Going on to Grad School to… Continue Your Education??

Will earnings and satisfaction go up? Is there nothing else to do? What is the cost? Do you have specific career goals?

“The past decade has seen a 33% jump in US graduate school enrollment and an 80% surge in tuition and fees. Combined with a relatively weak job market, about 1/3 of people with masters are now making less money than a typical bachelor’s degree holder.” Jonathan Kaufman

WORK FIRST? Recharge your batteries Develop confidence Investigate a field

What will help iron out the Wrinkles?

How to Clarify My Decision To Go To Grad School? Related work experience in your field. Practical experience- internships, undergraduate research and volunteering.  Experience will enhance your application making you a more viable, competitive candidate.

It’s about Passion

CHOOSING A SCHOOL Will prestige help? Does Department emphasize what you want? Investigate: attrition rate, average time to completion, your teaching requirements, language requirements, placement rates

Do You Know What Program? If you know the field you are going into and if an advanced degree is required for entry then grad school makes perfect sense

If you still have Questions For most it is not clear cut. If you are not sure of your career goals –Don’t go until you are.

Choosing the RIGHT Program Academic Vs. Professional  Academic focus on original research  Professional focus on practical applications Masters Vs. Doctorates  Masters= take 1-3 years to earn  Doctorates= can take up to 8 years! For many fields the Masters may be sufficient. For others the doctorate is necessary  (Doctor of Medicine, Juris Doctor…etc)

How to Find the Right School Look at Directories for Grad Schools Visit the schools, meet with faculty or other grad students Evaluate  Quality of the faculty  Prestige of the school  Cost and housing  Job Opportunities

Read the catalog Consult with faculty Talk with alumni Visit Speak to current students

Consider Financial Aid Complete financial aid applications EARLY Other outside sources  Often very early deadlines  Necessary to take graduate admission tests and to obtain letters of recommendation the year prior FAFSA-Free Application for Federal Student Aid (available online) Some schools also want you to complete the College Scholarship Service Financial Aid Profile

Undergraduate GPA in major Recommendation from known faculty Undergraduate GPA in Jr./Sr. year GRE--Verbal Related major Overall GPA Education/career aspiration

ADMISSION CRITERIA CONTINUED Applicant known Other academic achievements Quality of undergraduate institution Personal Statement Interview Work experience

THEN CONSIDER The number of applications & the mix of graduate schools

MAXIMIZE YOUR CHANCES Research the Department Cultivate references Choose less competitive fields Look for up and coming schools Use personal contacts Write strong Start early

Requirements- Graduate Assessment Test Plan to take 1 year ahead of time Examples:  GRE (Graduate Record Exams)  LSATS (Law School Admissions Test)  GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)  MCAT (Medical College Administrations Test)

Official Transcripts Application Essay  About your accomplishments & Interests to the study  Use enthusiasm, creativity and uniqueness  Get it critiqued before turning in with application 2-3 Letters of Recommendation  Give your recommenders the correct forms with stamped and addressed envelops or website  Provide support info.

ALSO... Study for the Graduate test Study for the Graduate test Have personal statement reviewed and answer what is asked Have personal statement reviewed and answer what is asked Prepare for the interview Prepare for the interview

GOOD LUCK Good Luck

Getting in will make you so happy!