GETTING INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL Professional Development Program Nazarbayev University

AGENDA Choosing a university that will fit Application package Standardized testing Financing your studies

1. CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT CRITERIA Geographical location Rankings Research emphasis Program/Major Size of department Type of school Qualifications of the faculty Cost and financial aid Length of time required for degree Acceptance rate Requirements Course and thesis requirements International Students Office services Why is location important??? Is there an area in the U.S. where you have family or close friends you would like to be near? How well do you adapt to weather different from where you currently live? Is there an area of the country where you always wanted to go to school? Size: Have you always thought you would attend a large university? Do you like the idea of a small school where it is easy to get to know everyone, including the professors? Do you learn better in a small class environment or a larger classroom? Will a small school offer you the variety of courses and majors you need? Rankings: usnews.com Majors: double major possibility? Type: What do they devote time and resources to: research or teaching and learning? Do they have a speciality in one specific area or are they known for providing a broad education? Are they single sex or coed? Do they have a religious affiliation? Are they public or private?

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT SEARCH ENGINES www.gradschools.com www.petersons.com www.usnews.com www.mba.com

SUGGESTED FORMULA 3 reaches - dream schools 5 solid choices The more selective schools have more financial aid to offer Plan B- What are your other alternatives if this does not work out?

TABLE

TABLE: EXAMPLE

2. APPLICATION PACKAGE Application Essays and writing samples Standardized tests Reference letters Resume Transcripts Bank statements Application fee Deadlines!

Read the essay question and answer it Share your story ESSAYS Read the essay question and answer it Share your story Thoroughly proofread

REFERENCE LETTERS Start as soon as possible Approach the right people Give each reference explicit instructions Share with references information about your program Thank your references

TRANSCRIPTS The best indicator of future behavior is past performance Request transcripts well ahead of deadlines Follow the instructions Translation, notarizing

What for? How much? University templates Local bank statements

3.STANDARDIZED TESTS TOEFL/IELTS GRE GMAT Registration Cost Availability Useful resources

TOEFL iBT vs. PBT sections, time, online profile Registration Cost: $160 Test dates Rescheduling, canceling the test Useful resources Receiving the scores Additional score reports Test Expiration Sections: reading, listening, speaking, writing Locations: Almaty pbt: Aktobe, Amaty, Astana, Karaganda, Kostanay, Oskemen Reschedule: $60 Cancel: half of the price Scores: appx. 10 days after the test

IELTS Sections, time, online profile Registration Cost: varies Test dates Rescheduling, canceling the test Useful resources Receiving the scores Additional score reports Test Expiration Sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking Test dates: once a month in Astana Locations: Almaty 24500, Astana 28000, Atyrau, Karaganda

GRE GREI, GREII Scoring Registration Test dates Cost Canceling your scores Additional score reports Useful resources Test Expiration Sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Writing Scoring: 130-170, 0-6 Test dates: Cost: $185 Reschedule: $50 Canceling: at the end of the test Scores: will see them on the screen

GMAT Registration Test dates Cost Canceling your scores Additional score reports Useful resources Test Expiration Sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, verbal Canceling: after the test Cost: $250

From covering tuition and fees to full grants Assistantships WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS Fellowships Academic merit From covering tuition and fees to full grants Assistantships Teaching assistantships Research assistantships Graduate/administrative assistantships Grants www.nu.edu.kz

Grants EducationUSA Fulbright Erasmus Mundus Bilim Educational Center UGRAD CIP programs

Career and Advising Center Room #1114 7 7172 709064 Contact us Career and Advising Center Room #1114 7 7172 709064 assel.mukhametzhanova@nu.edu.kz www.nu.edu.kz