Getting In: The Graduate School Admission Process Office of career development Mount Aloysius college November 2, 2017 Dr. Mary Shuttlesworth

Should you go to grad school? Bad reasons (APA, 2012) You can’t find a job. It’s the next logical step. Promise of money, prestige, fame, call yourself, “Doctor”

Should you go to grad school? Predictors of grad school success (APA, 2012) Intellectual curiosity I enjoy tasks that involve thinking. Conscientiousness: future planning, willingness to work hard, persistence Emotional intelligence: Perspective taking, get along well with others Self-regulated learner Take criticism and apply it Set your own deadlines, goals

Graduate Degrees: Master’s Master’s Degree (Master of Arts or Science) Usually 2-3 years Can be useful first step to doctoral degree, but does not have to be Many students choose to stop at the Master’s level

Graduate Degrees: Doctoral Doctoral Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)- typically involves research Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)- more practice-focused Doctor of (specific field)- PsyD, PharmD, DPT, etc. Variation exists among programs- thoroughly research any program that interests you!

Applying to Graduate School Consider: Reputation (accreditation) Program (philosophy, focus, theory, application) Faculty (matching interests, reputation) Financial Aid (loans, scholarships) Assistantships (teaching, research) Employment Rate/ Career Center Services Facilities/ Affiliations

Applying to Graduate School Application strategy Choose 1-3 schools in each category: High Risk, Educated Risk, Safe Risk Creating the application package Different institutions offering the same program may have different requirements Be sure to follow application instructions! Pay the fees!

Applying to Graduate School: Writing a Personal Statement Stay within guidelines and address topics/questions posed Demonstrate your writing skills, maturity and motivation Approach this as writing a professional statement Opportunity to showcase experiences/abilities that qualify you for graduate work Have your statement reviewed by a trusted advisor/mentor and/or Career Services

Personal Statement Mistakes: Avoid Excessive Self-Disclosure Way too much honesty. Making personal statements REALLY personal. “Being a recovering drug addict daughter of a sexually deviant and alcoholic mother has given me profound insights into the field of psychology.”

Personal Statement Mistakes: Avoid Professional Inappropriateness Avoid “Cutesy/clever stuff” “[We] received a statement of purpose labeled ‘Statement of Porpoise’ that contained drawings of this sea creature and a description of [the applicant] frolicking in the ocean with one on a visit to Florida.”

Applying to Graduate School: Writing a Personal Statement Components of a personal statement Relevant experiences (internship, coursework, volunteer) Future career goals- why are you interested in this field? PhD programs: Previous research experience, current research interests How do your current interests relate to the faculty in the program to which you are applying? Particular courses taken Internships, employment, volunteer experience How will this program help you achieve your career goals?

Applying to Graduate School: Transcripts Official vs. unofficial Request from Registrar 4 weeks prior to application deadline 3.0 minimum GPA for most programs, higher for doctoral programs

Applying to Graduate School: Testing GRE (Graduate Record Exam) required by most schools Consists of analytical writing, verbal and quantitative sections Computerized GRE Subject Test required by some schools Assesses core knowledge in subject areas (psychology, biology, chemistry, literature, math, physics) Paper-based test- given 3 times per year Subject tests are only offered about 3 times per year- April, September, October

Applying to Graduate School: Test Preparation Preparing to take the GRE Websites for preparation- ETS offers free tests Books for self-study Prep courses available, but can be very expensive Sending scores to programs When you take the GRE, you select the programs you want to receive your test scores

Applying to Graduate School: Letters of Recommendation Most programs require 3-5 letters of recommendation Choose faculty/employers who will accurately represent your skills/qualifications Provide each writer with any necessary materials (recommendation forms, resume, classes taken, projects, deadlines for submission) Allow writers at least 1 month prior to deadline

Inappropriate Authors: Letters of Recommendation “We once received a very positive letter of recommendation telling about the applicant’s good character and work habits. Unfortunately, we couldn’t use it because it was from her mother.”

Inappropriate Authors: Letters of Recommendation “The applicant had a letter that began, X asked me to write a letter of recommendation for her. She informed me that she took my class last semester. I’ll have to take her word for it; I don’t remember her. If she was in my class, she did nothing to distinguish herself from the other students. Needless to say, I can’t comment on her qualifications.”

Undesirable Personality Characteristics Mentioned: Letters of Recommendation “Perfectionist and painfully shy” “Immature and unstable” “Underachiever” “Bright, but sensitive to criticism” “Significant problems with procrastination” “John is learning to let others have their opinions.” “Not a team player” “Extremely efficient when she comes to class.” “His personal hygiene has improved.”

Applying to Graduate School: Personal Interview Opportunity to show your interest, skills and to learn if this is the right program for you You pay for all expenses. Before interview preparation: Read about the program, university, your potential advisor and other program faculty Generate thoughtful questions PhD programs: Questions about current research, show your ideas for future research I see you are working on Project X. What would be my role in this Project? How would you describe your mentoring style? How are students in your lab funded?

Applying to Graduate School: Personal Interview During the interview Dress professionally Discuss faculty research that interests you, your potential contributions Ask the questions you prepared After the interview Send thank you notes If accepted, generally receive formal offer by April 1 If wait-listed, might receive offer later

Applying to Graduate School: Financial Aid Department funding- assistantships (teaching, research) Institutional funding- fellowships, grants Employer professional development/tuition assistance Loans

Graduate School Planning Timeline Junior year and Senior year (Fall) Establish selection criteria for programs Take the GRE if required Begin writing your personal statement Contact faculty and students Manage time to meet deadlines for admission

Graduate School Planning Timeline Senior year (Fall) Assemble application packages Review and collect letters of recommendation Continue to revise personal statement Request transcripts from Registrar Mail/submit all application materials by deadlines

Graduate School Planning Timeline Senior year (Spring) Contact schools to confirm receipt of application and status of process Keep references updated on status Visit programs if they invite you to interview Notify all accepted and rejected schools Thank people who were instrumental in the process (letter writers, employers, faculty)

Books: Graduate School Resources Graduate Admission Essays-What Works, What Doesn’t Graduate Student’s Complete Scholarship Book Petersons Guide to Graduate School ( all volumes) How To Write A Winning Personal Statement

References Appleby, D. C., & Appleby, K. M. (2006). Kisses of death in the graduate school application process. Teaching of Psychology, 33, 19-24. doi: 10.1207/s15328023top3301_5