Graduate School: Making the Decision LS-OKAMP Graduate School: Making the Decision

Getting Started Talk to as many people as possible to assist you in making an informed decision. Talking to others is an important first step in making informed decisions. The more persons you talk to the better.

People to Talk To Other undergraduate students Graduate students Your faculty Parents & family Prospective employers Who Should you talk to? There are a variety of people who might be helpful to you in this decision making process. Peers can offer a perspective that is often similar to your own. Current graduate students can offer valuable insight into what graduate school is like and “trick of the trade.” Faculty can give much insight into what your department looks for in perspective graduate students, entrance requirements, potential sources of financial aid and research projects, and can be potential sources for letters of recommendation. Family - It’s important to talk decisions over with family members and to consider together the impacts of graduate studies, both positive and negative. Prospective employers are a good source of information about salaries, career advancement, and job security for someone who has a graduate degree versus an undergraduate degree.

What is Graduate School? Training in research 11/2 to 2-year program (M.S.) 4 to 5-year program (Ph.D) Fewer classes per semester Courses focused in major area One-on-one faculty interaction

Why attend graduate school? Your career goals make graduate school necessary To specialize in a particular field To do research To broaden expertise in an area Better job, salary, & promotions To teach at a university

Options Go straight from undergraduate to graduate school Work full/part-time & school part-time Work now, school later Work for company that sends you back to school

Going Straight Through Easiest choice and workload Still in “learning mode” Can defer student loans Need to find ways to stay motivated

Work and School Longest option Larger workload Money is always nice

Work Now, School Later Hard to be a poor student again May have family obligation Heavy workload Maturity and work experience can be added value

Company Pays May limit choice of universities and areas of study Obligation to work for company upon completion Job security good Able to maintain steady income

Choosing a Graduate School Explore several graduate schools that you would consider attending: Look for university’s home page on WWW Write or call for information and catalog Don’t over look your current university

What to Consider Campus climate Resources Available Reputation/Prestige Housing Financial Aid

Departmental Information Areas of study to match your interests Faculty and their expertise/research Fellowships, assistantships available Teaching requirement Reputation

Entrance Requirements Competitive GPA Entrance Examinations

Application Process Application form Statement of Purpose Transcripts Entrance exam scores Letters of Recommendation Application form Type your application form. Be sure to ask to be considered for all relevant forms of financial aid. Send application form early to maximize financial aid opportunities Meet all deadlines. Statement of Purpose A one to two page written essay detailing: Motivation and interest in graduate school Why are you pursuing graduate school? Background Why should we choose you? Academics- GPA, honors, awards Service - professional/honor societies, etc. Work - include coop & internship experience Research experience Languages - foreign, computer Publications/Presentation Personal Characteristics - what makes you unique, special Plans for graduate school Why that particular program? Identify area of interest Identify faculty you’d like to work with Career Plans. What are you going to do with your degree? Any plans to continue for PhD Future career plans How does grad. school fit into plan?

Funding Graduate School Graduate College Level Departmental Level Other Sources Apply early Financial aid can be sought based on these categories Academics Need Combination of merit and need Residency Ethnic group membership Gender Major/Field of Study (check departmental scholarships) Religion Membership in Professional/Student Associations Where to look Library Online

Types of Aid Federally guaranteed loans Teaching assistantships Research assistantships Fellowships/scholarships Work-study Governmental, state, private

Timeline Questions? Hand out timeline.