 |
 |
|
|
| Applying to Graduate School |
|
There
are many steps in researching and applying to graduate school. But once
you get started, you will find that it is not that complicated-it just
requires that you get organized. The following is a list of guidelines
to help you through this process.
If you are thinking about
applying to graduate programs but are not totally sure if that is what
you would like to do you can be conducting a job search at the same time
in order to keep all options open!
|
|
| Getting Started
Step 1: Why Do You Want To Attend Graduate School
Does your career field require an advanced degree?
- Do you have a strong interest in the field of study and in obtaining
an increased knowledge base?
- Are you enthusiastic about continuing your education?
- Are faculty encouraging you to pursue advanced education based on
your academic abilities?
- Will an advanced degree improve your chances for a better salary, job
opportunities and/or promotions?
What is graduate school like and do I truly
want to go?
- Are you considering graduate school because you feel you will have no job opportunities with your undergraduate major?
- Are you postponing a difficult job market?
- Will you be over trained and underemployed?
CSO Resources:If you need some guidance, stop by CSO to speak with a counselor, talk
to professors and targeted industry professionals and research career
options. Below are a few links to articles that offer "Food For Thought."
Faculty Advice for Undergraduates Considering
Graduate School by Phil Agre
www.jobweb.com
How to Choose, and Get Into, a Graduate Program
in Biology
www.swarthmore.edu
Back
to top.
|
|
Step 2: Research and Discuss Options
- Discuss possible programs with your advisor, professors, deans, counselors,
etc.
- Decide on type of program in which you are interested.
- Utilize graduate school reference books and catalogues.
- Check into accreditation, assistantships (teaching/research/administrative) ,fellowships,
and financial aid.
- Contact schools for additional information and answers to specific questions.
- Apply to a "workable" number of programs (Average: Approximately
6.)
Applying to graduate school is much like applying to colleges: you want
to apply to a few "reach" schools, a few schools you will be
relatively competitive to get into, and a few schools you feed you have
a good chance of getting into.
Are your potential schools realistic choices?
CSO Resources:
- The Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools Series
- Various graduate school literature in Career Library (Falvey Library
also maintains graduate school information)
- Graduate and professional School Admissions Forum held in Fall of each
year
- Credentials packets
Back
to top.
|
|
Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements
- Confirm undergraduate course requirements/proper prerequisites.
- Determine the required graduate test (will be noted in Peterson's Graduate
Guide).
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): primarily required by arts &
science, engineering, nursing programs, etc. Please see our links section
for links to GRE related information.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): primarily required by business
and management programs.
- MAT (Miller Analogy Test): accepted by some social science/humanities
programs; given by VU's Counseling Center in the Health Services
Building.
- Identify number and types of references needed.
- Open credentials file at CSO (initiate earlier in process); transcript
can be added to your file by contacting Registrar's Office.
- Meet deadline and registration dates.
Back
to top.
|
|
Step 4: Compile and Submit Applications
Your admissions essay or personal statement (if required) should meet
all of the specific parameters such as length and set-up. It will
probably be revised a few times before you send it. Have someone
proofread your essay.
- Double check all your application materials before sending; including
letters or recommendation, transcripts, written statements, and any other
additional forms.
- Photocopy what you send and date them (for your records.)
- Attempt to send all materials together.
- Contact the school to verify that your application has arrived.
- Contact the school if you have any specific information.
Some schools interview potential candidates as a part of their admissions
process.
To prepare, a practice interview can help to develop your interviewing skills.
Practice interviews with a counselor in CSO will help you to better discuss
and sell your skills and abilities. The interview lasts for 20 minutes and
the remaining 25 minutes are spent critiquing a tape of your performance,
discussing what you did well and what can be improved upon.
Back
to top.
|
|
|
|
|
| |