Dr. Hien Duc Do College of Social Sciences ACCCESS Center Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Welcome and introduction

Why Graduate School?

Different Types of Schools Professional Schools (Law, Dental, Medical, Business, etc….) Terminal Degree Programs (MSW, MPA, MPH, etc.) Doctoral Programs

Key Issues A) Preparation B) Research C) Execution

(A) Preparation What are you doing to prepare? 1) Academic records a) GPA and required tests (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) b) course preparation (background and skills) c) additional courses (minor) 2) Research experience a) See if any professors needs research assistant b) seek volunteer opportunities 3) Internships a) Utilize the Career Center to see availability b) Ask professors 4) Relationship building a) Get to know your professors

(B) Research Begin your research early a) What type of graduate programs? b) What college or university? c) Faculty and their research interests? d) What type of support? (fellowship, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, etc.) e) Application process – requirements and deadlines

(C) Execution How will you start the process? a) Academic preparation (Test prep., deadlines, etc.) b) Letter of recommendations (how many?) c) Personal statement?

(a) Academic Preparation Fundamental and foundational skills are crucial: Reading Writing Critical Analysis Quantitative Competency Communication Skills Organizational skills

(b) Letters of Recommendation How many will you need? (varies from school to school but generally, three) Who to ask? 1) A faculty who knows you well both academically and personally 2) A faculty that you did well in her/his course(s) 3) A supervisor or work experience related

(c) Personal Statement 1) Spend time writing and editing it. 2) Important since it WILL differentiate you from other students. Make it YOUR UNIQUE STORY 3) Answer the questions and avoid “clichés” 4) Make sure to address your strength but also acknowledge or explain your weaknesses

Conclusion 1) Have a plan 2) Use your network (family, friends, and faculty) and resources at SJSU 3) Allocate TIME