Graduate School Preparation

1
Graduate School Preparation Planning

• Career Development Center
• Danna Center, 2nd floor
• 504.865.3860
• career_at_loyno.edu
• www.loyno.edu/careerservices
• Helping students find careers where they find
  themselves.

2
Why graduate school?

• How did I become interested in pursuing this
  field?
• What will the degree do for me personally and
  professionally?
• Am I prepared for the academics involved and the
  focus of the coursework?
• What about finances?
• What are my motivations?

3
Researching the fit

• Finding information about the fieldVault
• Doing an internship
• Taking related coursework
• Interviewing professionals
• Learning about the career options
• Job shadowing
• Come to the Career Development Centerwe can help
  you find resources!

4
Masters or Doctorate?

• Masters degree
• Certification of skill in an academic or
  practical area
• Used to sharpen ones employable skills or
  develop research and analysis skills
• Determine interest in pursuing higher degrees
• Doctorate degree
• Teaching and research degree
• Career options in colleges/universities
• Opportunities in specialized fields

5
Whats important?

• Department/Program Size
• Curriculum
• Specializations of Department and Faculty
• Accreditation
• Enrollment
• Location
• Student/Teacher Ratio
• Selectivity of Admissions
• Availability of Financial Support
• Library and Technology Resources

6
Start the process

• Research programs
• www.petersons.com
• www.gradschools.com
• Loyola/Tulane Graduate Professional School
  FairOct. 24
• Learn about program requirementsrequired
  coursework, practical experience, etc.
• Figure out application deadlines
• Prepare for entrance exams

7
Plan Your Timeline

• Know your deadlines
• Give yourself plenty of time to prepare for and
  take entrance exams
• Prepare personal statements and resumes
• Ask for letters of recommendations from
  professors earlybe considerate of their time!
• Complete the applications
• Keep up your gradestheyre critical!

8
Grades

• Predictor of success in graduate school (but not
  the only one!)
• Minimum cutoffs in many casesfind out what they
  are at the schools you are interested in
• Official transcripts are necessary from all
  colleges attended

9
Entrance Exams

• Compares you with other applicants to determine
  who should be admitted
• Predictor of academic success
• Different exams for different programs
• Must be taken in time for scores to arrive before
  admissions deadlines or before decisions are made
• Usually valid for five years
• GRE (general and subject), GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, DAT,
  PCAT, NCLEX

10
Letters of Recommendations

• Best if from faculty you know wellthey know
  about your academic performance and potential
• Job supervisorsespecially if in a related field
• Get to know your recommenders!!
• Approach them early
• Provide them with copies of your resume and
  personal statement

11
Personal Statements Resumes

• Can be the most persuasive piece of your
  application
• Tells your story and gives you a personality
• How are you a good match for the program?
• Make it memorable!
• Bring it to the Career Development Center for
  review
• Make sure the grammar is impeccable!

12
Interviewing

• Be prepared to talk about why you want to go to
  graduate school
• What are your future plans?
• Talk about your related experience and academic
  successes
• Come to the Career Development Center for tips,
  sample questions, and mock interviews

13
Paying for Graduate School

• Fellowships
• Loans
• Scholarships
• Graduate and Teaching Assistantships
• Learn about critical deadlines
• Ph.D. programs often include tuition, stipends,
  and health insurance
• Check with graduate research and financial aid
  offices, books, and online resources
• www.petersons.com
• www.gradschools.com