Getting into Graduate SchoolGetting into Graduate School

Assignment: Choose a graduate Assignment: Choose a graduate program you think you would like program you think you would like

to apply toto apply toHow did you do this?How did you do this?What did you come up with?What did you come up with?Funnel: start with all possibilities, do Funnel: start with all possibilities, do

research on rest of questions to determine research on rest of questions to determine final 12 final 12

choose some “reach” schools, some “likely” choose some “reach” schools, some “likely” schools, and a few “very likely”schools, and a few “very likely”

Application ProcessApplication Process

Funnel from all possibilities to 12 you’ll Funnel from all possibilities to 12 you’ll apply toapply to

2 internet sources: <www.petersons.com> 2 internet sources: <www.petersons.com> <www.gradschools.com><www.gradschools.com>

Do your homework!Do your homework!

Most importantMost importantfaculty/programfaculty/programpersonal preferences, e.g., geographical personal preferences, e.g., geographical

locationlocation

Aspects of ApplicationAspects of Application

grades (transcripts)grades (transcripts)test scores (e.g., GREs)test scores (e.g., GREs)cover letter/statement of interestcover letter/statement of interestactual application form(s)actual application form(s)letters of referenceletters of reference

2 parts of the process at 2 parts of the process at university (know which is university (know which is

which)which)Graduate SchoolGraduate SchoolIndividual programIndividual program

““Apprenticeship” vs “Non-Apprenticeship” vs “Non-Apprenticeship” programsApprenticeship” programs

difference in applying and getting indifference in applying and getting ine.g., how may people decide on admissione.g., how may people decide on admission

if “apprenticeship” model why you may not if “apprenticeship” model why you may not get in:get in:none of faculty interested in younone of faculty interested in youfaculty who might otherwise be interested are faculty who might otherwise be interested are

overloaded w/ studentsoverloaded w/ studentsgoing on sabbaticalgoing on sabbaticalchanged interestschanged interests

Who are the faculty and how Who are the faculty and how do their interests match do their interests match

yours?yours?

Graduate schools are more specialized than Graduate schools are more specialized than undergradundergrad

How long will it take to get the How long will it take to get the degree and what does the degree and what does the

curriculum require?curriculum require?

What they say vs reality: check with past or What they say vs reality: check with past or current studentscurrent students

What are the requirements for What are the requirements for admission to the program?admission to the program?

GPA, GRE, completion of specific coursesGPA, GRE, completion of specific coursesGrades (transcripts)Grades (transcripts)test scores, etc.test scores, etc.

What is the application process?What is the application process?

What are you required to submit? What are you required to submit? To whom do you send your application?To whom do you send your application?Deadlines?Deadlines?CV, statement of interest and cover letter CV, statement of interest and cover letter

(tailored to specific university and program)(tailored to specific university and program)letters of referenceletters of reference

What are the costs for the What are the costs for the program, tuition, fees, etc.?program, tuition, fees, etc.?

What kinds of financial support What kinds of financial support are available?are available?

GAs, TAs, RAsGAs, TAs, RAsStipend and what else? Stipend and what else? e.g., tuition & fee waivers, health insurance, e.g., tuition & fee waivers, health insurance,

etc.etc.e.g., Wisconsin $16,000 stipend, but then e.g., Wisconsin $16,000 stipend, but then

$9,000 tuition and fees$9,000 tuition and feeshow many years of support?how many years of support?