Is it too late to apply?

How do I find a Program

that’s a good fit?

I wonder if there are

special tricks to getting admitted?

Going to Graduate School: Steps to take and issues to consider

Erika Barthelmess and Emily DixonOctober 11, 2006

St. Lawrence University

Planning for grad school

• Selecting a program• Applying to the program• Finding funding• Making visits to the program• Selecting an advisor

Grad School vs. Undergrad School

• Key differences between the two programs– Extracurricular activities– Working– Studying

• What degree should you go for?– Masters degree vs. PhD

Choosing where to apply

Select a person Select a program

Initiating contact

Taking the GRE

Submitting your application

Writing a personal statement

Obtaining letters of rec

Committing

Securing funding

Visiting programs

Finding housing

Oct - Nov Feb - Mar Apr - June July - SeptDec - Jan

Choosing where to apply

Select a person Select a program

Initiating contact

Taking the GRE

Choosing where to apply

• Selecting a person– Searching the literature

– Talking to professors

– Via research experience

• Selecting a program– Searching the literature

– Talking to professors

– Via research experience

Some web resources: Peterson’s guide

Pedigree?!

Initiating contact

• Correspond with potential faculty mentors:– Do they have room in their labs?– Do they have support?– Do they bother?

• Introduce yourself– Interests in research, subject– Relevant experience

• Do your homework!!!

Initiating contact

• Correspond with current grad students:– What do they like/dislike about program?

– Person (Advisor)?– Adequate funding?– Life issues (cost of living, etc.)

Initiating contactDear Dr. X,

I am a junior/senior at St. Lawrence University majoring in X. I am writing to inquire whether you will be taking on any new graduate students next fall. During my tenure at St. Lawrence, I have developed interests in X (something more specific than the name of your major). I am familiar with your research, and would be interested to learn more details about your research program. I have had the opportunity to conduct my own independent research as an undergraduate (tell something about what you’ve been doing), and am excited about the prospect of continuing to do research in graduate school.

I’d be happy to send more information about myself, including my current resume and transcripts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Taking the GRE

• Which test?• When should I take it?• How should I prepare?• Who should I send my scores to?

Submitting your application

Writing a personal statement

Obtaining letters of rec

Writing a personal statement

• Do a good job (proof-read, spell check, etc)

• Sell yourself• Be honest (you are not promising anything)

• Consider having a mentor read your statement

• Be able to say why you want the degree• Have some sort of research interest?

Submitting your application

• Timing is everything!– Important for access to support funding

– Often requires support from a graduate mentor

– Communicate with your potential mentor

Obtaining letters of rec

• Who from?• When?

– As early as possible!!!!!! – Give a copy of your resume, personal statement

– Check to see if you need envelopes

– Make deadlines clear

Securing funding

Visiting programs

Securing funding

• Generally two types:– Research Assistantship (RA)– Teaching Assistantship (TA)

• Other sources:– Bring your own funding (NSF)– Work - not advised

• Issues to be aware of:– Tuition waivers– In-state tuition– Establishing residency

NOV 8, NOV 13

Visiting programs

• Crucial to making a good decision

• INTERVIEW OTHER GRAD STUDENTS• May have to spend your own $• Interview weekends

But when should I go?

• Should I take time off?

• What is different if I take time off before I go?

• What should I do in the meantime?

• Masters vs. PhD

Committing

Finding housing

Committing and Finding Housing

• Generally need to commit to a program by April 1-15 or so.

• Ask graduate school for information about housing in the area– Share with other grad students– Cheap rentals– University housing?