GRADUATE SCHOOL

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GRADUATE SCHOOL
Making Yourself Competitive For, Applying to and
Surviving Graduate School Duane Larick Senior
Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Dean
of the Graduate School NC State University
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GRADUATE SCHOOL MYTHS

• Graduate School is just like undergraduate
• It takes an extremely high GPA to get admitted.
• I cant afford the cost.
• A graduate education does not pay.
• An advanced degree makes you overqualified.
• Those who work first perform better in graduate
  school.

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What is Graduate School?

• Obtaining specialized knowledge from concentrated
  study in one area
  
• Development of specialized knowledge and skills
  to practice a profession
• That generally includes active participation in
  research in your chosen discipline

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Kinds of Graduate Degrees

• PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
• MD, DVM, MBA, etc.
• Professional Masters (coursework only)
• RESEARCH DEGREES
• Masters of Science Doctoral

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Why Graduate School?

• IT CAN
• Influence how fast and how far you advance in
  your career
• Increase your earning power
• Enhance your job satisfaction
• Give you greater flexibility to change careers
• IT CAN BE A JOB REQUIREMENT
• For faculty positions
• For research positions

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Why Not to Go to Graduate School
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What Are Graduate Programs Looking For in
Prospective Students?
Emotional Maturity
Academic Preparation
Academic Achievement
Curiosity, Creativity, Passion
Standardized Test Scores
Perseverance, Persistence
Research Experience Ability
Compatible Career Goals
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Before the Process

• Determine your areas of interest
• Investigate schools that align with those
  interests
• Identify professors within your areas of interest
• Collect and summarize a few recent papers of
  professors
• Eventually, make a formal, professional
  introduction to directly contact the professor(s)
  for information about their research program
• The goal is to have a professor within the
  university who knows who you are and what youd
  like to do BEFORE you apply

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How Do I Choose a Graduate School?

• Questions to Consider About Yourself
• In what type of academic climate do I wish to
  study?
• What type of degree am I seeking?
• What are my academic credentials?
• What are my financial needs?

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How do I Choose a Graduate School?

• Questions to Consider About the Institution
• REPUTATION OF THE
• Institution
• Program or Department
• Particular Faculty Member
• COST/FINANCES
• Availability of financial assistance

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http//www.ncsu.edu/grad/
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ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
The Admission Process

• Applicant Sends Application to the Graduate
  School
• All electronic now
• Graduate School Sends to Department for a
  Recommendation
• Department Makes Recommendation
• Graduate School Responds to Applicant

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How Do I Apply?

• Apply to a specific program.
• Contact department visit if possible.
• Apply to at least 3 or 4 programs.
• Submit all requested materials.
• Submit application packet on time,
• Particularly when applying for financial aid.

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General Admission Requirements

• Minimum Admission Requirements
• 3.00 Undergraduate GPA
• BA/BS from an Accredited College or University

• Other Factors that Are Considered
• Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, MAT)
• References
• Personal Knowledge YOU!
• Departmental Capacity Other Resources
• Competition

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Transcript Analysis

• Grade Point Average
• Expect 3.0
• Performance in Key Courses
• Major Courses (GPA 3.0)
• Math and Science (major courses)
• English
• Performance Patterns
• Start vs. Finish
• Strengths/Weaknesses

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Standardized Test Scores

• GRE
• Required by Most Programs
• General Exam Includes
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing
• Subject tests (Some may require)
• Practice, Practice, Practice!
• Online at ETS - http//www.gre.org

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Letters of Recommendation

• Standard Reference Report Form
• Aptitude for Graduate Research and Course Work
• Comparison with Prior Students
• Formal Letters
• Expanded Comments
• Suitable References (Examples)
• Undergraduate Advisor
• Research Project Supervisor
• Teachers of Upper-level Courses (400/500)
• Managers/Supervisors at Work
• Summer Internships
• Other Technical Positions

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Statement of Purpose

• What is a statement of purpose?
• One or two page essay describing your career
  goals and how your past experiences have prepared
  you for your desired path
• Should be customized for research happening at
  the department of application
• Include potential advisors and their research
• Cite any published works, meetings, etc.
• Tips
• Concise
• Identify gaps quickly
• Write, rewrite, have others edit (Spell Check)
• Customize

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Experience Outside the Classroom

• What Makes You Unique as an Applicant?
• Summer Internships
• Leadership Positions in Clubs and
• Organizations
• Summer Research Experience or Academic Year
  Research Experience
• Completion of an Academic Minor
• If you have unique experiences that you cannot
  highlight in the goals statement attach a
  resume.

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Secrets Successful Graduate Application

• Preparation
• Research
• Connecting/Networking
• Consider applying to more than one institution
• Familiarization with, knowledge of, and adhering
  to application guidelines/instructions
• Deadlines
• Required vs recommended
• Follow up contact the program director and
  faculty

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Additional Online Resources

• http//www.statementofpurpose.com
• http//accepted.com/grad
• http//www.princetonreview.com/grad
• http//sciencecareers.sciencemag.org
• http//www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/gradapp.html

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How Can I Finance GraduateSchool?
Loans/ Grants
Assistantships - research - teaching
Internships part-time Jobs
Co-Op
Fellowships/ Traineeships
Work-Study
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What Does the Graduate School Expect of Students?

• Graduate School is not an extension of
  undergraduate school
• Usually research oriented in addition to courses
  (problem solving and innovation)
• Student must work independently (initiative)
• Judged on research in addition to grades
• Ultimately, you will be expected to become
  independent as a researcher and thinker

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Requirements for Success Your Approach Towards
Graduate School

• Set clear and attainable goals
• Carefully choose a research topic or discipline
• Select mentor and graduate committee early
• Be organized, focused and determined
• Learn how to manage time and set priorities
• Understand accountability

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Requirements for Success Your Approach Towards
Graduate School

• Be ready to have your ideas challenged and
  changed - Adjust to a critical environment
• Develop leadership skills
• Learn to work in teams and across fields
• Take advantage of professional development
  opportunities(attend conferences, present papers,
  etc.)
• Persevere

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Requirements for Success Your Personal Wellbeing

• Maintain a well balanced life
• Counterbalance stress
• Get involved with department, community, church,
  etc.
• Be well informed (newspapers, etc.)

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QUESTIONS?