Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Grad School Michael D. Penwell Career Advisor Original presentation created by Geralyn Mitchell, Lycoming College Career Services Office

Masters/Doctorate Masters: –1-2 Years of study post baccalaureate –Professional Degree (more class/less research) Doctorate: –4-7 Years of Study post Masters –Research Degree (more research/less class)

Why Should I Go? Increased Salary Improve your marketable skills Commitment to field More Flexibility in career Requirement for some fields.

When Should I Go? Go directly to Grad SchoolGo to Work First Pros You already have the momentum and discipline that school requires You may have fewer obligations, financial and otherwise Cons It can be very difficult to divest yourself of the debt incurred while financing your education Pros A few years on a job can give you a different perspective on what's important about your education. You can save money to pay for your education You can gain a deeper understanding of your field through hands-on experience. Cons It's easy to get addicted to a steady paycheck. Your choice to go back to school may require financial sacrifices

Making the Decision Research desired field –Talk to experts in your field Professional Associations –CDC –Request Information from Grad Schools –US News and World Reports –Job shadow for a day Find schools with a degree in that field – – –

Making the Decision Evaluating the different schools and programs  Consider faculty quality, including research interests  Courses, emphasis related to interests  Prestige of institution  Costs, financial aid, work opportunities, graduate assistantships  Geography  Experiential learning opportunities  Placement/employment rates

What to Consider Where you want to live after graduation If you can survive on little money Do you enjoy independent work? Do you have a strong interest in a specific area? Are you willing to commit 1-2 years for a Master degree or 4-7+ for a Doctorate

Admissions What are the schools’ admissions criteria? Undergraduate GPA Major, minor, coursework Admission test scores –Practice Testing, TBA, Lycoming offers this in spring semester Letters of recommendation Evidence of genuine interest Relevant work or research experience Interview Essays Personal Statement

Graduate Admissions Tests MCAT: Medical College Admissions Test LSAT: Law School Admissions Test GRE: Graduate Record Exam –General –Subject GMAT: Graduate Management Admissions Test

Financial Aid Assistantships –Teaching, office, research Fellowships FASFA forms Scholarships Employer Reimbursements Student Loans Part Time Jobs

Graduate School Time Line 18 Months Prior –Research Schools and Programs of interest –Investigate Financial Aid/Scholarships –Prepare and register for graduate entrance exams 15 Months Prior –Take required entrance exams –Obtain application materials –Note application deadlines and admissions policies

Graduate School Timeline 1 Year Prior –Obtain letters of recommendation. Write Thank you notes to each person who writes a letter for you. –Mail completed applications –(Re) Take graduate entrance exams if you haven’t already. 6 Months Prior –Check with schools prior to deadline to be sure that your application was received and that it is complete. –Apply for financial aid/scholarships –Send deposit to your school of choice –Contact those who wrote you letter of recommendations to inform them of your progress and choice –Notify other schools that accepted you of your choice