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Applying to Graduate & Professional School

Explore the decision to attend grad school, researching programs, application process, funding options, and making the final choice. Learn about pros and cons of further education versus entering the workforce. Receive guidance on evaluating schools, admission criteria, essay writing tips, and funding considerations. Decide between work and graduate school with confidence using valuable insights and resources provided.

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Applying to Graduate & Professional School

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  1. Applying to Graduate & Professional School The Pennsylvania State University

  2. Today’s Outline • The decision to attend • Researching • Application process • Funding considerations • Final decision

  3. PROS: Higher degree needed in field Well-thought out career plans CONS: Escaping job market Indecision about career and life direction The Decision: Work or Graduate School?The Pros and Cons of Graduate School

  4. PROS: Unclear about direction Work provides good perspective on content Employers like experience Earn money to pay for school Ready for a break CONS: Difficult to return after making money Reentering classroom may be difficult The Decision: Work or Graduate School?The Pros and Cons of Working

  5. Research: How do I find information about different programs and schools? • Talk with professors and graduate students • Seek out the advice of professionals • Career Information Center, Pattee Library • The Web • Request information from schools • U.S. News & World Report

  6. Research: How do I evaluate all thedifferent schools and programs? • Faculty quality, including research interests • Courses, emphases related to interests • Prestige of institution • Costs, financial aid, work opportunities • Geography • Opportunities for experiential learning • Placement rates • Accreditation of school • Can I meet the admissions criteria?

  7. The Application Process:What are the schools’ admissions criteria? • Undergraduate Grade Point Average • Major, minor, coursework • Admission test scores • Letters of recommendation • Evidence of genuine interest • Relevant work or research experience • Interview • Essays

  8. The Application Process:What are some of the things I have to do? • Have transcripts sent • Register for exams, send scores • Ask for letters of recommendation • Send out paperwork • Pay attention to deadlines! • Write essays..........

  9. The Application Process:Essay Considerations • Questions to ask yourself: • What work experiences have led you to want to pursue graduate education? • When and how did you become sure of your career direction? • How will graduate education help you in this regard? • How have you prepared yourself to succeed in graduate school? • What personal attributes make you likely to succeed in graduate school and your career?

  10. The Application Process:Essay Considerations • Ingredients of strong essays: • Great opening lines or paragraphs • Convey glimpse of applicant’s personality • Substantial academic preparation and knowledge of subject matter • Understanding of challenges and rewards of career • Sense of maturity, teamwork skills, stamina, leadership • Demonstrating how applicant plans to use graduate education, and understanding of ‘big picture’

  11. Funding Considerations • Contact schools for specific information on... • Work study, assistantships(teaching, research, administrative) • Grants, fellowships, scholarships • Loans from banks, government, or institution • INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN 410 BOUCKE

  12. The Final Decision • Review many of your prior considerations: Pros & Cons, funding, geography, career goals, professionals’ advice, program quality, students’ input… • Eliminate options using criteria • Trust general feel, intuition, first impression

  13. QUESTIONS? 413 Boucke 865-2377 www.psu.edu/career

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