EducationUSA Connects December 5 th, 2012 How Graduate Admission Decisions Are Made

Presenters Stephanie Thomas University of Idaho Graduate Student Recruitment Coordinator (208) Mary Ellen Brewick University of Idaho International Marketing & Recruitment Manager (208)

Presentation Outline General Overview of Graduate Admissions Applying Academic: Personal statement, vita, references, entrance exams Immigration: CFR, bank statements, visa interview Funding Teaching and Research assistantships

Undergraduate Admissions VS. Graduate Admissions Undergraduate AdmissionGraduate Admission Application for any programApplication for specific program Standard minimum Requirements Standard Minimum Requirements AND Specific Department Requirements Meet Minimum Requirements AND Be a good “fit” for department High Success RateVery Competitive Decision made in Undergraduate Admission Office Decision made in department (screening by Graduate Admissions)

Official Documents US Universities often request official transcripts, diplomas, bank statements, etc. This may mean that the document: – Comes in a sealed envelope to the US university – Comes directly from the issuing school/entity – Has an official stamp or seal Know the requirements of the school you are applying for!

Basic Graduate Admissions Requirements Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Typically, a Cumulative GPA > 3.0 Acceptable to the department/ program, which can vary depending on quality of program, applicant pool and available space

Conditional Admissions For students that meet the academic but not the language requirements Not all programs in all schools do this Can be difficult for Graduate departments because it is essentially asking them to “hold” a spot Talk to the university and/or department to learn more

Typical Grad Application Components Application form Resume/Vitae Personal statement/educational objectives Essays or portfolios for some programs Auditions or interviews for some programs Letters of recommendation (typically 3) Entrance Exams Transcripts for all college work

Application Form Be very thorough and complete Follow instructions Send a complete application Keep a copy for your records

Resume/Vitae Needs to demonstrate accurate history Needs to match the application (dates, details, names, etc) Best to use a US or discipline specific format Make it easy for the reader to find your most noteworthy accomplishments

Personal Statement or Educational Objectives Communicate what makes you stand out from the other applicants Research interests, projects and/or experience that inspire you to pursue this degree Summarize why you are qualified and will succeed in the program

Essays/Portfolios/Auditions/Interviews Follow instructions and provide only what they ask (page limit, time length, format) Show your best work Be prepared, if interviewing

Letters of Recommendation Typically 3 letters Cultivate relationships (mentor/professor) Ask advice Choose professors carefully Contact professors early, ask if they can support you, and say thank you! Help professors write the best letter possibly by providing vitae and any suggested key points that would aid in your application

Examples of Entrance Exams GRE: Graduate Record Exam GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test LSAT: Law School Admission Test MCAT: Medical College Admission Test How long will the school keep the exams? Weight given to the scores depends on reviewer Check on program requirements

Transcripts Need official copies ALL transcripts are needed to show your history File evaluation may start with copies English translations usually needed

Everything Matters! Undergraduate GPA Entrance exam test scores Letters of recommendation Personal statement/educational objectives Samples of academic work Relevant professional experience Undergraduate research

Waiting…waiting

Acceptance Letters

What if you don’t meet entrance requirements? Contact a professor Express interest in a program Show professional accomplishments Show publications (such as senior thesis) Apply to less competitive programs

Faculty of the Program

Immigration Documents Certificate of Financial Responsibility Bank Statements – Originals mean different things in different countries Receive your I-20 from your US school Visa Interview Preparation – Use your resources

Questions and Comments about Admission Requirements

Funding your Graduate Education Funding depends ondegree program Research assistantships Teaching assistantships Scholarships Fellowships Loans Employer support

Primary sources of funding for UI graduate students 41% student loans (45% use none) 16% teaching assistantships 20% research assistantships Family support Working

Teaching and Research Assistantships (TAs and RAs) TA: works in an instructional capacity an average of 20 hours per week Teach courses, prep/grade exams, review sessions, lab sessions… RA: works in a research capacity an average of 20 hours per week Lab work, statistical modeling…

Research and Teaching Assistantships are jobs Salaries (in the sciences) may range from $14-15K (avg. TA) to $35,000 (PhD fellowship) per year. Out-of-state tuition MAY BE waived for students on an assistantship. In-state tuition/fees MAY also be paid as part of the package. There MAY be other benefits, too such as health benefits. Ask lots of questions! Read offer letter!

Working on an F1 Visa During School: Internships off-campus Curricular Practical Training (CPT) All F1 Students qualify after 2 semesters Academic Credit F1 students can always work on campus (20 hours/week) After Graduation: Working Optional Practical Training (OPT) All F1 Students qualify after graduation 12 months Additional 17 months for STEM majors

Questions and Comments About Funding

Contact Information Stephanie Thomas University of Idaho Graduate Student Recruitment Coordinator (208) Mary Ellen Brewick University of Idaho International Marketing & Recruitment Manager (208)