The Application Process Nanett A. Rojas Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions

Ask Yourself the Following Questions - Why do I want to go to graduate school? - What are my career goals? - What will I specialize in? - Do I have the motivation for another two to seven years of school? - Can I afford to go to graduate school? - Do I have the academic and personal qualities to succeed?

Common Reasons to Attend Graduate School You welcome the intellectual challenge and are interested in the subject matter An advanced degree is helpful or may be required to find employment in your desired field An advanced degree may lead to advancement in your field or entry into a new field

The Graduate Application Process Begin Early Allows enough time for testing and receipt of results Many funding opportunities make selections by mid-April Know the requirements for your program (Master’s, Specialist, Ph.D., Graduate Certificate) Some options do not require exams while others require additional steps Meet with faculty and advisors Improves likelihood of name recognition during review of admissions pool Improves likelihood of research match

The Graduate Application Process Contact the university or research online Mark deadlines Find out testing and course requirements for program Research what application fees and waivers you may encounter/be eligible for

The Graduate Application Transcripts (What do we look at? UG 60) Exams such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL Personal Statement/Statement of Intent References/Recommendation Letters Resume/CV

Preparing for Graduate School Build on your strengths Boast your accomplishments Get involved Identify a mentor Think about your research and what you want to accomplish

Preparing for Graduate School GPA competitive (don’t assume, find out!) GRE competitive (again, don’t assume, find out what range of scores is competitive and the median score of those admitted!) Research experience: includes jobs, courses, etc. Excellent writing ability Strong recommendations

Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students at FIU Graduate Assistantships (TA vs RA) Fellowships Presidential Fellowships (doctoral students) McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Inclusion Fellowship NSF Bridge to Doctorate Latin American and Caribbean Graduate Fellowship GEM Fellowships University-wide scholarships ( e.g. Delores Auzenne Fellowship)

Student Resources Council of Graduate Schools http://www.cgsnet.org Florida Education Fund http://www.fefonline.org/mdf.html National Association of Graduate-Professional Students http://www.nagps.org/ National Science Foundation http://www.nsf.gov

Questions??? Contact Us Enrollment Services-- Graduate Admissions Modesto A. Maidique Campus 11200 S.W. 8th Street, PC 140 Miami, FL 33199 Phone: (305) 348-7000 Fax: (305) 348-7441 Email: gradadm@fiu.edu Website: https://admissions.fiu.edu