College of Charleston Recruitment Pack

From Day One, you are a colleague.

Your ideas are vital to the discussion

and your research matters.

The intimate scale of our programs

and the support of our professors emphasize personal attention and

foster a unique camaraderie.

Your overview of the College of Charleston Graduate School.

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Is graduate school right

for You?how to select a

graduate school.

Why choose the graduate school

of the college of

charleston?how to pay for

graduate school.

What to expect during the

applIcatIon process.

how to prepare for

entrance exams.

“In many fields, especially technology, teaching and business, the bachelor’s degree is an entry-level degree... You must have it to get a good job. The higher level positions and the decision-making power go to people who have gone beyond the bachelor’s level.”

– Graduate School and You: A guide for Prospective Graduate Students

Graduate school requires tremendous dedication and a total commitment of time, money, energy and effort. Therefore, before you make your final decision, be sure that a post-secondary degree will lead to career advancement, a higher salary or special recognition in your field. The best way to find out is to talk with successful people in the industry and with faculty and staff in your program of interest. These conversations will provide valuable, firsthand knowledge of what experiences you can expect.

According to Getting What You Came For by Robert L. Peters, you will want to ask questions such as:

• As a recent graduate, what was your experience in getting a job?

• What degrees do you hold that are beneficial in the industry?

• Is a master’s degree rated more highly than a bachelor’s degree?

• What are the salary differentials for employees with different degrees?

• What are the rewards of master’s degrees versus doctorates?

• Are there particular programs that are well regarded in the industry?

• Are people rewarded for graduating from more prestigious programs?

• Is there an increasing emphasis on professional education in the field?

Is graduate school

right for You?

4 | College of Charleston

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston | 5

Do you want a graduate, professional or doctorate degree?

Gradschools.com offers insight into whether you should obtain a master’s or a doctorate (gradschools.com). The creators of that website suggest the following things to think about:

• If your goal is simply to get a raise, then earning a Ph.D. is probably not the appropriate choice.

• If you want to change careers, a master’s degree program can provide you with new knowledge and skills to make that happen.

• If you want to be a professor, a Ph.D. or other terminal degree is mandatory in most fields.

• Master’s degree programs are more suitable for career-oriented people. Ph.D. programs tend to prepare people for research-oriented professions.

Graduate Degree

A graduate degree is awarded at the end of a two- or three-year program that provides advanced, concentrated training in one of three areas.

1. Professional master’s degree. These programs prepare you for jobs within a specific field and may include an internship, project or thesis. Examples include Master of Science in Accountancy, and Master of Public Administration.

2. Research-driven master’s degree. These programs lead to a Ph.D. and/or can prepare you for a career involving research or scholarship. They include coursework as well as a research project or thesis. Examples include Master of Arts in History and Master of Science in Mathematics.

3. Specialist degree. These degrees are typically awarded in the field of education. Such programs allow the educator to “specialize” in a field like science or mathematics.

how to select a graduate

school.

Professional Degree

Professional degrees prepare students for fields that require licensing such as law, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and physical therapy. These degrees focus less on theory than a doctoral degree, and strengthen students’ applied skills. Such examples include accountancy, social work (M.S.W.) and education (M.Ed.). A professional degree can be awarded as a bachelor’s, master’s or a doctorate degree.

Doctorate

A doctorate, the highest degree granted, can take anywhere from three to 10 years to complete. The four categories of doctorates include: research (Ph.D. or D.Eng), higher doctorate (D.Sc), professional doctorate (M.D. or J.D.) and the honorary doctorate (granted to an individual of importance as a doctorate degree honoris causa).

Some doctoral programs no longer require a master’s degree as a prerequisite, thus providing the option to obtain your master’s degree while pursuing your doctorate.

Researching Schools and Programs There are a number of resources that can help as you research options.

1. Career and education fairs. At most undergraduate institutions, these events are usually held during the fall semester and are scheduled by the campus career center.

2. The Internet. Explore websites that are dedicated to graduate education, such as www.gradschools.com and www.petersons.com. An additional option is to use social media to get a feel for a particular campus’ personality. Social media accounts can provide alternate access to the staff, faculty and students at various graduate schools. Explore their blogs, Facebook accounts and follow their Twitter feeds.

3. Compare graduate school websites. As you compare graduate schools, explore individual faculty pages as well as the university and department websites.


Get Opinions

Do not hesitate to make contact with a school at multiple levels: the graduate school office, the department office, key faculty, and student associations you would like to join after admission. Also, speak with friends of your family who are prominent alumni, and even current graduate students.

Questions You’ll Need Answered• How much will the program cost?

• What financial aid is available?

• Does the department’s specialization match your goals?

• Do the faculty exhibit special strengths and research qualities through their graduate advisees, published works and funded research?

• Are the libraries, laboratories, computers and other research facilities adequate for your educational needs?

• Is the department’s curriculum sufficiently large and varied enough to allow you a broad offering of courses and options?

• How accomplished are the professors in your area? What are their interests and how available will they be?

• What are the degree requirements?

• What number of hours are required?

• Will you have to write a thesis/dissertation?

• Are support services adequate to make campus life conducive to the needs of minority students?

• How long will it take you to complete the program?

• How are advisors assigned/selected?

• Will you have a choice of who your advisor will be?

• Are study space/office carrels available for graduate students?

• Are the current students happy? Do they appear to be good colleagues?

• Are the graduates of the school or program sought by recruiters?

• What are your opportunities for employment after graduation?

• Are the institution and the program accredited?

• How many applicants are accepted?

• Are the faculty and student body diverse? (Diversity in a program can make it stronger, since diversity leads to a broader world view.)

• What size is the program?

• Will you feel comfortable in a small or large setting?

• What is the community like, and does the institution work closely with the community? (How closely the two work together could assist in your research and with employment opportunities after graduation.)

• What is the cost of living?


Why choose The Graduate School of the

college of

charleston?

From Day One, you are a colleague. Your ideas are vital to the discussion and your research matters. The intimate scale of our programs and the support of our professors guarantee that.

“My first class helped me realize that the students in the program are incredibly close-knit and proud of their program.”

– Niki, Master of Public Administration candidate

Our emphasis on personal attention is why you’ll rarely find a class with more than 20 students enrolled. In fact, the average class size is 12, which makes it easy to get the attention you deserve.

Faculty here focus on you from the moment you enroll to the day you receive your degree. They’ll help you design a program of study that challenges and prepares you for the next step – whether that’s a doctoral program or a professional role.

In addition, the size of our programs fosters a unique camaraderie that you won’t find at larger institutions. Despite the intimate scale, you’ll enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration not only with fellow College of Charleston students, but also with those from The Citadel, Clemson University, Charleston School of Law and the Medical University of South Carolina.

“The College has embraced me each time I’ve reached out, regardless of which department it may have been.”

– Kolo, marine biology graduate

As a graduate student, you might work harder than you imagined, but you’ll have an abundance of support from the College of Charleston community. The Graduate School and the Career Center host workshops each semester that are designed to help you get the most out of your education.

The Office of Research and Grants Administration will help you find and apply for nationally competitive scholarships and grants. During the 2008–09 academic year, graduate students secured numerous opportunities including a National Science Foundation Fellowship, a Fulbright scholarship to work in Australia, and a Knauss Fellowship to work in Washington, D.C.

You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art facilities. In recent years, the College has invested millions to provide the best and most effective learning spaces and recreational opportunities, including a140,000- square-foot library, a 55,000-square-foot home for the School of Education, Health and Human Performance and a 270,000- square-foot arena.

Two new facilities, the 74,000-square-foot Marion and Wayland H. Cato Jr. Center for the Arts, and a 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art science building, opened in the spring of 2010.

“My colleagues and I share ideas, pass along readings and generally support each other. And when our brains need a rest, we get to play in Charleston!”

– Amber, Master of Arts in History graduate

Our campus is located in one of the most historic cities in America. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an avid shopper, art collector or sports fanatic, there is something within a five-mile radius to satisfy your cravings. Charleston is home to a variety of top-tier restaurants and engaging events, including Spoleto Festival USA, the Cooper River Bridge Run, MOJA Arts Festival and Charleston Fashion Week. We also have professional soccer, baseball, ice hockey and roller derby teams. And don’t forget the beaches. We have those, too.

“I love that I am able to walk on the beach in December, and that outdoor activities aren’t limited to March through October.”

– Bree, Michigan native and environmental studies graduate

Charleston is not just a hot spot for tourists. It’s a dynamic port city that provides a living laboratory for many of our academic programs. Here are just two examples:

1. Marine biology students benefit from alliances with the National Ocean Service, National Institute of Standards and technology, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Medical University of South Carolina.

2. Those studying historic preservation, urban and regional planning and arts management profit from our collaborations with the Charleston Museum, Historic Charleston Foundation, The Preservation Society of Charleston, The American College of the Building Arts and Drayton Hall Plantation.

“I’m really not sure what’s gotten into Charleston lately, but a true DIY spirit has really been exploding, and it’s simply awesome.”

– Jared, one of the founding members of the Charleston Chapter of Social Media Club

Whether you’re working or playing, Charleston provides the most supportive and friendly atmosphere for success. We didn’t earn the title of most mannerly city for 11 straight years without reason.



• Science and mathematics for teachers

• Special education

• Teaching, learning and advocacy

Certificate Programs• Arts management

• English to speakers of other languages (I)

• English to speakers of other languages (II)

• Gifted and talented education

• Organizational and corporate communication

• Service-oriented computing


• Statistics

• Urban and regional planning

Contacts – Degree Programs

Accountancy | master of science Michael Cipriano, program director [email protected] | 843.953.7166 sb.cofc.edu/graduate/accountancy

Business Administration | master of business administration Penny McKeever, associate director [email protected] | 843.953.8112 Rhonda Mack, associate dean [email protected] | 843.953.6565 sb.cofc.edu/graduate/MBA/index.php

Communication | master of arts Vincent Benigni, program director [email protected] | 843.953.7019 cofc.edu/communication/gradcomm

Computer and Information Sciences | master of science (offered jointly with The Citadel) Renée McCauley, program director [email protected] | 843.953.3187 www.cs.cofc.edu

Early Childhood Education | master of arts in teaching Anglea Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Elementary Education | master of arts in teaching Anglea Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

English | master of arts (offered jointly with The Citadel) Susan Farrell, program director [email protected] | 843.953.5785 cofc.edu/gradenglish

Next Generation Consulting ranks Charleston as the second best of all small cities for young professionals. According to a survey sponsored by Charleston Young Professionals, these individuals are “…involved in charitable work (64 percent volunteer an average of five hours per month, with 68 percent donating over $50 to non-profits). Most of these people are transplants (75 percent), well educated (91 percent have a four-year degree or higher) and perceive quality of life as important.”

The Importance of Research

Life in the business world, scientific community or the nonprofit world will always be about solving problems. The most workable solutions come as the result of solid research. Therefore, learning how to conduct good and valuable research is a vital part of a graduate school education.

Charleston is a unique setting in which to conduct research. Diverse ecosystems, a wealth of historic data, an entrepreneurial business community and thriving arts scene – all that and more is available in the Lowcountry.

At The Graduate School of the College of Charleston, students design their own research projects. Sometimes they develop out of someone’s personal experiences. Local businesses and organizations often bring their problems to the graduate school for students to work on. At other times, graduate students conduct their research as part of a larger, ongoing project.

In the end, our students find that their research has important consequences for, and makes an impact on, their communities. It informs policy, influences behavior, magnifies the body of public knowledge and ultimately contributes to progress in solving society’s problems.

Programs at a Glance• Accountancy

• Business administration

• Communication

• Computer and information sciences

• Dual degree in environmental studies and public administration

• Early childhood education

• Elementary education

• English

• Environmental studies

• Historic preservation

• History

• Languages

• Marine biology

• Mathematics

• Middle grades education

• Peace Corps master’s international

• Performing arts

• Public administration


Environmental Studies | master of science Timothy Callahan, program director [email protected] Mark McConnel, program coordinator [email protected] | 843.953.2000 cofc.edu/environ (Peace Corps, master’s international, is an option for MES students)

Environmental Studies and Public Administration | dual degree Timothy Callahan, program director (environmental studies) [email protected] Kendra Stewart, program director (public administration) cofc.edu/environ | cofc.edu/puba

Historic Preservation | master of science (offered jointly with Clemson University) Robert Russell, program director (College of Charleston) [email protected] | 843.953.6352 Ashley Robbins, program director (Clemson) [email protected] clemson.edu/caah/pla/mhp

History | master of arts (offered jointly with The Citadel) Jason Coy, program director [email protected] | 843.953.8273 history.cofc.edu

Languages | master of education Robyn Holman, program director [email protected] | 843.953.5459 cofc.edu/medlang

Marine Biology | master of science Craig Plante, program director [email protected] | 843.953.9187 cofc.edu/marine

Mathematics | master of science Ben Cox, program director [email protected] | 843.953.5715 math.cofc.edu

Middle Grades | master of arts in teaching (offered jointly with The Citadel) Angela Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Performing Arts | master of arts in teaching Bonnie Springer, program director [email protected] | 843.953.8048 Robert Taylor, program coordinator [email protected] | 843.953.8231 cofc.edu/music/mat.html

Public Administration | master of public administration (offered jointly with the University of South Carolina) Kendra Stewart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6691 cofc.edu/puba

Science and Mathematics for Teachers | master of education William Veal, program director [email protected] | 843.953.8045 cofc.edu/medsm

Special Education | master of arts in teaching Anglea Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Teaching, Learning and Advocacy | master of education Diane Cudahy, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6354 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Contacts – Certificate Programs

Arts Management Scott Shanklin-Peterson, program director [email protected] | 843.953.8241 cofc.edu/artmgrad

English to Speakers of Other Languages Angela Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Gifted and Talented Education Julie Dingle Swanson, program director [email protected] | 843.953.5106 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu/EDGT.html

Organizational and Corporate Communication Vincent Benigni, program director [email protected] | 843.953.7019 cofc.edu/communication/gradcomm/gradcert.htm

Service-Oriented Computing Renée McCauley, program director [email protected] | 843.953.3187 www.cs.cofc.edu

Special Education Angela Crespo Cozart, program director [email protected] | 843.953.6353 ehhp.cofc.edu/tedu

Statistics Ben Cox, program director [email protected] | 843.953.5715 math.cofc.edu

Urban and Regional Planning Kevin Keenan, program coordinator [email protected] | 843.953.5679 cofc.edu/puba/URBP_certificate.html


How to pay for

graduate school.

Sources of Funding Scholarships – grants or payments awarded on the basis of academic or other achievements.

Assistantships (often related to the student’s studies or area of specialization) – a form of financial aid in which the graduate student is paid for work performed.

• Graduate assistantships. A student completes clerical work or assistant’s duties as assigned.

• Research assistantships. A student assists a professor on an experiment or research project.

• Teaching assistantships. A student teaches, conducts a lab or helps grade papers or examinations.

Note: T.A.s involve heavier workloads, which may require taking lighter course loads and longer time in which to complete your degree. They often include tuition waivers and non-resident waivers in addition to a stipend or paycheck. By being a T.A. you gain valuable work experience to include on a résumé or CV, and acquire valuable insights, if your goal is to become a professor.

Fellowship – a form of financial aid comparable to a college scholarship. It is a grant for which no work is required. It can cover part or all of your tuition, and usually includes a stipend to cover living expenses. Fellowships are either need based or merit based, and generally do not require service to the department.

Loans – If you have questions about loans and other forms of financial assistance not noted above, contact the financial aid office of the institution you are interested in attending. Note: It is important to complete a free application for student financial aid (FAFSA). Go to their website: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Sources of Funding at The Graduate School of the College of Charleston

Examples of internal and external funding:

Internal – The Graduate School of the College of Charleston offers the Graduate Scholars Award, as well as program scholarships and graduate assistantships. (gradschool.cofc.edu/paying/index.php)

External – Conduct independent searches of off-campus sources. Find out what sorts of grants have recently been awarded to faculty members at the school to which you are applying, and express an interest in the grant and the line of study. Apply for external grants on your own. Examples of university/college websites: GrantsNet at www.orga.cofc.edu or the Amherst Graduate Student Grants Service website at www.umass.edu/grad_catalog/gsgs.html.

Financial Aid and Employment Opportunities

All fellowship and scholarship opportunities that are available for graduate students at The Graduate School of the College of Charleston are listed at www.cofc.edu/gradschool/opportunities. Assistantships are posted on the Career Center website as they become available. Fellowships – Contact program directors for more information about fellowships.

Lindstedt Trust Award and the Environmental Protection Agency Fellowship are offered (competitively) by the environmental studies program (M.E.S.). Call 843.953.2000 for more information.

Joanna Foundation Graduate Fellowship in Marine Biology. For more information, please contact the marine biology department at 843.953.9200.

Université de Versailles/ Saint Quentin Research/Teaching Fellowship. The Graduate School of the College of Charleston has a student exchange agreement with the université that gives graduate students an opportunity to teach English and do research at the université, located in the southwest suburbs of Paris. Entrance to the program is competitive; usually only one student is chosen each academic year. The stipend for students is approximately $17,000, paid by the université, but the amount may vary – depending on currency exchange rates and stipend levels at Versailles.

Note: While students will operate in an English-speaking environment, fellowship recipients will be expected to have good reading knowledge and speaking ability in French. French language ability can be improved through intensive language courses and should not deter interested students from applying for this fellowship. Call 843.953.5930 for more information.


Scholarships

The Young Alumni Scholarship is awarded to members of the College of Charleston Young Alumni Association who, as recent graduates of the College of Charleston, are presently students in a master’s program at the graduate school. (www.cofc.edu/connections/alumni/scholarships.html)

Holland and Sizemore Scholarships ($1,000 each). Students actively enrolled in the Master of Public Administration Program are eligible to apply. For more information, call 843.953.6100.

Funding Opportunities for Students Enrolled in Education programs

S.C. Teaching Scholarship Grants Program. The applicant must hold a professional teaching certificate and the application must be completed electronically. Go to www.che400.state.sc.us/.

The Aline Smith Bulwinkle Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduate student pursuing a degree in early childhood education or who meets certain criteria. Go to www.cofc.edu/school of education and click on “scholarships and assistantships.”

The Nathan E. Miles Early Childhood Internship is given each semester to a graduate student pursuing a degree in either elementary education or early childhood education. For information, go to www.cofc.edu/schoolofeducation and click on “scholarships and assistantships.”

The Mary A. Lee Endowed Fellowship in Special Education is a one-time, non-renewable tuition award to a graduate student pursuing a degree in special education in the M.A.T. program. Applicants should be full-time students taking at least nine hours. Go to ehhp.cofc.edu/ and click on “scholarships and assistantships.”

Loans

The South Carolina Teacher Loan Program offers low-interest loans to South Carolina students in the teaching profession. The loans can be cancelled by teaching in South Carolina public schools in an area of critical need. Request an application at 803.798.0916.

Students who have already received a bachelor’s degree and are pursuing a teaching certificate are eligible for financial assistance in the form of student loans for up to two years. For information, contact the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance about the M.A.T. program or the M.Ed. program. Education majors receiving a Federal Perkins Loan may be eligible for loan cancellation by teaching in an eligible school with a high concentration of low-income families.

Note: You can also check the office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs’ website – www.cofc.edu/finaid – and that of the office of Research and Grants Administration – www.orga.cofc.edu/pub/about_orga.shtml – for additional opportunities.


What to expect during the

applIcatIon process.

Application Requirements

Official Transcripts

You must submit a transcript for every institution you have attended. Order official transcripts from the registrar’s office. These documents can be sent directly to the school to which you have applied, or you can request that they be sent directly to you. Your transcripts will be sent in a sealed envelope. Do not open it. To be valid, transcripts can only be opened by the admissions committee.

Grade point averages are strong indicators of a student’s ability to manage graduate-level work. Ideally, you should have a B average or higher, but mediocre grades do not mean that you won’t be accepted into a program. If you have some sub-par grades, use your personal statement to briefly explain extenuating circumstances. Sometimes, strong scores on standardized tests can offset a low undergraduate GPA.

Personal Statement/Admissions Essay

Personal statements serve as your introduction to the admissions committee. In one page, you will succinctly state why you are interested in the program, why you believe the school will serve your needs and why you are an ideal candidate for admission to the program.

• If you have to explain low grades, do so briefly. Do not dwell on the reasons behind them, or make any excuses.

• Review your essay at least three times, and ask someone you trust to review it for additional suggestions. Give yourself at least one day between each revision session.

• Don’t rely on the spell-check feature of your computer. Be sure to review your essay for spelling and grammatical errors.

• Create a thesis for your essay if the school has not assigned you one. This will help keep you on track, and will help you design a logical flow. Do not include information that does not support your thesis.

• There should be an introduction which leads with a statement that grabs the reader’s attention. The next three paragraphs should include: 1. a summary of your educational background. 2. a description of personal experiences that have prepared you for the graduate program. 3. an explanation of why you should be accepted. In your conclusion, restate the key points contained in numbers 1 – 3 and end with an equally powerful statement that links to the lead statement of your introduction.

• Be sure to answer the question asked on the application that pertains to the statement or essay. Each question is asked for a reason.

Donald Asher, in his book Graduate Admissions Essays – What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why, cautions applicants to avoid making the following errors noted by admissions committees:

• They just seem to be saying what they think we want to hear.

• Our application is a little different. We want original work. I hate it when I can tell that they’re recycling material they wrote for other schools.

• The essay sounds like they want to be the next Mother Teresa, but nothing in the application backs up the claims of altruism.

• An essay on deep personal problems or excuses for past performance. It should be upbeat, convincing and persuasive.

• We ask for dates on activities. It’s a red flag if all activities are brand new.

• There is always at least one essay from someone who tells us how proud he would be to be admitted to _________School, but this isn’t that school.

• Some students think they can use the essay to manufacture a person who doesn’t exist. It doesn’t work.



Letters of Recommendation

When selecting who you want to write a letter of recommendation, it is wise to ask yourself if they:

• know you well enough to write a letter that is sufficiently detailed and nuanced to influence the admissions committee.

• have records of professional achievement sufficient to convince the admissions committee that they are in a position to consider your potential as a graduate student.

• have the reputation for being thoughtful and conscientious enough to take the time to write a detailed letter of recommendation on your behalf.

It is unwise and generally ineffective to suddenly appear in a professor’s doorway asking for a letter of recommendation. It is advisable to allow the person you have chosen to write the letter at least two to six weeks. Otherwise, it may start out like this: “Paul, from what I can remember, was usually prompt and had good handwriting.”

Generally, admissions committees are impressed when faculty members go above and beyond what might be considered the minimal effort when writing recommendations. Also, the letters of recommendation should add credibility to your personal statement. For example, if you mention that a research project Professor Jones supervised motivated you to apply to graduate school, you ought to solicit a letter of recommendation from Professor Jones that discusses the research project. Likewise, if you ask an employer or project manager for a letter of recommendation, have them discuss the project or position in detail.

Toward the end of the process, you should show drafts of your personal statements to those who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you, so they can help you write the most effective statement.

How to Ask

“Would you be comfortable making a strong recommendation for me for graduate study in _________?” If the answer is less than enthusiastic, consider other options.

“What will you be able to say about me?” This is a tough question to ask, but when do you want to find out? Before or after the graduate school does?

Always stress the date when you will be applying. “Dr. Lee, the deadline for applications is November 5. Will you be able to have the letter ready before then?”

Check in each week to see if the letter is done.

Be sure to give each person a warm and sincere thank-you card once the letter has been submitted.

When requesting a letter of recommendation, you should provide whatever materials you think will help in the writing process. These include your statement of purpose, a résumé or curriculum vitae and some suggested talking points such as projects you completed and how they directly relate to your field of study. You might also include:

• a paper or lab report that shows some of your best work.

• copies of all correspondence you have had with targeted graduate programs.

• a list of other professors you plan to ask for letters.


Application TimelineAll undergraduate students should begin this process during the fall semester of their junior year.

Twelve Months Prior• Determine which standardized tests you will need to take.

• Research graduate programs and request catalogs.

• Figure out graduate school costs.

• Set money aside for application fees, admission exams, transcripts, etc.

Ten Months Prior • Take a practice test so that you know what areas you will need to focus on while studying.

• Request additional information from departments.

• Reinforce relationships with your professors.

Be sure to visit them often during your undergraduate years. Keep them informed of your activities, and write to them during the holidays. When you know you are going to graduate school, make appointments with them to discuss your plans. Show them your targeted schools, ask them for recommendations, and discuss your motivations. Usually, the professors will bring up the matter of a letter of recommendation themselves.

• Get more involved in your field.

• Read each application carefully.

Nine Months Prior • Sign up for a GRE course.

• Register for the GRE.

• Draft a general statement of purpose outlining the reasons why you wish to attend graduate school. You will use some version of this in most applications.

Seven Months Prior • Narrow your choices.

• Begin talking with your advisor and other professors about your graduate school goals.

• Solicit letters of recommendation.

Note: All documents and other supporting material you are required to provide. Make a master checklist of all deadlines.

• Begin investigating sources of funding.

• Get and file applications for financial aid.

• Complete your FAFSA.

• Begin writing your statement of purpose.

Note: If the essay isn’t working, throw it away. Start over. You’ll be able to organize your thoughts instead of muddling through a mess of thoughts.

Six Months Prior• Take the GRE. The earlier you take it, the more time you’ll have to improve your score.

• Identify and contact potential graduate supervisors at a variety of schools.

Five Months Prior• Follow up with sources.

• Request transcripts.

Note: Prior to ordering your official transcripts, make sure all the information on file with the registrar’s office is accurate, and that all degrees have been posted to the transcript.

• Verify that transcripts are complete and correct.

• Refine your personal statement.

Three Months Prior• Visit graduate schools.

• Prepare for your interview.

• Submit your applications


Every graduate degree program requires a specific entrance exam, so it is important that you review the requirements for admission and determine the appropriate test to take for your professional area. You should also find out whether the program requires that you take a specific subject test.

Standardized examinations should not be taken cold. A series of study sessions will help you prepare. Use any of the published study manuals or test-preparation books that are available in the library or a bookstore. In addition to these resources, the testing agency will also send sample tests if requested.

The Graduate Record Examination and Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are computer-based tests that can be taken at registered testing centers (e.g., Pometric Center) or universities. When registering for the particular exam, be certain to correctly code in the institution that you wish to receive your scores. Check with the institution to be sure your scores were received. The GRE will allow up to four schools to receive your score, while the GMAT allows five. To order additional GRE scores, call 888.473.7267.

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston institution code for entrance exams is 5113.

Graduate Record Examination • This multiple-choice admission test is required of graduate school applicants. It tests verbal and quantitative reasoning, analytical writing skills and critical thinking abilities. Some programs may require you to take a subject test in addition to the general GRE. This test is designed to help graduate school admission committees and fellowship sponsors assess the qualifications of applicants in specific fields of studies. The scores on these tests are intended to indicate your knowledge of the subject matter emphasized in many undergraduate programs as preparation for graduate study. Since past achievement is usually a good indicator of future performance, the scores are helpful in predicting students’ success in graduate study.

• Currently, the GRE can be scheduled at any time. More information about the test can be found online at www.gre.org.

Tips on Taking the GRE

Do Not Rush

Intuition might suggest that if there is a penalty for blanks and a possibility for lost points due to incorrect answers, you should work as quickly as possible in order to leave enough time to see and work the final few questions. But the impulse to rush through the early questions is dangerous, as these questions are worth considerably more points than the later ones. To maximize your score, work slowly and carefully at the beginning of the section. A high degree of accuracy in the first third to half of each section is the single most important factor in earning the highest possible scores on the GRE.

Guess Aggressively

Once you’ve worked carefully through the first third to half of the section, it is important to avoid getting bogged down in time-consuming questions. If you encounter a question that seems extremely difficult or time consuming, eliminate answers you know are wrong, and make an educated guess. This will allow you to get to subsequent questions that may be more easily worked, thereby leaving you enough time to work through them.

Respond to Every Question

During the last five minutes of the section, when the time display starts to flash, start guessing your favorite letter for whatever questions you have left in the section. You don’t want to leave any questions unanswered in any section as you score less by leaving questions unanswered.

Process of Elimination and GuessingIf you guess blindly on a five-choice problem, you would have one chance in five of picking the right answer. Eliminate an incorrect choice and your chances improve to one in four. Eliminate three, and you have a 50-50 chance of earning points by guessing. Get the picture? Always work to improve your odds.

How to Prepare for

entrance exams.


GRE Fee Waivers

Limited GRE fee waivers are available for college seniors and non-enrolled college graduates who meet the eligibility requirements. Fee waivers may be used for one general test and/or one subject test. To be eligible, you must be either:

• a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

• a college senior receiving financial aid through an undergraduate college in the U.S., a U.S. territory or Puerto Rico.

• a returning, non-enrolled college graduate who has applied for financial aid.

and one of the following:

• A dependent college senior whose institutional student information report (ISIR) shows a parental contribution of not more than $1,200 for the senior year.

• A self-supporting college senior whose ISIR shows a contribution of not more than $1,600 for the senior year.

• A non-enrolled college graduate whose ISIR indicates self-supporting status and a contribution of not more than $1,600. (This information is decided by a previously accepted FAFSA. If you have not filled out a FAFSA online, then do so first.)

Apply for a GRE Fee Waiver

Contact your financial aid office to see if you qualify. Once your eligibility is established, the financial aid office will issue you a fee waiver and a copy of your ISIR.

You must register by mail, using either the computer-based or paper-based registration materials. If you are registering for more than one test, all registration materials must be received together with the fee waiver and ISIR or your registration form will be returned to you unprocessed.

Note: Letter requests, photocopies and faxes of fee waivers will not be accepted. Fee waivers are not retroactive and they cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Call 866.473.4373 to register for the exam, making sure to give the confirmation number to waive the fee.

Once confirmed, GRE will mail you a confirmation number.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) A standardized test used by business schools as a tool to decide whom they will accept into their MBA programs. This test measures your analytical, writing, quantitative and verbal abilities. The GMAT is one of a new generation of tests that are offered only by computer. To take the test, you must go to an approved testing center where you will sit in front of a secure computer terminal. After a short tutorial on how to use the computer, you will start the exam, using a mouse to enter your answers. You must compose your essays for the writing assessment on the computer as well.

You must answer a question in order to get to the next question, which means you can’t skip a question and come back to it. And, while you are not required to answer every question, your score will be adjusted downward to reflect the questions you did not answer.

Tips on Taking the GMAT

Read all of the directions carefully. In fact, you may want to save time during the exam by becoming familiar with the test prior to your exam date. Read each question carefully before answering.

Process of Elimination

Wrong answers are often easier to spot than right answers. Sometimes they just sound strange. Other times, they are logically impossible. While it is rare to be able to eliminate all four of the incorrect answer choices, you will almost always be able to eliminate at least one of them, and frequently two or more by using the process of elimination. Process of elimination will enable you to make an educated guess to answer questions that you do not have the time or inclination to figure out exactly.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)Most U.S. law schools require this test and it is the most important admissions factor at most law schools. This test measures your reading comprehension and analytical and logical reading abilities. The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) four times a year, and you can take it at any designated local testing center.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) A standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem- solving, critical-thinking and writing skills in addition to the examinee’s knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The MCAT is offered seven months of the year at designated testing centers.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) The MAT tests your ability to recognize relationships between ideas, your fluency in the English language and your general knowledge of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences.

Contact

Graduate Record Examination

GRE-ETC P.O. Box 6000 Princeton, N.J. 08541-6000 1.866.473.4373 www.gre.org

Graduate Management Admissions Test

Educational Testing Service P.O. Box 6054 Princeton, N.J. 08541-6000 609.771.7780 www.mba.com

Law School Admissions Test

215.968.1100 [email protected] www.lsac.org

Medical College Admission Test

MCAT Program Office P.O. Box 4056 Iowa City, IA 52243 319.337.1357 www.aamc.org/students/mcat


843.953.5614

[email protected]

gradschool.cofc.edu

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blogs.cofc.edu/gradschool

Programs at a Glance• Accountancy

• Business administration

• Communication

• Computer and information sciences

• Dual degree in environmental studies and public administration

• Early childhood education

• Elementary education

• English

• Environmental studies

• Historic preservation

• History

• Languages

• Marine biology

• Mathematics

• Middle grades education

• Peace Corps master’s international

• Performing arts

• Public administration

• Science and mathematics for teachers


• Teaching, learning and advocacy

Certificate Programs• Arts management

• English to speakers of other languages (I)

• English to speakers of other languages (II)

• Gifted and talented education

• Organizational and corporate communication

• Service-oriented computing


• Statistics

• Urban and regional planning

Documents

College of Charleston Recruitment Pack