Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Graduate School: To Go Or Not To Go? Graduate School: To Go Or Not To Go? Not To Go? Career Services Science Library, G Please view this presentation in slideshow mode

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career  Introduction  Before Applying: Questions to ask yourself  Finding Programs  What You Can Do Now  Choosing Schools  The Application Process  Resources Outline

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Introduction Graduate school is different than your years spent as an undergraduate More demanding Subject material is more specialized (no Gen Eds!) Smaller classes Closer relationship with faculty More papers/group projects versus exams

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself Are you committed enough to your subject to pursue an advanced degree? Is an advanced degree required for entry into your desired field? Which degree? Specializations? Licenses? Certification?

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself Would it be in your best interest to work & gain experience, THEN apply? Do you have the financial resources to cover costs? Are you “burned out” academically & need to take some time off?

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself Do you have what it takes? How much do you really know about graduate school? Are you pursuing graduate school for the right reasons rather than avoiding “real life?”

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask Faculty Graduate Students & Alumni Admissions Offices Professional Organizations School Viewbooks, Catalogs, and Websites

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask Directories & Web Sites:  GradSchools.com  Peterson’s Graduate and Professional Programs  (six volume set available in Career Services & the main library or  US News & World Reports: America’s Best Graduate Schools

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career What You Can Do Now Clarify your interests Prepare for admissions tests: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, Praxis Obtain relevant experience Get to know faculty better Raise your GPA Think ahead: save your money!

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Choosing Schools: What to Consider Admissions Criteria Curriculum/Program Requirements Internship or thesis Dissertation Comprehensive exam Foreign language requirement

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Choosing Schools: What to Consider Reputation, Quality of Program, & Accreditation Employment Statistics: % of graduates employed by graduation, as well as six months out Faculty - Research interests - Orientation - Ratio to students

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Choosing Schools: What to Consider Location & Size Cost/Financial Aid (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition) Loans Grants, scholarships, fellowships Tuition-remission programs (i.e. assistantships) External sources

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process – TIMETABLE – Junior Year (Summer):  Clarify interests & start looking for programs  Meet with faculty members & Career Services staff to discuss interests

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process – Senior Year (September/October):  Research financial aid sources, fellowships, and assistantships  Take admissions tests  Draft personal statements  Request recommendation letters from at least three faculty members

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process – Senior Year (November/December):  Order official transcripts (asking Registrar to send AFTER Fall grades are posted)  Finalize personal statements  Mail applications (EARLY!)  Apply for financial aid

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process Application Components: Application and fees Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT) Official transcripts Personal statement

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process Letters of recommendation which may describe your: Academic & analytical ability Oral/written communication skills Character & initiative Intelligence Maturity Responsibility & integrity Interpersonal relations Leadership ability

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process – Personal Statement Often the most difficult part of your application Tailor each statement for each application Answer questions such as… How does this program match with your interests? Why should we accept you? How will you fit into their department and school? Indicate you have the drive and dedication to complete the program

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career The Application Process Interview May or may not be required, depends on program Usually longer if applying for a counseling, psychology, or MSW program Structure may vary (group versus individual interview) Other e.g., portfolio of your art, writing sample

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Career Services Resources Reference file service ($30 fee) Program directories Resume/essay critiquing Admissions test information Career advising appointments

Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G albany.edu/career Other Resources – If you are even slightly interested in law or health, get connected with: Pre-Law Advisor: Dawn Kakumba, ASC/US Advisement Services Center ULB36, Pre-Health Advisor: Ann Marie Carrick, ASC/US, Advisement Services Center ULB31, (518)

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