Purdue University Student Chapter

Graduate School and YouErin Cutler & Ryan Henkensiefken

September 24, 2008

Take it From the Experts

• BSCE Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

• Structural Department• LTAP Graduate Assistant

• BSCE Minnesota State, Mankato

• Materials Department• Graduate Assistant under

Professor Weiss

Go to school more? On Purpose?

Graduate school is different from undergraduate study Focus on a single area of interest to YOU

Open doors to new opportunities Distinguish yourself from the thousands of BS

students Does it fit in with your career goals?

Where do I start?

Google it Attend the Grad School Expo

http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/gradexpo/ September 28-29

Take the GRE www.ets.org/gre

What's the GRE?

GRE Tests Verbal reasoning Quantitative reasoning Critical thinking Analytical writing skills

Take the “General Test” Study

Visit GRE website for study tools $140 to take exam

Which school is right for me?

Things to consider School Reputation Program Reputation Faculty Funding options Location

Visit the school

How do I apply for Graduate School?

Schools websites usually have application information

Graduate admission is different from undergraduate admission

It’s typically not free Can apply for school no matter when you

graduate Keep an eye on the deadlines

The Application

Get recommendation letters Get Transcripts Turn in the Statement of Purpose

Purpose for continuing graduate study Professional plans Career goals Research interests Awards/Achievements Abilities

How do I pay for it?

ACI Scholarships and Fellowships http://www.concrete.org/STUDENTS/

st_graduate.htm Graduate Research Fellowship Program

(NSF) Assistantships

Research Assistant Teaching Assistant

Purdue, Round 2

http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/students/prospective/

Apply to graduate school Visit Purdue University Research Expertise

(PURE) Talk to professors

Finally, Purdue Pays Me

Tuition Remission You don’t pay tuition You still pay student fees

$1,200 per semester

Monthly Stipend $1,550 – paid at the end of the month

Medical Insurance at employee rates

PhD vs. MS

PhD takes up to 7 years MS takes up to 2 years Decision doesn’t have to be made right away Do the MS first then do a PhD

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis

Thesis It’s a short “book” on your research 21 Credits of Coursework (7 – 3 credit

classes) Defend (Give a presentation) after the thesis is

written Non-Thesis

30 Credits (10 – 3 credit classes) Harder to get funding

Questions