Deciding whether to attend graduate school is a decision that requires some careful thought and is one that should not be taken lightly. Graduate school differs from your undergraduate education in that it involves specialized study of one specific area. At college, you spent time gaining knowledge in your chosen major, while also being introduced to a wide variety of other specialties. Through your curriculum, you were able to gain skills and knowledge that prepares you for graduate school or the world of work.
Take time to think about graduate school. There are several questions that you should ask yourself to assist you in this process. You should be able to answer questions such as these:
- What are my reasons for attending graduate school?
- Am I delaying my job search?
- Do I enjoy research projects, writing and presenting material?
- Do I know what career opportunities are available at the graduate level?
- Do I have the personal qualities and skills that are needed to be successful in graduate school?
- Do I want to go to school full-time or part-time?
Factors to Consider
The following factors are those to be considered as you select a school and/or program:
- Location
- Reputation
- Cost (financial aid)
- Competition for admission size
- Faculty availability (academic advice)
- Areas of specialization
- Resources
- Affiliation (public, private, religious)
- Job statistics for their graduates
- Skills emphasized in program
Researching Your Program
Research your program by using web site i.e. Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools and Professional Programs (generally describes what you need to know about the above factors) www.petersonsguides.com and other resources listed on the following pages. Also remember to request graduate school catalogues from your top picks to help you look at the program in which you are interested in more detail.
*Determine if GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT MAT test(s) are required. Some programs require minimum scores for these tests.
Talk to people/faculty/advisors/Career Specialists. They can provide "hands on" experiences about graduate schools, your particular program of inerest, and personal views of applying to graduate school. Visit the campuses of your top picks and meet with department faculty members.
The Application Process
This process begins with scheduling and takng any graduate exams/tests required of the school to which you are applying. Check deadlins and fees for application as you must request application and other necessary forms (Financial Aid, Fellowships, Assistantships) for admission from each graduate program to which you are applying.
To be submitted:
*Official Transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended (reques in writing from the Registrar's Office).
*Letters of Recommendation (generally require three). Please request these early, as those writing the reference need advance notice (often a specific form is provided int he application packet). The most helpful letters com from teachers that you have had considerable contact with (advising, lab work, etc...), or from someone who has been involved with you professionally (has supervised research on your part, has co-authored a paper with you, etc...).
Once you have secured your references, it is important to state the purpose by providing the following information: that you are applying to graduate school, the type of program you are interested in, and the necessary qualifications need for acceptance. You must also confirm that they are willing to and can provide necessary information in a letter of recommendation.
Specific references can be assigned to successfully completed course projects, active class participation, evidence of responsibility, to name a few. State the deadline for which your letter of reference is needed. As addressed and stamped envelope might also be given to the teacher writing the recommendation as these are often confidential.
Statement of Intent: This describes the reason you have selected graduate study and why you have chosen your particular school/program. Admissions readers also want to know: (1) you can do the work, (2) you will finish the program, (3) you will be decent, pleasant, or even exciting to work with, and (4) you will represent the program as a future alumnus of merit. That's a lot to jam into an essay of a few hundred words, but that is indeed what they are trying to ascertain when they read your essay.
A Resume: This is required if you are applying for fellowships, assistantships and teaching assistants, etc. A resume is also a good way to identify your skills and accomplished goals.
*****Remember that you are responsible for making sure that all required material has been received by the prospective school(s).
Timetable
Applying to graduate school can be a long and time-consuming process. It is important to start early in deciding whether or not you want to go and where you would like to apply. This timetable should help you in this process.
All times indicated below are approximate. You will need to check deadlines for specific programs you are considering since they may vary significantly fro insititution to institution.
Junior Year/Summer
* Start browsing through guides to graduate programs and begin deciding where you would like to apply. Check websites or write to schools to request catalogs. Determine test requirements, application deadlines, test dates, etc.
* Meet with faculty members and Career Services Center to discuss programs.
* Sign up for required standardized tests. Take practice tests.
September/October
* Take standardized tests.
* Write draft of statement of purpose.
* Research financial aid sources, fellowships, and assistantships.
* Meet with Career Services for information on tests, financial assistance and for a critique of the draft of the statement of purpose.
* Check with your Career Services Center for graduate school seminar date (November of each year).
* Request recommendations from faculty members.
November/December
* Order official transcripts from the Registrar's Office. Ask if office can send a transcript with your fall term grades in time to meet the deadlines of the programs.
* Finalize statement of prupose according to the questions asked on the application.
* Mail applications. Even if deadlines are later, it is good to get applications in early.
* Apply for fellowships, grants, and assistantships.
January/February/March
* Contact schools about the possibility of visiting and scheduling an interview.
* Fill our the GAPSAF form. If you are applying for need based financial aid, you may have to file a copy of your federal income tax returns.
April
* Discuss acceptances, rejections, and other career options with Career Services Center staff or a faculty member.
If you would like to defer enrollment for one or two years, contact your Graduate department concerning that possibility. If you are rejected, it may be helpful to contact the school and discuss the reasons for your rejection and obtain suggestions on what action you can take to get admitted in the future. You are encouraged to discuss these steps with a Career Professional at the Career Services Center.
Contact Career Services Center at (413) 662-5332 for more information or come by the Career Center, Bowman Hall, Suites 119-121 to schedule an individual appointment.
