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Purdue University Student Chapter. Graduate School and You Erin 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
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Purdue University Student Chapter Graduate School and You Erin 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