Making Yourself Competitive For, Applying to and Surviving

Graduate School

Duane Larick Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives

and Dean of the Graduate SchoolNC State University

GRADUATE SCHOOL MYTHSGRADUATE SCHOOL MYTHS• Graduate School is just like undergraduate

• It takes an extremely high GPA to get admitted.

• I can’t afford the cost.• A graduate education does not pay.• An advanced degree makes you overqualified.

• Those who work first perform better in graduate school.

What is Graduate School?What is Graduate School?• Obtaining specialized knowledge

from concentrated study in one area

• Development of specialized knowledge and skills to practice a profession

• That generally includes active participation in research in your chosen discipline

Kinds of Kinds of GraduateGraduate Degrees Degrees•PROFESSIONAL DEGREES•MD, DVM, MBA, etc.•Professional Masters (coursework only)

•RESEARCH DEGREES•Masters of Science & Doctoral

Why Graduate School? Why Graduate School? • IT CAN:

• Influence how fast and how far you advance in your career

• Increase your earning power• Enhance your job satisfaction• Give you greater flexibility to change careers

• IT CAN BE A JOB REQUIREMENT:• For faculty positions• For research positions

Why Not to Go to Graduate Why Not to Go to Graduate SchoolSchool

What Are Graduate Programs Looking What Are Graduate Programs Looking For in Prospective Students?For in Prospective Students?

Academic Preparation

Academic Achievement

Resea

rch

Experi

ence

& Abilit

y

Emotional

Maturity

Curiosity, Creativity,

Passion

Perseverance,

Persistence

Compatible

Career

Goals

Standardized

Test

Scores

Before the ProcessBefore the Process• Determine your areas of interest • Investigate schools that align with those interests• Identify professors within your areas of interest• Collect and summarize a few recent papers of

professors• Eventually, make a formal, professional

introduction to directly contact the professor(s) for information about their research program

• The goal is to have a professor within the university who knows who you are and what you’d like to do BEFORE you apply

How Do I Choose a Graduate School?How Do I Choose a Graduate School?

Questions to Consider About Yourself:• In what type of academic climate do I wish

to study?• What type of degree am I seeking?• What are my academic credentials?• What are my financial needs?

How do I Choose a Graduate How do I Choose a Graduate School?School?

Questions to Consider About the Institution: • REPUTATION OF THE– Institution– Program or Department– Particular Faculty Member

• COST/FINANCES–Availability of financial assistance

http://www.ncsu.edu/grad/

The Admission Process:• Applicant Sends Application to the Graduate

School

• All electronic now

• Graduate School Sends to Department for a Recommendation

• Department Makes Recommendation

• Graduate School Responds to Applicant

ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOLADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

How Do I Apply?How Do I Apply?• Apply to a specific program.• Contact department; visit if possible.• Apply to at least 3 or 4 programs.• Submit all requested materials.• Submit application packet on time,

Particularly when applying for financial aid.

General Admission RequirementsGeneral Admission Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements

•3.00 Undergraduate GPA

•BA/BS from an Accredited College or University

Other Factors that Are Considered•Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, MAT)•References•Personal Knowledge – YOU!•Departmental Capacity & Other Resources•Competition

Transcript AnalysisTranscript Analysis• Grade Point Average– Expect 3.0+

• Performance in Key Courses–Major Courses (GPA = 3.0+)–Math and Science (major courses)– English

• Performance Patterns– Start vs. Finish– Strengths/Weaknesses

Standardized Test ScoresStandardized Test Scores• GRE–Required by Most Programs–General Exam Includes:• Verbal Reasoning• Quantitative Reasoning• Analytical Writing

– Subject tests (Some may require)– Practice, Practice, Practice!• Online at ETS - http://www.gre.org

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation• Standard Reference Report Form– Aptitude for Graduate Research and Course Work– Comparison with Prior Students

• Formal Letters– Expanded Comments

• Suitable References (Examples)– Undergraduate Advisor– Research Project Supervisor– Teachers of Upper-level Courses (400/500)– Managers/Supervisors at Work• Summer Internships• Other Technical Positions

Statement of PurposeStatement of Purpose• What is a statement of purpose?– One or two page essay describing your career goals and how

your past experiences have prepared you for your desired path– Should be customized for research happening at the

department of application– Include potential advisors and their research– Cite any published works, meetings, etc.

• Tips– Concise– Identify gaps quickly– Write, rewrite, have others edit (Spell Check)– Customize

Experience Outside the Classroom

What Makes You Unique as an Applicant?• Summer Internships• Leadership Positions in Clubs and Organizations• Summer Research Experience or Academic Year Research Experience• Completion of an Academic MinorIf you have unique experiences that you cannot highlight in the goals statement – attach a resume.

Secrets : Successful Graduate ApplicationSecrets : Successful Graduate Application

• Preparation• Research• Connecting/Networking• Consider applying to more than one institution

• Familiarization with, knowledge of, and adhering to application guidelines/instructions– Deadlines– Required vs recommended

• Follow up – contact the program director and faculty

Additional Online ResourcesAdditional Online Resources

• http://www.statementofpurpose.com• http://accepted.com/grad• http://www.princetonreview.com/grad• http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org

• http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/gradapp.html

How Can I Finance GraduateHow Can I Finance GraduateSchool?School?

Co-Op

Assistantships- research- teaching

Loans/Grants

Fellowships/Traineeships Work-Study

Internships;part-time

Jobs

What Does the Graduate School What Does the Graduate School Expect of Students?Expect of Students?

• Graduate School is not an extension of undergraduate school• Usually research oriented in addition to courses (problem solving and innovation)

• Student must work independently (initiative)

• Judged on research in addition to grades

• Ultimately, you will be expected to become independent as a researcher and thinker

Requirements for Success – Your Approach Towards Graduate School• Set clear and attainable goals

• Carefully choose a research topic or discipline

• Select mentor and graduate committee early

• Be organized, focused and determined

• Learn how to manage time and set priorities

• Understand accountability

Requirements for Success – Your Approach Towards Graduate School

• Be ready to have your ideas challenged and changed - Adjust to a critical environment

• Develop leadership skills• Learn to work in teams and across fields• Take advantage of professional development opportunities(attend conferences, present papers, etc.)

• Persevere

Requirements for Success – Your Personal Wellbeing

Maintain a well balanced life

• Counterbalance stress• Get involved with department, community, church, etc.

• Be well informed (newspapers, etc.)

QUESTIONS?