Welcome!

SCSU Students

School of Graduate StudiesSt. Cloud State UniversityTuesday, April 16, 2013

Presented by: Annette DayDirector of Graduate Admissions

Why Get a Master’s Degree? Advance your career Make more money

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm Empowers one to be an expert in a field/discipline Pursue a love of learning In today’s economy, highly knowledgeable people have

edge over the competition Graduate students are recognized as those who

understand the need to keep pace with the changing workplace

Master’s programs provide a stepping stone to doctoral programs

Types of graduate schools

Research Comprehensive Private Proprietary

How to choose a graduate school? The most important factor should be how well the

graduate program fits your particular interests, academic background, and goals.

Talk with faculty members at your undergraduate school to see where they completed their master’s and what they know about graduate programs in their fields.

Do you feel a connection to the campus department? Do you feel you will be offered a mentoring

relationship?

How many schools should be explored? Safe schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your

applications

Probably/Maybe schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your applications

Reach schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your applications

What are graduate programs looking for in a student? Solid academics Relevant work experience Positive recommendations Encouraging evaluations from faculty Acceptable to strong score on

standardized tests Your professional goals Want to know your academic interests

Some Good Advice Start early so you are not rushed through tests

and applications

Investigate all your options consider distance and satellite programs

Talk to everyone gather input and information from professors, professionals, family and friends

Trust yourself be confident you can achieve your dreams and to find a program that matches your needs and interests

When To Apply?

Check with your desired program. Deadlines are often set by programs.

Visit campuses the end of your junior year and over the summer

Start the application process early in your final year of undergraduate education.

Take the GRE or GMAT early in your final undergraduate year

Double check that all materials and forms have been submitted

Helpful websites to begin your search http://www.gradschools.com/ http://courseadvisor.com/ http://www.schoolguides.com/Default.asp http://www.graduateguide.com/Default.asp http://www.gradschools.com/business-programs.htm

l

http://www.gradschools.com/online-programs.html http://www.gradschools.com/international-programs.

html http://www.gradschools.com/landingpages/MetroArea.aspx

What to submit?

Basic materials Application

Application fee

Requested test scores

Recommendation forms or letters

Statement of Intent

What to submit Additional materials

Resume/vitae Portfolio Writing samples

Supplemental program application, music performance video

Interview Doctoral- personal or department members Master’s- group with department members

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) A standardized test required for applicants to an

MBA program Contains a Verbal section, Quantitative section,

and two analytical writing sections The verbal and quantitative sections range from

200 to 800 and are rounded to the nearest ten The analytical writing score ranges from 0 to 6 in

half- point intervals You can visit http://www.mba.com/mba to

register for the examination and access free preparation software

The GMAT cost is $250 in the United States

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) A standardized test that plays a role in the

graduate admissions process Contains a Verbal section, Quantitative section, and

two Analytical writing sections The verbal and quantitative sections range from

130 to 170 in 1 point increments The analytical writing scores range from 0-6 in half-

point increments You can visit http://www.ets.org/gre/ for free

preparation materials and test taking strategies The GRE cost is $160 in the United States

How to write a statement of intent Think of your statement of intent as an extended and

formal answer to the question, “Tell me about yourself…”

Your statement should be at a minimum 1- 1 ½ pages long

Opening paragraph- Introduce yourself and your reasons for pursuing graduate studies. Briefly discuss your academic, professional, and volunteer background

Qualifications (1-3 paragraphs)- Build a foundation for your forthcoming work

Closing- Leave your reader with a statement of your perceived qualifications and why you will be successful in graduate school

Recommendation Letters

Three recommendation letters/forms is the standard across schools

It is recommended that two of the recommendation letters come from previous or current professors, and the remaining recommendation come from an employer or internship site manager

How are admissions decisions made? 1. Reviewed in the department of graduate school

office 2. Reviewed by department committee or chair 3. Depends on competitiveness of the program

Score requirements GPA requirements

4. A student’s entire profile is then reviewed Undergraduate GPA GPA in major Internships Volunteer history

How are admissions decisions made, cont’d…

Employment/career history

Recommendation letters

Essay or statement of intent

GRE or GMAT scores

Interview

Financing your education

Grants and loans This aid may come from the institution,

state government, the federal government, or sometimes your employer

Assistantships Teaching- Teach with a full-time Professor

or you may teach your own class Research- Spend your time performing

research in a specific field or study Graduate- Tasks can vary from grading

papers to managing an office

Teaching, Research, Graduate Assistant Benefits SCSU- 8 credit tuition waiver per semester,

and $10,000 stipend per academic year

U of M- Each department has their own funding; therefore, tuition and stipends vary. Most GA’s get full tuition waiver and health insurance benefits. The average salary for 20 hours work/week is $16,000 per academic year

UMD- Tuition is covered and all or portion of University fees

Assistantships, cont’d… NDSU- Each department has a specific amount of

funding each year; therefore, each GA tuition/stipend varies on which department they work in

UND- The amount of tuition waived varies department by department, can range from 1-12 credits. For a stipend, if you work 20 hours/week you receive $1,377.08 per month and 10 hours/week you receive $688.54 per month

St. Thomas- Fellowships offer tuition waiver and stipend; Research assistants receive $1,500 at the end of semester, and Teaching Mentors receive $1,200 at the end of semester

How to stand out? Connect with a Professor Build a relationship by asking questions and

commenting on articles and their work Send your vitae Visit the program and graduate coordinator Submit outstanding writing samples. Portfolio, etc Discuss culminating project

Thesis- Your personal research and findings Literature Review- A critical evaluation of

material that has already been published Portfolio- A collection of outstanding work you

have completed

Best wishes to you and in your academic endeavors!