session for potential graduate
  students
• U. Of U. Career Services
• 350 Student Service Bldg.
• http//careers.utah.edu

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Why go to graduate School?

• Requirement of the profession such as medicine,
  law, or teaching at a University.
• You have a strong motivation to specialize in a
  subject of great importance to you.

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Education Pays!

• According to the Spring 2002 Occupational Outlook
  Quarterly, the median earnings for year-round
  full-time workers ages 25 by educational
  attainment are
• High School diploma 28,800
• Bachelors degree 46,300
• Masters degree 55,300
• Doctorate 70,500
• Professional degree 80,200

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Masters Degrees

• Masters degrees are offered in most fields.
• They may be the only degree required for
  employment in a field.
• Typical master's degrees are M.S.W. (social
  work), M.B.A. (business administration),
• M.P.A. (public administration), M.F.W (fine
  arts),

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Doctoral degrees

• The highest academic degree.
• Requires original research.
• Examples are Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy, M.D.
  or Doctor of Medicine, J.D. or Juris Doctor
  (Law), D.B.A. Doctor of Business Administration,
  Ed.D. Doctor of Education.

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Choosing a Specialization

• Research graduate programs by looking at graduate
  school directories, talking to graduate
  admissions counselors, and looking up web-based
  information.
• Talk to faculty and graduate advisors.
• Use the Career Library
• Make an appointment with persons who have
  completed a graduate program professionals.

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Research the Programs

• What are the admissions requirements?
• How does the program rank and what is its
  reputation?
• Are there faculty doing research in an area
  matching your interests?
• What do potential employers think of that
  graduate program? Does it have value?

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Timetable for Graduate School Admissions

• The following timetable is outlined in Petersons
  guide to Graduate and Professional Programs
  (available in the Career Library, Room 390 SSB)

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Start Gathering Information Now

• Application deadlines may range from August, the
  year before matriculation (for most medical
  schools), to late Spring for Autumn semester
  admissions.

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Six Months Prior to Application

• Research your interests. Use a career counselor
  to assist you.
• Research potential programs. Use the Career
  Library and the Internet.
• Prepare to take admissions tests. Take a test
  preparation class.
• Investigate financial aid and scholarships.
• Obtain letters of recommendation.
• Set up a credentials file.

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Three Months Before Application

• Take required admissions tests.
• Write admissions essays.
• Double-check deadlines.
• Obtain transcripts and other documents required
  by the graduate programs.

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One month prior to Application Deadlines

• Double-check your credentials file.
• Send your file and application materials.
• Make sure to use the proper method of sending
  your materials.

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After Submitting your Application

• Check with the admissions offices of the schools
  you applied to insure your application was
  received and is complete.

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Acceptance

• Visit the schools that accept you.
• Check on financial aid, teaching assistant or
  research assistant opportunities.
• Make your decision and submit required deposits
  and acceptance materials.
• Inform institutions that you reject so they can
  open slots in their program to others.

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Major Issues

• Make sure you chose the right program for your
  needs and make sure you are committed to seeing
  it through.
• Information interviewing is a very valuable tool.
  It involves making appointments with people who
  are working in a profession you are
  investigating. Follow protocols and professionals
  will be willing to assist you.

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Graduate Admission Tests

• Required by nearly all accredited graduate
  programs.
• Proper preparation is highly beneficial.
• Take a test-preparation class. Contact AOCE at
  prep_at_aoce.utah.edu .
• Contact the University Testing Center for dates,
  times, locations and registration for graduate
  admissions tests.

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Transcripts

• Official Transcripts only!
• Some universities will not accept a summary of
  transfer credits, they must be original
  transcripts for each college/university attended.
• Use the University Credentials Office or a
  credentials service from the testing service.

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Admissions Essays Personal Statements

• Make sure you understand the length and format
  required.
• Plan on spending 2 weeks to write a 2-3 page
  personal statement.
• Make sure you edit and proof it carefully.
• Ask for help from someone with writing and/or
  editing experience.

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Interviews Auditions

• Check on the requirements, not all schools
  require them.
• Prepare for the orals as if preparing for a
  pass/fail, oral, final exam.
• Ask admissions advisors for help ideas.
• Portfolios may be helpful or required.
• Refer to personal experiences.

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Experience Counts!

• Many graduate programs require (or at least look
  favorably) on outside experience.
• Related work experience, internships,
  undergraduate research, participation in student
  government, volunteer activities and involvement
  beyond the classroom are important to most
  graduate admission committees. Get involved!

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Who gets in?

• Most graduate schools are looking for people they
  feel would have the best chance of succeeding in
  their program.
• Your job as an applicant is to inform admissions
  committees that you are the most worthy
  candidate.
• Faculty referrals relationships are very
  valuable.
• Planning and preparation are key to your success!

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Good Luck!

• Ask for help if you need it. Use the Career
  Library, Testing Center, Financial Aid and
  numerous student services available to you.
• Career Counselors, through Career Services, are
  available by appointment. The Career Library is
  open to the public.
• 8 AM 5 PM, 390 Student Service Bldg.

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Thanks! For More Information, contact your
career counselor or visit the Career Library 390
SSB