Graduate School: Is it for Me…IF so, when?

1. Graduate School: Is it for Me…IF so, when? Presented by UNIVERSITY CAREER SERVICES University of Virginia

2. Learning Outcomes • By the end of this presentation you will: • Understand the importance of identifying your career goals prior to your decision about grad school • Understand the many factors associated with deciding on a graduate program • Understand the process of applying to graduate school

3. Preliminary Things to Consider • Before deciding to enroll in a graduate program, know: • Career Goals • Yourself • Timeline • Affiliated costs • Geographic considerations • Admissions criteria for programs of interest

4. Qualities Needed for Grad School Initiative Self-discipline Time management skills Project management skills Persistence Patience Communication & interpersonal skills

5. RESEARCHING GRAD PROGRAMS Step ONE

6. Choose Your Own Path Since UVA is consistently ranked as the best public school in the country, it was the only college to which you applied as a high school senior. When you got in, you didn’t even bother visiting before sending in your deposit. You’ve never regretted your decision to come to UVA. Path A: Search online and apply to the schools with the best overall reputation that have your program. Path B: Road trip! Visit schools recommended by your advisor, some of which you’ve never heard of before. Where is…..

7. Path A: Online School Search Ouch! You got blinded by the “bling” of the school’s name alone. You soon find out that at the graduate level, especially in arts and sciences, the reputation of the program/department is far more important than the overall reputation of the university.

8. Path B: Road Trip Your investment of $1,098 for gas, hotels and food was well worth it. Who knew that ABC University had the best XYZ program in the country?!?! It’s now your first choice.

9. Researching Programs • Compile a complete list of schools with programs in your field of study: • List your priorities for academic & financial considerations • Review graduate directories • Talk to your faculty advisor • Read professional journals

10. Academic Considerations - YOU • Does program’s structure and focus fit your interests and goals • Is there the option for flexibility within the program (incoming or after 1-2 semesters) • Are faculty involved in research, teaching, or projects related to your particular interests • Are the support systems adequate (computer labs, libraries, special equipment, advising)

11. Academic Consideration - THEM ***Know the criteria to be a viable applicant*** • Strong undergraduate academic performance • GPA & graduate admission test scores • Preparation for field of study • Expressed motivation & clarity of goals • Research experience if applicable • Academic, co-curricular, or work experience if applicable

12. Financial & Other Considerations • Costs (tuition, fees, books, labs, housing, food, transportation…) and compare to your financial resources • Types of financial aid available (loans, grants, fellowships, teaching and/or research assistantships) • Geographic, climate, cost-of-living • Environment of department and university • Intent of program; preparation; career paths

13. Tools for Researching Programs • Peterson’s Guides (also www.petersons.com) • School-specific websites • Program specific guides such as: “ABA-LSAC Guide to Law Schools; AMCAS; Psychology Graduate Programs; Vault Business Schools) • Graduate School Guide (also www.graduateguide.com) • Print resources such as “Getting What You Came For” • Worldwide Graduate Scholarship Guide and College Blue Book of Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, & Loans

14. More Tools - Researching Programs UCAN to connect with professionals UCS Professional & Grad School Fair Personalized appointment at UCS to discuss your academic and/or professional interests & goals with corresponding graduate/professional program options UCS preprofessional advising staff and UCS career counselors Graduate students here and at schools you are considering

15. INTEGRATE YOUR VALUES INTO THE DECISION Step TWO

16. Integration Yes, we’ve mentioned some of these already—there’s a reason! Admission requirements Location Timeline of program Financial Aid Reputation Coursework and electives Professors’ interests and backgrounds

17. Integration (cont.) Accreditation Student-to-Faculty ratio Accessibility to facilities Demographics of the student body and grad program Enrollment and class size Other information

18. Choose Your Own Path The thought of fighting rush hour traffic, working 9 to 5, wearing a suit, paying bills and selecting a 401K plan FRIGHTENS you. Path A: Apply to graduate/professional school as a means to delay the real world. Path B: Apply to jobs anyway—through the fear!

19. Path A: Graduate/Professional School You soon realize that graduate/professional school is not simply an extension of the undergraduate experience. It’s highly competitive and intensive. It’s also EXPEN$IVE—both money and time.

20. Path B: The Real World You soon realize that there is no such thing as a 9 to 5. You work 8:00 am-6:00 pm Monday-Friday and often take projects home on the weekends. Although your parents helped you select a retirement plan, they asked for their credit card back. You begin to calculate all of your expenses in numbers of hours worked. Pair of shoes = 5 hours of work

21. What if I apply/attend a year or more after graduating? Benefits Costs Earn money for school Gain experience that can help chances for admission Build skills & knowledge to clarify goals for grad school as well as make you a more competitive applicant Possibly work within the profession Relax & refocus Opportunity to mature more “Use it or lose it” Lost momentum Lack motivation Longer you wait, the longer to finish Possible weaker ties with references

22. SENDING APPLICATIONS Step THREE

23. Application Tips Follow directions! Start early! Follow-up to ensure application is complete Know the selection procedure for each institution Realize that public schools may have preference for state residents

24. Standardized Tests • Which test required • What if tests “recommended” • Register in time for score submission • General and subject exams • Time for preparation • Retaking

25. Transcripts • Official transcripts required • From EVERY school where you’ve ever taken one or more class • Highlight major or upper-division gpa elsewhere on application/resume if higher than overall gpa (as shown on transcript)

26. Recommendation Letters Academic references may carry most weight—usually (depends on type of grad program) People who know you well enough to describe specifics about your capabilities, knowledge, experience, academic performance (gpa differntial) Do not wait till the last moment! Update your resume Preference of admissions: waive your rights to review (legally you can make either choice) And more….

27. Recommendation Letters (cont) • How to ask someone to write a letter • Provide examples of why you though of them • Get to know them in advance • Ask what you can provide them (resume, list of programs, etc) • Thank you notes • Interfolio (option) vs. separate forms via mail

28. Personal Statement andStatement of Purpose Tell your story; your words Answer any specific questions specifically! Accurate, grammar, punctuation Connect your interests/goals to program specifics Research faculty interests and discuss Articulate career goals clearly UCS and Writing Center

29. Writing Samples No narratives Incorporate professors comments If possible, revise with the professor Relate to your field of study One or two project/research papers Thesis chapter

30. Choose Your Path Your personal statement is finished, but you can’t decide on the third letter of recommendation to submit along with your applications. Do you choose the professor who only knows you by your student i.d. # or your former supervisor at Bodo’s. Path A: Choose the professor Path B: Choose your former supervisor

31. Path A: The Prof The faculty admission committee considers the professor you have chosen to write your letter as a respected peer in the field. Unfortunately, since he didn’t know you well enough to report on how you stand out amongst your peers, the recommendation didn’t end up adding much to your application.

32. Path B: The Super The primary difference between applying to undergraduate and graduate programs is the emphasis on a sense of direction on the part of the applicant. Good thing you shared your career aspirations with your supervisor while working together on the late shift!

33. Next Action Steps • Will vary • Clarify career goals • Research career fields to determine need for grad school • Appointment with UCS counselor • Graduate & Professional School Fair (fall) • Print resources in UCS career library

34. AND FINALLY… ?????QUESTIONS????? POINTERS YOU WANT TO SHARE??