Preparing for Graduate School Welcome to the Preparing for Graduate School Presentation My name is Kim Wilson and I am the Assistant Director of Career Services at UW Bothell Source of much of presentation content came from Applying to Graduate and Professional Schools A Unit of the Division of Student Affairs 134 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352810 www.careers.washington.edu (206) 543-0535

Overview What is Graduate School? Researching Programs Application Personal Statement Letters of Recommendation Admissions Interview Funding Sources

What is Graduate School? Advanced study in academic disciplines Professional school Preparation for entering into professions

Why Graduate School? Know why you’re going Reasons, expectations, self assessment What are the costs and benefits? Research careers and occupations Choosing a Program Apply to more than one Talk to professors

Research Programs Identify programs of interest GradSchools.com  Petersons  Grad Source  Research graduate schools – beyond their websites Talk with professors, mentors, and students Contact program admissions advisers Visit campuses

Considerations & Priorities Create a worksheet with a list of qualities to prioritize Accreditation Reputation Advisors/Mentorship Academic Rigor Cost Location Experiential Learning Program Schedule & Time Commitment Deadlines – Timeline

Application Checklist Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) Personal statement Recommendation letters Writing samples or portfolio (for some programs) GPA/ transcripts Application forms Interviews (for some programs) Financial aid applications

Application Preparation Junior year Know admissions process/criteria Research areas of interest & schools Develop relationships with recommenders Apply for fellowships & scholarships Build experience Summer between your Jr & Sr year Finalize research Prepare your application materials Senior year- start 6 months prior to application deadlines Admissions tests Letters of recommendation Personal statement Financial aid applications & forms Complete application

Undergraduate Research Research as an undergraduate to discover talents and interests Projects can lead to scholarships and awards  Evidence and portfolio pieces for your resume or graduate school application Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Steps to Undergraduate Research Talk to professors Independent undergraduate research courses Meet with SSC Undergraduate Research Advisor Research-In-Action a two-credit course Attend Research in Progress seminars   Consider taking a graduate course Senior thesis option in your program.

Develop a Showcase Portfolio Connect experiences to academic and career opportunities Collection of documents and artifacts that demonstrate your content knowledge, skills and experience Markets your skills and abilities A meaningful selection, is a living document and is evidence based Contain samples of your best work Be sure to update and edit your web presence and social networking sites

Components of A Graduate School Portfolio Showcase RESEARCH, LEADERSHIP, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, ACCOMPLISHMENTS Showcase portfolio particularly for school or program Research Writing samples Projects Awards and certificates Presentations, articles or professional association contributions Letters of recommendation Samples of work you contributed to

Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose A statement of purpose is designed to communicate five things: 1. Writing ability 2. Connections 3. Your philosophy 4. What makes you unique 5. How you can be an asset

Compelling Personal Statement Strong personal statements tell stories that demonstrate your strengths. Know your unique value Know your audience Make a good case for a match Provide specific examples

Letters of Recommendation Plan to have at least 3 strong letters 4 weeks MINIMUM lead time Provide recommenders with supporting materials - specific, relevant experience Follow-up with recommenders prior to deadline Be timely and responsive  • Keep in touch 

Admissions Interview Review application materials Prepare stories about how you took initiative, participated in leadership roles, and decided to study the field you are pursuing Answer “Why here?” and “What can you contribute to the program?” Be open, honest and courteous Group interviews Send thank you notes

Types of Funding Need-based Merit-based Targeted Scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards Assistantships and other forms of employment Loans Employer funded

Preparing for Graduate Education GRDSCH200 10-week hybrid course (2 C/NC) at UWS for juniors and seniors from all disciplines Learning Goals: Identify if you want to go to graduate school Develop a graduate school portfolio Prepare to create a competitive application

resources Career services Graduate and Professional School resources Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards Writing and Communication Center Undergraduate Research UW Library resources Faculty Office Hours