Defining the ‘right fit’: Investigating the Graduate Student Community – an Integral Part of the Application Process

This is the Goal

Starting the Journey Application materials Letters of recommendation Standardized tests Personal Statement Writing Sample Resume/CV Now what… Application materials Letters of recommendation Standardized tests Personal Statement Writing Sample Resume/CV Now what…

So you have your list… Asking the questions related to best fit… Is there a graduate student community? Are there organizations, affinity groups, clubs I can join? How do I find a place to live? Who do I ask for help? Will I have time for anything fun? Asking the questions related to best fit… Is there a graduate student community? Are there organizations, affinity groups, clubs I can join? How do I find a place to live? Who do I ask for help? Will I have time for anything fun?

Transitioning Undergraduate student Graduate student Consumer of knowledge Producer of knowledge Apprentice Expert Develop deep understanding of particular field of study

Graduate Studies In graduate school, your job is to  Learn  Contribute  Grow professionally  Develop personally  Learn  Contribute  Grow professionally  Develop personally

Life Beyond the Library & Lab

Graduate Student Community Elements beyond academics WelcomingInclusiveSupportive Fit with other students Engaging

Explore Beyond Campus  Mental and physical wellness  Social activities, entertainment, culture  Take a walk, go to dinner, see a movie  Mental and physical wellness  Social activities, entertainment, culture  Take a walk, go to dinner, see a movie

Graduate Visitation Programs  Typically for populations that are underrepresented in graduate education  Apply to receive partial to fully funded campus visits  1-3 day program  Meet with faculty, students  Experience the campus environment  Typically for populations that are underrepresented in graduate education  Apply to receive partial to fully funded campus visits  1-3 day program  Meet with faculty, students  Experience the campus environment

Ex. UR Visitation Program  Two day event  Interact with faculty and students in program  Grad student panel  Campus tour  Application session  Reception with Deans

Healthy Graduate Student Campus Organizations Mentor Programs Professional Development Student Services

Sources of Support  Coordinator for Graduate Student Services  Programs that focus on underrepresented graduate students  Ombudspersons, intercessors, other confidential support  Family friendly policies  Professional development workshops/courses  Coordinator for Graduate Student Services  Programs that focus on underrepresented graduate students  Ombudspersons, intercessors, other confidential support  Family friendly policies  Professional development workshops/courses

Ex. UR Professional Development  Future Faculty Initiative  Networking Workshops  Grant Writing  Future Faculty Initiative  Networking Workshops  Grant Writing

Tactics Program and department websites Student organization blogs, social media groups Leveraging LinkedIn Program and department websites Student organization blogs, social media groups Leveraging LinkedIn

Student Profile Aspiring graduate student seeking challenging doctoral program in biomedical engineering Groups Alumni and common interest Making connections Contacts Defining your path through graduate school Student Profile Aspiring graduate student seeking challenging doctoral program in biomedical engineering Groups Alumni and common interest Making connections Contacts Defining your path through graduate school

This is the Goal

Answers Now you know the questions Ideas on where to find some answers Tactics for evaluating programs Now you know the questions Ideas on where to find some answers Tactics for evaluating programs

Good Luck  Questions, comments, concerns?  Contact information: Pia Bunton Graduate Marketing & Recruiting University of Rochester  Questions, comments, concerns?  Contact information: Pia Bunton Graduate Marketing & Recruiting University of Rochester