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Applying to Graduate School

Applying to Graduate School. Presented by Clark University Career Services. Reasons to apply to graduate school. Advanced specialized knowledge Professional training Research / in depth exploration of a topic. How is graduate school different?.

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Applying to Graduate School

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  1. Applying to Graduate School Presented by Clark University Career Services

  2. Reasons to apply to graduate school • Advanced specialized knowledge • Professional training • Research / in depth exploration of a topic

  3. How is graduate school different? • Graduate schools are much more focused; quite different from going to college • The top ranked schools will vary by program, not by institution. • It is essential to know why you are a good fit for a program before you apply.

  4. Types of degrees • Master’s 2 – 3 years. Professional Master’s is typically “terminal”; academic can be stepping stone to PhD • PhD: 5 – 7 years. Those interested in research and academia typically pursue a PhD. • PsyD: 5 – 7 years. More practical / professional training. Check with the Psych department and in particular a member of the Clinical Psych program for info on the differences between a PsyD and PhD. • Master’s programs are gaining in popularity and joint degree programs are becoming more common

  5. Getting started: Questions to ask yourself • Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree? • What is your specific academic interest? • What are your short & long term goals? • What can you bring to the program? • Do your academic credentials fit within the institution’s admission standards?

  6. Suggested Timetable • Junior Year, Fall and Spring • Research programs and institutions • Register, prepare for, and take appropriate tests • Junior Year, Summer • Write for application materials • Visit institutions of interest if possible • Draft your application essay • Check on application deadlines and rolling admissions policies

  7. Suggested Timetable • Senior Year, Fall • Obtain letters of recommendation • Take graduate admissions tests if you haven’t already • Submit completed applications well before the application deadline • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Senior Year, Spring • Check with all institutions before the deadline to make sure your file is complete • Visit institutions that accept you • Send a deposit to the institution of your choice • Notify other colleges and universities that accepted you of your decision so that they may admit students on their waiting list

  8. Researching Programs • General sites like gradschools.com and Petersons.com • Professional associations may list accredited programs • Speak to Clark faculty for suggestions • Look for information on courses, faculty areas of research, admissions criteria, geographical location • Write to a faculty member at the school who is doing research in your area of interest (research openings; mentor opportunities) • Research what types of positions graduates of the program obtain. Does this fit with your career goal? • Make contact with programs through open houses, interviews, and emails to faculty • FIT is important • Consult Clark faculty, graduate school directories, and the Career Services office for assistance

  9. The Application Consists of: • Transcript • Entrance Exams GRE (humanities, sciences) GMAT (management)LSAT (law) MCAT (medicine) MAT • Letters of Reference • Personal Statement/Application Essay Deadlines are between December to March

  10. Quick Overview of the GRE • General Test: 3 Sections • Test is administered electronically • Verbal- 30 Q’s, 30 minutes: word knowledge, analogies, reading comp. • Qualitative- 28 Q’s, 45 minutes: geometry, algebra • Scored on a 200-800 scale; unofficial scores seen onscreen after testing period • Analytical Writing- Two essays: “Present Your Perspective on an Issue” (45 minutes), “Analyze an Argument” (30 minutes) • Subject Test • Administered in paper form • Subject Ares: • Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Math, Physics, Psychology

  11. Career Services Resources • Individual advising appointments • Workshops on the graduate/professional school application process, writing a personal statement, and researching career interests • Admissions test study guides – available for reference in the Career Services library • Personal statement critique service • Books on financing graduate school and writing personal statements

  12. Plan B For a variety of reasons, you may decide not to go right on to graduate school. Having an alternative plan is important. • Career Services can help you create a resume and begin researching job opportunities if you decide to work for a period of time before going on to school. • Consult Career Services for career panels, information sessions, and alumni events to learn about different career opportunities.

  13. Websites for reference For program information: • GradSchools.com www.gradschools.com • Petersons.com www.petersons.com • Council of Graduate Schools www.cgsnet.org

  14. The Fifth Year Free Program Clark’s 5 year accelerated B.A./M.A. degree program http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5A55dzv-30

  15. For Additional Help… Consult with Clark’s Career Services staff. To schedule an appointment, contact us at: (508) 793-7258 or email us at: careers@clarku.edu

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