graduate school: to go or not to go? not to go?

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]

Graduate School:Graduate School:To Go Or Not To Go?To Go Or Not To Go?

Not To Go?

Career ServicesScience Library, G-50518-437-4900www.albany.edu/cdc

Please view this presentation in slideshow mode


Introduction

Before Applying: Questions to ask yourself

Finding Programs

What You Can Do Now

Choosing Schools

The Application Process

Resources

Outline


Introduction

• Graduate school is different than your years spent as an undergraduate

• More demanding

• Subject material is more specialized (no Gen Eds!)

• Smaller classes

• Closer relationship with faculty

• More papers/group projects versus exams


Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself

• Are you committed enough to your subject to pursue an advanced degree?

• Is an advanced degree required for entry into your desired field? Which degree? Specializations? Licenses? Certification?



• Would it be in your best interest to work & gain experience, THEN apply?

• Do you have the financial resources to cover costs?

• Are you “burned out” academically & need to take some time off?



• Do you have what it takes?

• How much do you really know about graduate school?

• Are you pursuing graduate school for the right reasons rather than avoiding “real life?”


Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask

• Faculty

• Graduate Students & Alumni

• Admissions Offices

• Professional Organizations

• School Viewbooks, Catalogs, and Websites


Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask• Directories & Web Sites:

GradSchools.com

Peterson’s Graduate and Professional Programs

(six volume set available in Career Services & the main library or www.petersons.com)

US News & World Reports: America’s Best Graduate Schools


What You Can Do Now• Clarify your interests

• Prepare for admissions tests: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, Praxis

• Obtain relevant experience

• Get to know faculty better

• Raise your GPA

• Think ahead: save your money!


Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Admissions Criteria

• Curriculum/Program Requirements

• Internship or thesis

• Dissertation

• Comprehensive exam

• Foreign language requirement


Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Reputation, Quality of Program, &

Accreditation

• Employment Statistics: % of graduates employed by graduation, as well as six months out

• Faculty- Research interests- Orientation- Ratio to students


Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Location & Size

• Cost/Financial Aid (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition)

• Loans

• Grants, scholarships, fellowships

• Tuition-remission programs

• (i.e. assistantships)

• External sources



– TIMETABLE

– Junior Year (Summer):

Clarify interests & start looking for programs

Meet with faculty members & Career Services staff to discuss interests


The Application Process– Senior Year (September/October):

Research financial aid sources, fellowships, and assistantships

Take admissions tests

Draft personal statements

Request recommendation letters from at least three faculty members


The Application Process– Senior Year (November/December):

Order official transcripts (asking Registrar to send AFTER Fall grades are posted)

Finalize personal statements

Mail applications (EARLY!)

Apply for financial aid



• Application Components:

• Application and fees

• Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)

• Official transcripts

• Personal statement


The Application Process• Letters of recommendation which

may describe your:• Academic & analytical ability• Oral/written communication skills• Character & initiative• Intelligence• Maturity• Responsibility & integrity• Interpersonal relations• Leadership ability


The Application Process– Personal Statement• Often the most difficult part of your

application• Tailor each statement for each

application• Answer questions such as…

• How does this program match with your interests?Why should we accept you?How will you fit into their department and school?

• Indicate you have the drive and dedication to complete the program


The Application Process• Interview

• May or may not be required, depends on program

• Usually longer if applying for a counseling, psychology, or MSW program

• Structure may vary (group versus individual interview)

• Other• e.g., portfolio of your art, writing sample


Career Services Resources• Reference file service ($30 fee)

• Program directories

• Resume/essay critiquing

• Admissions test information

• Career advising appointments

• www.albany.edu/cdc


Other Resources– If you are even slightly interested in law or

health, get connected with:

Pre-Law Advisor: Dawn Kakumba, ASC/US

Advisement Services Center

ULB36, 442-3974

[email protected]

Pre-Health Advisor:Ann Marie Carrick, ASC/US,

Advisement Services Center

ULB31, (518) 442-3960

[email protected]


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