How to Go to Graduate School Biology Department Saint Louis University Dr. Downes & Dr. Nordell bdownes1@slu.edu nordell@slu.edu

What is graduate school? Graduate school is training in research Research = discovery of the unknown. Are you an explorer? Do you like to think creatively? Are you eager to make a unique contribution to the world during your lifetime? Are these things as important to you as a high salary? A career in research can be very profitable, but if that is the only motivation it is likely to be disastrous. Do what you love. The rest will take care of itself.

What is graduate school? Graduate school is preparation for careers including: industrial research government research academic research teaching Teaching is the ultimate destiny for any knowledge if it is to be preserved and expanded.

What is graduate school? Graduate school is the pursuit of a Master’s or Doctoral Degree Master of Science (M.S.) 2 year commitment Research & writing Industry or research technician, high school education, Doctor of Philosophy in Science (Ph.D.) 4-6 year commitment Extensive research & writing academics, research Post-Doctoral Position

Why go to Graduate School? Graduate school requires intense commitment of time and resources. Ability to work independently is a requirement! Good reasons to apply: Professional development/ career goals Teaching, research, industry Intellectual curiosity Bad Reasons to apply: Not sure what else to do Don’t feel ready for a job Waiting to get into medical school Looking for expanded undergraduate education

BEFORE Applying to Graduate School Grades and GRE’s Minimum 3.0 GPA Score well on the Graduate Record Examination (www.ets.org) Measures: Verbal reasoning (scale is 200-800) Quantitative reasoning (scale is 200-800) Critical thinking Analytical writing (scale is 200-800) General Biology Many dates (can take at SLU) Computer-based test scores reported within 3 weeks Paper-based test scores reported within 4-6 weeks

BEFORE Applying to Graduate School Gaining Experience Start doing actual science early! Lab courses Real hands-on research experience Find faculty with research that interests you Biology Dept. Research Opportunities Examine faculty research on web E-mail faculty request meeting about doing research during their office hours or by appointment Discuss research & commitment required Join a scientific student organization St. Louis University Tribeta Biology Club Just Earth (mailto:slujustearth@hotmail.com) SLU Alpha Epsilon Delta

Applying to Graduate School Choose an area of research What interests you? Topics in courses Read Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/ Career Info http://www.emporia.edu/biosci/carebiol.htm Read job postings See what looks interesting for you!

Applying to Graduate School Select an institution Scientific society within discipline often has lists of who has graduate assistantships to offer American Society for Microbiology http://www.asm.org/Education/index.asp?bid=1214 American Physiological Society http://www.the-aps.org/education/edu_grad.html Ecology Society of America https://listserv.umd.edu/archives/ecolog-l.html Talk with SLU Biology faculty members/ mentor/ advisor Get application form& deadlines mid January or earlier http://www.pitt.edu/~biohome/Dept/Frame/applytograduateschool.ht

Applying to Graduate School Apply to primary and multiple secondary choice schools High competition for positions Be prepared to work on advisors research project Usually will be working on a subset of the advisor’s research Be flexible in your research interests Research interests often change during or after graduate school

Applying to Graduate School Select potential advisors Find specific faculty members Do your homework Check their web site/ Read their scientific publications Contact the potential advisor do early – before applying! Tell them: why you are writing why you find their research interesting Are they accepting any graduate students? Research assistantship or teaching assistantship available? Send them your: Curriculum Vitae (Academic resume – long version)

E-mail to Potential Graduate Advisor Dear Dr. X, Hi. My name is Bob Billiken I am a senior biology major at Saint Louis University. I am currently applying to graduate schools with PhD programs in the biological sciences, specifically those programs encompassing animal ecology research, and I came upon your information in the process. After reading about your research and the work done in your lab, I am very interesting in the possibility of earning my degree with you as my mentor. If you are accepting new students into your lab this coming school year, I believe that I would be a worthy candidate. For your consideration, I have included below some information about myself and why I believe you should consider my application. I have also attached to this email my resume and a writing sample from my undergraduate thesis proposal. Please consider me as a potential member of your lab, as I believe I could provide a valuable contribution to your research team. If you have any questions or would like to talk to me further about the possibility of joining your lab if I am admitted to the biology graduate program, please contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, Bob Billiken What would you think if you got this letter?

Applying to Graduate School What should be on your Curriculum vitae: Undergraduate degree and date expected List of science (& related) courses and grades Science and non-science GPA GRE scores Research experience In class/lab & in research lab Work experience References (these are important!) Provide them with pertinent information to provide an accurate reflection of your abilities (see next slide)

Applying to Graduate School How to get a good letter of recommendation Request and discuss in person Ask them if they can write a positive letter! Provide all forms, stamped and addressed envelopes Remind them of their interactions with you Course number and semester and grade Academic information Names and numbers and grades for courses & GPA Test scores, academic awards, etc. Research & work experience Be specific Academic strengths & weaknesses Personal characteristics Concrete examples of your dependability, intellectual capabilities & critical thinking skills, initiative, written & oral communication skills, interpersonal skills Gentle reminders of timeline

Applying to Graduate School Letter of Intent Your goals/ intentions Why do you want to go to graduate school? Your research interests State clearly (not vague generalizations) Should tailor for each potential advisor Sell yourself! Describe your qualities and experiences that make you unique and prepared Grades, research experience, internships, work experience, maturity, extracurricular experience as it relates to graduate school, motivation

Applying to Graduate School Interviews Be prepared Know faculty research interests Ask to meet graduate students Do one or more faculty have research programs that interest you? Meet with each of them Quality of library resources Are more than one faculty are active in your research field of interest? Send thank you!

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Fellowships for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees Can apply your senior year! http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201 Due in early November Based on academic achievement, reference letters, GRE scores, research proposal