Career CenterCal Poly Pomona

How to Prepare for Grad School

Presented by Dr. Cheryl Love Career Counselor(909) 869-4605 & calove@cpp.edu

www dsa cpp edu/career

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Why go to Grad School?

• Have clearly defined professional goals for graduate school

• Graduate School is notdesigned to help you “discover yourself”

Know why you are going, otherwise you’ll struggle.

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Master’s vs. Doctorate

Master’s:• 1-3 years• Less competitive application process

– Typically no Interview • Little focus on research (thesis)• Sufficient for your career goalDoctorate:• 3-8 years• Highly competitive application process

– Interview• Emphasis on research (dissertation)• Higher earnings

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Search for Graduate Schools

• Online resources:– www.petersons.com– www.princetonreview.com– www.gradschool.com– http://www.cpp.edu/~academic/graduatestudies/

• Education Rankings Annual- US News and World Report:http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm

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The Application ProcessTypically admissions committees base their

decisions on the following factors:• Standardized Test Scores (GRE, LSAT, GMAT)• Grade Point Average (GPA)• Transcripts• Statement of purpose• Letters of recommendation• Previous work and research experience• Curricular activities• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

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Test Scores

• They matter but they are not everything.• Prepare for these tests with:

– Prep Courses (Kaplan, Princeton Review, Test Prep)

– Prep guides– Be aware of grad school deadlines– Sample tests: www.gre.org,

www.demo.princetonreview.com

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The Personal Statement

• 1-10 page paper highlighting why you have chosen to study that certain field and what makes you a good candidate.

• Have proofread by Career Counselor or Professor in that field of study.

• Can improve your overall package if you have low GPA or test scores.

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Letters of Recommendation

• 2-3 letters of recommendation– Usually 1-2 from Professors who you took a

course from– One professional reference– One research reference (for doctoral programs)

• Quality letters– From people who know you well and will write

something positive. – Ask for a copy before they send it.

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Transcripts & Test Scores

• Order transcripts from your current school early, so that they will be received near the same time as your application

• Check to see if transcripts can be mailed immediately after fall term grades are recorded

• Order test scores to be sent to each school (if you did not do so at the time of the exam)

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Important “To-Do’s”

Deadlines! Deadlines! Deadlines!• Check with each University about their

deadlines.• Typical deadlines:

– Nov. 1st and 15th, Dec. 1st and 15th, and Jan. and Feb. 1st

– Rolling admission (year-round admission)

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Funding for Grad School

• Grants are FREE MONEY!!!– You don't have to work or repay the funds– Fellowships and Scholarships are the most common

• Loans are also available– Federal Loans: http://studentaid.ed.gov/– Submit FAFSA after Jan 1st and before Mar 2nd

• Professional Development• Assistantships (Teaching, Research, Graduate)

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Contacting Faculty & Arrange Campus Visits

• E-mail Faculty whose research interests match yours

• Make appointments to meet with Faculty and current Students in the department

• Gather information about the community and location of the school

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