applying to graduate and professional school kent l. barrus pre-professional advisor

Applying to Graduate and Applying to Graduate and Professional SchoolProfessional School

Kent L. BarrusKent L. BarrusPre-professional AdvisorPre-professional Advisor

Academic FactorsAcademic Factors

Your Chosen MajorYour Chosen Major

No major is better than any other major for No major is better than any other major for professional school.professional school.

Major can matter for graduate programs. Major can matter for graduate programs.

Advantage of Biology and Chemistry Majors.Advantage of Biology and Chemistry Majors.

140 Credit issue.140 Credit issue.

Prerequisite ClassesPrerequisite Classes

Medicine.Medicine.

Dentistry.Dentistry.

Optometry.Optometry.

Podiatry.Podiatry.

Other.Other.


Other Required ClassesOther Required Classes

University of Utah Diversity Requirement.University of Utah Diversity Requirement.

Books: MSAR, ADEA, OPTEDBooks: MSAR, ADEA, OPTED

Online ResourcesOnline Resources

Data Sheets.Data Sheets.


Recommended ClassesRecommended Classes

The value of additional upper division classesThe value of additional upper division classes Biochemistry.Biochemistry.

Liberal Arts ClassesLiberal Arts Classes

Only doing the minimums.Only doing the minimums. CalculusCalculus


GPAGPA

An extremely important quantitative measure.An extremely important quantitative measure.

A great GPA does “NOT” guarantee admittance.A great GPA does “NOT” guarantee admittance.

Cumulative vs Science GPACumulative vs Science GPA

GPA from a “competitive” vs “non-competitive” school.GPA from a “competitive” vs “non-competitive” school. GPA trends and standardized test scores.GPA trends and standardized test scores.


Standardized Test Scores - OtherStandardized Test Scores - Other

Pharmacy – PCAT or GRE.Pharmacy – PCAT or GRE.

PT/OT/Other graduate level programs – GRE.PT/OT/Other graduate level programs – GRE.

Veterinary School – GRE. Veterinary School – GRE. VCAT no longer available.VCAT no longer available.

Chiropractics – Usually not required.Chiropractics – Usually not required.

Medical – MCATMedical – MCAT

Dental – DATDental – DAT

Podiatry – MCAT or GREPodiatry – MCAT or GRE


““The reward goes The reward goes not to him with the not to him with the greatest ability, but greatest ability, but to him with the to him with the greatest greatest determination.”determination.”

-Voltaire-Voltaire

Non-AcademicNon-Academic Factors Factors

University of Utah Example-University of Utah Example-““As important as grades and test scores are, by As important as grades and test scores are, by themselves they do not predict who will be themselves they do not predict who will be successful in medical school. The demands of successful in medical school. The demands of medical education and life as a physician are not for medical education and life as a physician are not for everyone. We consider how the applicant balances everyone. We consider how the applicant balances outside activities and responsibilities with outside activities and responsibilities with schoolwork as an indicator of ability to deal with the schoolwork as an indicator of ability to deal with the rigors of life as a physician. The committee is rigors of life as a physician. The committee is interested in motivation for attending medical interested in motivation for attending medical school and understanding of the medical profession. school and understanding of the medical profession. Commitment to community service, ethical Commitment to community service, ethical behavior, compassion, leadership ability and behavior, compassion, leadership ability and communication skills are important characteristics communication skills are important characteristics of physicians. We expect applicants to be courteous, of physicians. We expect applicants to be courteous, respectful and professional at all times.”respectful and professional at all times.”

-Dean of AdmissionDean of Admission University of Utah Medical SchoolUniversity of Utah Medical School

Non-Academic FactorsNon-Academic Factors

University of Utah Example-University of Utah Example-The three guiding principles for selection:The three guiding principles for selection:

Overall ExcellenceOverall Excellence

Humanitarian SkillsHumanitarian Skills

Diversity of ExperienceDiversity of Experience

Non-Academic FactorsNon-Academic Factors

Bio 311 - Professional School Bio 311 - Professional School PreparationPreparation

Extracurricular ActivitiesExtracurricular Activities

The more diverse your background and experience, the more The more diverse your background and experience, the more interesting you will become to the admissions committee.interesting you will become to the admissions committee.

Don’t avoid out of fear of a lower GPA.Don’t avoid out of fear of a lower GPA.

Make sure your participation is ‘Active’ Make sure your participation is ‘Active’ participation.participation.

Personal anecdotes in your application.Personal anecdotes in your application.

Personal Statements – Common TopicsPersonal Statements – Common Topics The five common topic areas:The five common topic areas:

Your motivation for a career as a physician.Your motivation for a career as a physician. The influence of your family / early experiences in life.The influence of your family / early experiences in life. The influence of extracurricular, work/volunteer activities on your life.The influence of extracurricular, work/volunteer activities on your life. Your long-term goals.Your long-term goals. Your personal philosophy.Your personal philosophy.

Description of irregularities in you record.Description of irregularities in you record.

Personal StatementPersonal Statement

Attributes Committee Look For:Attributes Committee Look For:Realistic self-assessment

Resourceful

Accountable

Cooperative

Persistent

Resilient

Reserve

Supported

Focused

Active Learner

Flexible

Efficient

Organized

Purposeful

Acknowledging limitations

Seeking help when appropriate

Accepting responsibility for learning

Working well with others

Completing tasks

Accepting disappointment and moving on

Good performance in activities without being distracted by them

Not isolating self from others

Concentration on task at hand

Integrating and applying new information

Willingness to change

Making good use of time

Systematically taking care of business

Setting long-term and short-term goals


The Most Common Essay Mistakes:The Most Common Essay Mistakes: Underestimating the Importance of the Essay.Underestimating the Importance of the Essay.

Using Excessive DetailUsing Excessive Detail

Failing to Make the Essay Personal.Failing to Make the Essay Personal.

Embellishing the Essay.Embellishing the Essay.

Failing to Proofread the Essay.Failing to Proofread the Essay.


Allopathic Medical SchoolsAllopathic Medical Schools MD/MD/Ph.DPh.D., MD/JD., MD/JD

Individual Applications.Individual Applications. AMCAS vs AMCAS vs non-AMCASnon-AMCAS

115 out of 125 schools participate in AMCAS115 out of 125 schools participate in AMCAS Online AMCAS Available around May 15Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Processing 1st to middle of June.Processing 1st to middle of June.

Early Decision ProgramEarly Decision Program Deadline August 1Deadline August 1stst

Application FeesApplication Fees $160 for the first school$160 for the first school $30 for each additional school.$30 for each additional school.

Application ProcessApplication Process

Allopathic Medical SchoolsAllopathic Medical Schools DeadlinesDeadlines MCAT ScoresMCAT Scores TranscriptsTranscripts Secondary ApplicationsSecondary Applications

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation TMDSASTMDSAS / / OMSASOMSAS


Osteopathic Medical SchoolsOsteopathic Medical Schools AACOMAS vs non-AACOMASAACOMAS vs non-AACOMAS

20 out of 21 schools participate in AACOMAS20 out of 21 schools participate in AACOMAS University of North Texas at Fort WorthUniversity of North Texas at Fort Worth

Online AMCAS Available around May 1Online AMCAS Available around May 1 Processing begins June 1.Processing begins June 1.

Application FeesApplication Fees A graduated scale:A graduated scale:

1 - $1551 - $155 5 - $2755 - $275 9 - $3759 - $375 13 - $48013 - $480 17 - $58017 - $580

2 - $1852 - $185 6 - $2956 - $295 10 - $40510 - $405 14 – $50514 – $505 18 - $60518 - $605

3 - $2203 - $220 7 - $3157 - $315 11 - $43011 - $430 15 - $53015 - $530 19 - $63019 - $630

4 - $2504 - $250 8 - $3458 - $345 12 - $45512 - $455 16 - $55516 - $555 20- $65520- $655


Osteopathic Medical SchoolsOsteopathic Medical Schools DeadlinesDeadlines MCAT ScoresMCAT Scores TranscriptsTranscripts Secondary ApplicationsSecondary Applications

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation Sample ApplicationSample Application


Dental SchoolsDental Schools AADSAS vs non-AADSASAADSAS vs non-AADSAS

54 schools participate in AADSAS54 schools participate in AADSAS Non-AADSAS - Louisiana State, Medical College of Georgia, Northwestern U., University of Mississippi, University of TennesseeNon-AADSAS - Louisiana State, Medical College of Georgia, Northwestern U., University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee

Online AMCAS Available around May 15Online AMCAS Available around May 15 Processing begins June 1.Processing begins June 1.

Application FeesApplication Fees $195 for first school.$195 for first school. $60 for each additional school up to ten.$60 for each additional school up to ten. $50 for each additional school from 11 to 20$50 for each additional school from 11 to 20 $25 for each additional school over 20$25 for each additional school over 20


Dental SchoolsDental Schools DeadlinesDeadlines DAT ScoresDAT Scores TranscriptsTranscripts Secondary ApplicationsSecondary Applications

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation


Optometry SchoolsOptometry Schools Independent ApplicationsIndependent Applications DeadlinesDeadlines OAT ScoresOAT Scores TranscriptsTranscripts


Podiatry SchoolsPodiatry Schools AACPMASAACPMAS AACPMAS vs non-AACPMASAACPMAS vs non-AACPMAS

6 out of 8 schools participate in AACPMAS6 out of 8 schools participate in AACPMAS New York and Midwestern University in ArizonaNew York and Midwestern University in Arizona

Online AMCAS Available around September 1Online AMCAS Available around September 1stst.. Application FeesApplication Fees

Application Processing Fees:Application Processing Fees: 1 school: $50.001 school: $50.00 2-3 schools: $75.002-3 schools: $75.00 4+ schools: $100.004+ schools: $100.00


Podiatric SchoolsPodiatric Schools DeadlinesDeadlines

April 1April 1stst for Priority Consideration for Priority Consideration July 31July 31stst for Final Deadline. for Final Deadline.

MCAT, DAT, GRE ScoresMCAT, DAT, GRE Scores Transcripts sent directlyTranscripts sent directly Letters of Recommendation sent directlyLetters of Recommendation sent directly


Pharmacy SchoolsPharmacy Schools PharmCAS vs non-PharmCASPharmCAS vs non-PharmCAS

42 out of 84 schools participate in PharmCAS42 out of 84 schools participate in PharmCAS Online AMCAS Available around May 5thOnline AMCAS Available around May 5th


Pharmacy SchoolsPharmacy Schools DeadlinesDeadlines PCAT or GRE ScoresPCAT or GRE Scores Transcripts sent to PharmCASTranscripts sent to PharmCAS Secondary ApplicationsSecondary Applications

Letters of Recommendation sent to schools.Letters of Recommendation sent to schools.


Physician Assistant SchoolsPhysician Assistant Schools CASPA vs non-CASPACASPA vs non-CASPA

68 out of 134 schools participate in CASPA68 out of 134 schools participate in CASPA Online CASPA application available April 15Online CASPA application available April 15thth..

Application FeesApplication Fees Graduated ScaleGraduated Scale


DeadlinesDeadlines GRE ScoresGRE Scores

Some schools may accept the MCATSome schools may accept the MCAT Transcripts sent to CASPATranscripts sent to CASPA Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

3 letters sent to CASPA3 letters sent to CASPA Letters may be submitted electronicallyLetters may be submitted electronically

Sample ApplicationSample Application

Physician Assistant SchoolsPhysician Assistant Schools


Why Take Standardized Tests?Why Take Standardized Tests? Grades Don’t Tell the Whole StoryGrades Don’t Tell the Whole Story

The Great Equalizer of Undergraduate EducationThe Great Equalizer of Undergraduate Education More Important for Students Graduating from More Important for Students Graduating from

Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Schools not Well Known or Schools Who’s Reputation is Less than Other Schools.Reputation is Less than Other Schools.

Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Determine the Test Taking Ability of an Applicant.Applicant. Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams?Will you Do Well on Medical School Exams? Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam?Will you Do Well on a Licensing Exam?

Standardized TestsStandardized Tests

What are the Different Tests?What are the Different Tests? MCATMCAT

AllopathicAllopathic OsteopathicOsteopathic PodiatryPodiatry Some Veterinary and Pharmacy SchoolsSome Veterinary and Pharmacy Schools

DAT - DentalDAT - Dental OAT - OptometryOAT - Optometry PCAT – PharmacyPCAT – Pharmacy VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered)VCAT – Veterinary (No Longer Offered) GRE – Graduate SchoolsGRE – Graduate Schools


MCAT EssentialsMCAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

April 17th or August 14April 17th or August 14thth

Deadlines: March 12Deadlines: March 12thth or July 9th or July 9th Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test

Idaho – Albertsons College (Caldwell), University of Idaho (Moscow), Idaho – Albertsons College (Caldwell), University of Idaho (Moscow), Idaho State University (Pocatello)Idaho State University (Pocatello)

Utah – Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Weber Utah – Utah State University, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University, University of UtahState University, Brigham Young University, University of Utah

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $185.00Regular Exam Fee - $185.00 Miscellaneous Fees ranging from $10 to $60Miscellaneous Fees ranging from $10 to $60


DAT EssentialsDAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

Any time of the yearAny time of the year Give yourself at least 3 weeks to registerGive yourself at least 3 weeks to register

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Boise Sylvan Learning CenterIdaho – Boise Sylvan Learning Center Utah – Ogden, Orem, or Salt Lake City Sylvan Learning CenterUtah – Ogden, Orem, or Salt Lake City Sylvan Learning Center

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $160.00Regular Exam Fee - $160.00

Score Sent to 5 schools, NOT AADSAS.Score Sent to 5 schools, NOT AADSAS. Additional score reports are $10 per school.Additional score reports are $10 per school.


OAT EssentialsOAT Essentials COMPUTERIZED IN 2004COMPUTERIZED IN 2004 When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

February 7February 7thth 2004 and October 16 2004 and October 16thth 2004 2004 Deadlines: December 29Deadlines: December 29thth and September 7 and September 7thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Idaho State UniversityIdaho – Idaho State University Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)


Score Sent to 5 schools.Score Sent to 5 schools. Additional score reports are $10 per school.Additional score reports are $10 per school.


PCAT EssentialsPCAT Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

January 24January 24thth 2004, March 27 2004, March 27thth 2004, and October 25 2004, and October 25thth 2004 2004 Deadlines: December 5Deadlines: December 5thth, February 13, February 13thth, and September 12, and September 12thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Idaho State UniversityIdaho – Idaho State University Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)Utah – Weber State (Ogden) or BYU (Provo)


Score Sent to 1, 2, or 3 schools.Score Sent to 1, 2, or 3 schools. Must arrange for PCAT score to be sent to PharmCAS if applying to Must arrange for PCAT score to be sent to PharmCAS if applying to

PharmCAS schools.PharmCAS schools.


GRE EssentialsGRE Essentials When to Take the TestWhen to Take the Test

Any time of the yearAny time of the year Deadlines: December 5Deadlines: December 5thth, February 13, February 13thth, and September 12, and September 12thth

Where to Take the TestWhere to Take the Test Idaho – Pocatello, BoiseIdaho – Pocatello, Boise Utah – OgdenUtah – Ogden

CostsCosts Regular Exam Fee - $115Regular Exam Fee - $115

Score Sent to 4 institutions.Score Sent to 4 institutions. Additional Score Report $15 per Institution.Additional Score Report $15 per Institution.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Pace YourselfPace Yourself

Don’t forgo answering easy questions because you spent to much time on harder questions.Don’t forgo answering easy questions because you spent to much time on harder questions. Mark up the Test Booklet (for paper-based tests)Mark up the Test Booklet (for paper-based tests)

Underline important pointsUnderline important points Strike through wrong answersStrike through wrong answers Make calculations or drawingsMake calculations or drawings

Read the Entire Question CarefullyRead the Entire Question Carefully Don’t make an assumption as to the answer with thoroughly reading the question.Don’t make an assumption as to the answer with thoroughly reading the question.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Use the ‘dot’ methodUse the ‘dot’ method

Put a small dot on the answer sheet for a question that will require significant time to Put a small dot on the answer sheet for a question that will require significant time to answer.answer.

Put a question mark next to this question in the test booklet.Put a question mark next to this question in the test booklet. If you run out of time on the test, you can go back quickly and fill in the answer sheet If you run out of time on the test, you can go back quickly and fill in the answer sheet

where you placed the dot.where you placed the dot. This helps reduce the possibility of missing questions due to totally random guessing.This helps reduce the possibility of missing questions due to totally random guessing. Helps prevent frame shifting errors.Helps prevent frame shifting errors.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Answer Every QuestionAnswer Every Question

Unlike the SAT, there are no penalties for guessing.Unlike the SAT, there are no penalties for guessing. Your first instinct is more likely to be correct.Your first instinct is more likely to be correct. Don’t change answers unless it is obvious that you misinterpreted the question.Don’t change answers unless it is obvious that you misinterpreted the question.

Approximate the answerApproximate the answer If the possible answers differ significantly from each other it is possible to approximate for quicker If the possible answers differ significantly from each other it is possible to approximate for quicker

calculations.calculations. Adjust the numbers to be calculated by rounding off or move to a close number with a known trig Adjust the numbers to be calculated by rounding off or move to a close number with a known trig

function.function. With most problems you will be able to tell which answer is a reasonable estimate.With most problems you will be able to tell which answer is a reasonable estimate.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills For Reading and Verbal TestsFor Reading and Verbal Tests

Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge.Answer the question only on the basis of the information given, NOT from prior knowledge. Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage Sometimes reading the questions and answers first can alert you as to what you should be looking for in the passage

to be read.to be read. For the Writing SampleFor the Writing Sample

Practice, Practice, Practice.Practice, Practice, Practice. Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers.Read the Op-Ed pieces in major newspapers. Typical StructureTypical Structure

Explain what the statement meansExplain what the statement means Describe some situation in which you disagree with the statementDescribe some situation in which you disagree with the statement Provide justification for your disagreement.Provide justification for your disagreement.


Test Taking SkillsTest Taking Skills Study for the test like you would a 4 credit class.Study for the test like you would a 4 credit class.

There are no ‘tricks’ or ‘strategies’ that can substitute for knowledge of a subject.There are no ‘tricks’ or ‘strategies’ that can substitute for knowledge of a subject. Get a good nights sleepGet a good nights sleep Arrive in plenty of time so you are not hurried.Arrive in plenty of time so you are not hurried. Eat well before the test and during.Eat well before the test and during. If you are a poor standardized test taker, you can improve.If you are a poor standardized test taker, you can improve.

Visit the Learning Assistance LabVisit the Learning Assistance Lab


Should You Retake a Test?Should You Retake a Test? Are your scores consistent with your grades?Are your scores consistent with your grades? Did you prepare adequately for the test?Did you prepare adequately for the test? Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for Will you have the time and motivation to prepare for

a second test?a second test? Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you.Doing the same or worse a second time will hurt you.


What is your job as a freshman student?What is your job as a freshman student?

Work hard and get good grades.Work hard and get good grades.

Get as much out of the university resources as Get as much out of the university resources as possible.possible.

Get to know you professors.Get to know you professors.

How do you get to know your professors?How do you get to know your professors? Arrive at your appointments on time.Arrive at your appointments on time. Find time for extra appointments.Find time for extra appointments. Be honest about any problems you may have Be honest about any problems you may have

with an application.with an application. Always feel free to ask questions.Always feel free to ask questions. Have evaluators read your personal Have evaluators read your personal

statement.statement. Let your evaluators know where you have Let your evaluators know where you have

been accepted.been accepted.

Letters of Letters of RecommendationRecommendation

Why are letters important?Why are letters important? Judgment of your non-academic attributes.Judgment of your non-academic attributes.

CharacterCharacter PersonalityPersonality MotivationMotivation MaturityMaturity IntegrityIntegrity Etc..Etc..

Will you make a good clinician?Will you make a good clinician?


Letters of Recommendation OptionsLetters of Recommendation Options Individual LettersIndividual Letters

Advantages:Advantages: Individual letters of recommendation may be more Individual letters of recommendation may be more

favorable.favorable. Less time commitment.Less time commitment.

Disadvantages:Disadvantages: Schools may disregard non-committee Schools may disregard non-committee

recommendations because they lack credibility.recommendations because they lack credibility.


Letters of Recommendation OptionsLetters of Recommendation Options Committee LettersCommittee Letters

Advantages:Advantages: Interview experience.Interview experience. Application Preparation.Application Preparation. Feedback on your applicationFeedback on your application The reputation of a committee letter.The reputation of a committee letter.

Disadvantage:Disadvantage: Time consuming process.Time consuming process. If you are not a strong applicant, the letter will reflect If you are not a strong applicant, the letter will reflect

it.it.


Letters of Recommendation TipsLetters of Recommendation Tips Ask potential evaluators if they can write a ‘good’ Ask potential evaluators if they can write a ‘good’

letter on your behalf.letter on your behalf. Let your evaluator know the type of health Let your evaluator know the type of health

profession school you are applying to.profession school you are applying to. Be prepared to furnish information about yourself.Be prepared to furnish information about yourself. Get at least two science evaluations.Get at least two science evaluations. Diversity your evaluations.Diversity your evaluations. Give sufficient lead time.Give sufficient lead time. Collect evaluations after you finish a class.Collect evaluations after you finish a class. Keep track of your evaluations.Keep track of your evaluations.


Letters of Recommendation – Don’tsLetters of Recommendation – Don’ts Don’t get a letter from family member.Don’t get a letter from family member. Don’t get letters from well known persons Don’t get letters from well known persons

unless they know you well.unless they know you well. Don’t procrastinate.Don’t procrastinate. Don’t act unprofessional around your Don’t act unprofessional around your

potential letter writers – Ever.potential letter writers – Ever.


Family Educational Rights and Privacy ActFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act Buckley Amendment Buckley Amendment

Your rightsYour rights Waived rights is best.Waived rights is best.


Keep up on current topics!Keep up on current topics!

• World and Local NewsWorld and Local News

• Current Industry IssuesCurrent Industry Issues

InterviewingInterviewing

What percentage of an What percentage of an applicant’s overallapplicant’s overallevaluation does the interview evaluation does the interview constitute?constitute?0-25%0-25% 1717 20%20%

25-50%25-50% 3434 39%39%

50-75%50-75% 2929 33%33%

75-75-100%100%

77 8%8%


Why do schools interview?Why do schools interview? Intellectual CuriosityIntellectual Curiosity

How you approach the unknownHow you approach the unknown How do you organize your thoughtsHow do you organize your thoughts What is your preferred learning styleWhat is your preferred learning style Do you have the desire for continuous learningDo you have the desire for continuous learning

Social Awareness and Cultural CompetencySocial Awareness and Cultural Competency Exposure to people with different interests, religion, Exposure to people with different interests, religion,

culture, economics, gender, age, ethnicity, language, culture, economics, gender, age, ethnicity, language, education, and race.education, and race.

What value do you place on these differencesWhat value do you place on these differences Can you modify your behavior to show respect for Can you modify your behavior to show respect for

differences.differences.


Why do schools interview?Why do schools interview? Communication and Interpersonal SkillsCommunication and Interpersonal Skills

What is your perception of yourselfWhat is your perception of yourself What is your response when others have misunderstood What is your response when others have misunderstood

youyou What are your experiences with teamworkWhat are your experiences with teamwork How do you handle criticismHow do you handle criticism

MaturityMaturity What have you done to explore a health careerWhat have you done to explore a health career What disappointments have you experienced in your lifeWhat disappointments have you experienced in your life What accomplishments are you most proud ofWhat accomplishments are you most proud of What is your definition of a leaderWhat is your definition of a leader


Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews OpenOpen

Interviews has reviewed your application and personal Interviews has reviewed your application and personal statement.statement.

Interviewer will often refer to information in the application.Interviewer will often refer to information in the application. Semi-OpenSemi-Open

Interview has read your personal statement but nothing else.Interview has read your personal statement but nothing else. Interviewer will often seek answers to questions not found in Interviewer will often seek answers to questions not found in

your personal statement.your personal statement. ClosedClosed

Interview has never seen your application materials.Interview has never seen your application materials. Interview will ask more open ended questions.Interview will ask more open ended questions. Don’t be annoyed that questions may be answered in your Don’t be annoyed that questions may be answered in your

application.application.


Types of InterviewsTypes of Interviews GroupGroup

More than one interviewer and/or interviewee.More than one interviewer and/or interviewee. Designed to see how well you play with others.Designed to see how well you play with others.


Practice your responses to questions.Practice your responses to questions. List five important things you want to make sure the List five important things you want to make sure the

interview knows about you.interview knows about you. List five powerful questions you want to ask during the List five powerful questions you want to ask during the

interview.interview. Describe three ways you can contribute to your class.Describe three ways you can contribute to your class. What are your three most significant leadership qualities?What are your three most significant leadership qualities? List of anticipated questions.List of anticipated questions. List of toughest questions you could be asked.List of toughest questions you could be asked.

Review potential interview questions.Review potential interview questions. Learn all you can about specific schools.Learn all you can about specific schools. Mock Interview.Mock Interview.

Preparing for an interviewPreparing for an interview


Any Questions?Any Questions? Don’t forget to have some good questions to ask.Don’t forget to have some good questions to ask.


What is it like in Graduate School?What is it like in Graduate School? Masters (M.S. Degree)Masters (M.S. Degree)

Most Graduate Schools offer an M.S. degreeMost Graduate Schools offer an M.S. degree Typically 2 yearsTypically 2 years Thesis usually required.Thesis usually required.

Ph.D ProgramsPh.D Programs 1/5 of graduate schools offer Ph.D ONLY program.1/5 of graduate schools offer Ph.D ONLY program. The rest offer combined M.S./Ph.D programs.The rest offer combined M.S./Ph.D programs. Typically about 5 yearsTypically about 5 years

Masters/Ph.D Masters/Ph.D ProgramsPrograms

How hard is graduate school?How hard is graduate school? Attrition rate of some Ph.D programs is as high Attrition rate of some Ph.D programs is as high

at 75%at 75% By comparison more than 90% of medical school By comparison more than 90% of medical school

students receive degrees.students receive degrees. Very few jobs in biology for B.S. degree Very few jobs in biology for B.S. degree

students.students. You usually must do a graduate level program to You usually must do a graduate level program to

get a good job.get a good job.


Choosing a Graduate SchoolChoosing a Graduate School Talk to professorsTalk to professors Review graduate school postersReview graduate school posters List programs that have degrees in your area of List programs that have degrees in your area of

interestinterest Visit the schoolVisit the school Learn about and talk to researchers in your area Learn about and talk to researchers in your area

of interest to find out if space is available in of interest to find out if space is available in their lab.their lab.


Financing a Graduate School EducationFinancing a Graduate School Education National FellowshipsNational Fellowships University FellowshipsUniversity Fellowships TA, Research AssistantsTA, Research Assistants LoansLoans


Graduate Record Exam (GRE)Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Take between your Junior and Senior yearsTake between your Junior and Senior years

Important for financial awards to be considered.Important for financial awards to be considered. Subject test sometimes requiredSubject test sometimes required


How do programs select students?How do programs select students? GPAGPA Reputation of undergraduate schoolReputation of undergraduate school GRE scoresGRE scores Letters of recommendationLetters of recommendation Statement of GoalsStatement of Goals


applying to graduate and professional school kent l. barrus pre-professional advisor

Documents

gre academic factors

veterinary school gre

gre podiatry mcat

professional school

gpa trends

great gpa

university of utah example

medical profession