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The Graduate School Talk

The Graduate School Talk. When an undergrad and chemistry love each other very much…. SAACS meeting 09/09/09. Questions for you. Why do I want to go to graduate school in Chemistry? What are my career plans ? Do I like doing research ? Will I enjoy being a graduate student ? .

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The Graduate School Talk

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  1. The Graduate School Talk When an undergrad and chemistry love each other very much… SAACS meeting 09/09/09

  2. Questions for you • Why do I want to go to graduate school in Chemistry? • What are my career plans? • Do I like doing research? • Will I enjoy being a graduate student?

  3. Why go to graduate school in chemistry Your career choice requires an advanced degree - professor (Research/Teaching) - researcher (industry/government) - policy/outreach You enjoy doing research Why you shouldn’t go to graduate school - Don’t know what else to do - Didn’t get into professional school ACS 2008 salary survey

  4. Graduate school in chemistry It’s Different!(than undergrad and professional schools) You are paid to go. Teaching assistantship (~$23k/year) Research assistantship Fellowship ~1 year of classes. Rest of the time you do research with 1 – 2 professors. Your research project is largely dictated by your advisor. You are there year-round. Typically ~2 weeks of vacation (officially- varies by advisor). Time to degree is 4 – 6 years. You may have to work on weekends (varies by advisor).

  5. Timeline ≤ Summer before you graduate Pick out schools Fall of your graduating year GRE (s) (computer based are given often.) Applications Letters of Recommendation Transcripts CV/Resume Statement of Purpose Usually around Dec. – Feb. your graduating year Send in applications (varies by school) Jan. – Apr. Acceptance letters go out Visit schools (usually paid) Make your decision (by Apr. 15, usually) May Graduate June – Aug. Move. Summer programs? Start school CHEMISTRY 10/10/09 11/07/09 04/10/10

  6. How to pick a graduate school • Reputation and Ranking • Location • Time to Degree • Attrition Rate • Graduate Placement • Requirements • Classes • Cumes • Teaching • Candidacy • Funding (money) • Atmosphere • Faculty Do numbers count? Does the name matter? Far from home? PhD and AARP? Driving them away in droves Teaching, Research, Industry, or McDonalds? TA/RA/fellowship/grants Cleveland or S.F.? Stipends ~$23k University, playground, prison, or party? How many could I see myself working for?

  7. How to pick a graduate school Historically, schools are organized by division: Analytical Biological Inorganic Organic Physical Some schools do well at all divisions, others are known for specific divisions. Support for interdisciplinary projects/programs is growing. Talk to: your advisor research advisor other professors alumni seminar speakers email students at the school Read the literature Check out department websites

  8. Requirements Proficiency exams Classes ~1 years worth Mostly ‘core’ classes, several electives Typically 2 – 3 courses per term. Teaching 1 year requirement As needed to provide support (TA) Research Rotations with several faculty starting in the fall Or interviews in the fall, start with your thesis advisor in the spring/summer Years 2 – N are all research Cumes Begin in spring of first year Written On literature, topics from literature, seminars, classes

  9. Requirements Candidacy 2nd-3rd year Write an (original) thesis, defend it in front of faculty Seminar Departmental Thesis 4-5 years Written Usually after several papers have been published Defended in front of faculty and/or department

  10. Mission/Professional Development • Grant writing/Funding • Teacher training • Research project design • Mentoring students/Running a lab • Writing/Presentation skills • Contact with industry • Placement

  11. Questions: Advisor/Mentor When do I choose? • Selection Process • How Many • Personality • Projects • Funding • Status • Advising Style • Group 1 and/or a committee? How many could I work for? Jekyl or Hyde? How cool is what they’re doing? Can they pay for me and what I need to do research? Tenured? Leaving soon? Hands on? Virtual advisor? Great, tolerable, or obnoxious?

  12. Application • Sent to department, they will send it to the school • -Sometimes a fee • Requires • -transcripts • -letters of recommendation (2 – 3) • -statement of purpose • -GRE • -chemistry GRE? • What they’re looking for: • Grades: at least a GPA of 3, sometimes special requirements for chemistry vs. overall • -Research experience (not required but helps) • -Articulate writing (statement of purpose) • -Good letters of recommendation • -Anything else?

  13. On the SAACS site: Faculty experiences choosing schools. Useful links. Questions?

  14. What do I have to do – view 1a. Thesis defense Proficiency exams research classes cumes teaching candidacy

  15. What do I have to do – view 2. Develop Critical skills Master Advanced Topics Learn to Pass on Your knowledge To others Learn to Write effectively Determine What you Don’t know Apply your Learning to New topics, learn to ask questions Understand The Literature

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