How to Get Into Graduate School

How to Get Into Graduate School Information Session for potential graduate students U. Of U. Career Services 350 Student Service Bldg. http://careers.utah.edu Why go to graduate School? • Requirement of the profession such as medicine, law, or teaching at a University. • You have a strong motivation to specialize in a subject of great importance to you. Education Pays! • According to the Spring 2002 Occupational Outlook Quarterly, the median earnings for yearround full-time workers ages 25+ by educational attainment are: • High School diploma $28,800 • Bachelor’s degree $46,300 • Master’s degree $55,300 • Doctorate $70,500 • Professional degree $80,200 Master’s Degrees • Master’s degrees are offered in most fields. • They may be the only degree required for employment in a field. • Typical master's degrees are: M.S.W. (social work), M.B.A. (business administration), • M.P.A. (public administration), M.F.W (fine arts),… Doctoral degrees • The highest academic degree. • Requires original research. • Examples are: Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy, M.D. or Doctor of Medicine, J.D. or Juris Doctor (Law), D.B.A. Doctor of Business Administration, Ed.D. Doctor of Education. Choosing a Specialization • Research graduate programs by looking at graduate school directories, talking to graduate admissions counselors, and looking up web-based information. • Talk to faculty and graduate advisors. • Use the Career Library • Make an appointment with persons who have completed a graduate program & professionals. Research the Programs • What are the admissions requirements? • How does the program rank and what is its reputation? • Are there faculty doing research in an area matching your interests? • What do potential employers think of that graduate program? Does it have value? Timetable for Graduate School Admissions • The following timetable is outlined in Peterson’s guide to Graduate and Professional Programs (available in the Career Library, Room 390 SSB) Start Gathering Information Now • Application deadlines may range from August, the year before matriculation (for most medical schools), to late Spring for Autumn semester admissions. Six Months Prior to Application • Research your interests. Use a career counselor to assist you. • Research potential programs. Use the Career Library and the Internet. • Prepare to take admissions tests. Take a test preparation class. • Investigate financial aid and scholarships. • Obtain letters of recommendation. • Set up a credentials file. Three Months Before Application • • • • Take required admissions tests. Write admissions essays. Double-check deadlines. Obtain transcripts and other documents required by the graduate programs. One month prior to Application Deadlines • Double-check your credentials file. • Send your file and application materials. • Make sure to use the proper method of sending your materials. After Submitting your Application • Check with the admissions offices of the schools you applied to insure your application was received and is complete. Acceptance • Visit the schools that accept you. • Check on financial aid, teaching assistant or research assistant opportunities. • Make your decision and submit required deposits and acceptance materials. • Inform institutions that you reject so they can open slots in their program to others. Major Issues • Make sure you chose the right program for your needs and make sure you are committed to seeing it through. • Information interviewing is a very valuable tool. It involves making appointments with people who are working in a profession you are investigating. Follow protocols and professionals will be willing to assist you. Graduate Admission Tests • Required by nearly all accredited graduate programs. • Proper preparation is highly beneficial. • Take a test-preparation class. Contact AOCE at prep@aoce.utah.edu . • Contact the University Testing Center for dates, times, locations and registration for graduate admissions tests. Transcripts • Official Transcripts only! • Some universities will not accept a summary of transfer credits, they must be original transcripts for each college/university attended. • Use the University Credentials Office or a credentials service from the testing service. Admissions Essays & Personal Statements • Make sure you understand the length and format required. • Plan on spending 2+ weeks to write a 2-3 page personal statement. • Make sure you edit and proof it carefully. • Ask for help from someone with writing and/or editing experience. Interviews & Auditions • Check on the requirements, not all schools require them. • Prepare for the orals as if preparing for a pass/fail, oral, final exam. • Ask admissions advisors for help & ideas. • Portfolios may be helpful or required. • Refer to personal experiences. Experience Counts! • Many graduate programs require (or at least look favorably) on outside experience. • Related work experience, internships, undergraduate research, participation in student government, volunteer activities and involvement beyond the classroom are important to most graduate admission committees. Get involved! Who gets in? • Most graduate schools are looking for people they feel would have the best chance of succeeding in their program. • Your job as an applicant is to inform admissions committees that you are the most worthy candidate. • Faculty referrals & relationships are very valuable. • Planning and preparation are key to your success! Good Luck! Ask for help if you need it. Use the Career Library, Testing Center, Financial Aid and numerous student services available to you. Career Counselors, through Career Services, are available by appointment. The Career Library is open to the public. 8 AM – 5 PM, 390 Student Service Bldg. Thanks! For More Information, contact your career counselor or visit the Career Library 390 SSB