Taking the Leap: Graduate School RaiNesha Miller Doctoral Student Oklahoma State University Counseling Psychology

The Decision Field of Study Career and Professional Goals Do I have time? Am I really ready? Is there anything else I want to do?

Where to Apply: Things to Consider Funding Academic Fit Diversity Thought (subject matter) Faculty Student Body National Ranking

Where to Apply: What NOT to Consider Location

The Timeline 1 year before applying School search GRE Preparation July/August before applying Take the GRE (or subject test if necessary) September before applying Establish definite list of schools Complete Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose

Where to Apply: Things to Consider Funding Academic Fit Diversity Thought (subject matter) Faculty Student Body National Ranking

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Standardized test Taken by students applying to graduate school REQUIRED 2 GRE examinations The General Test The Subject Tests

The Timeline 1 year before applying School search GRE Preparation July/August before applying Take the GRE (or subject test if necessary) September before applying Establish definite list of schools Complete Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose

The Personal Statement VERY IMPORTANT! Things to consider Who are you? What is unique about you? How does your uniqueness connect with your field of study? What should admissions officers know about you that is not expressed in other parts of your application?

Personal Statement Preparations Friends and Family “Three words to describe me” Life Story An interesting anecdote from your past Connects to your current goals

Resources for Writing application-to-u-s-universities/ Past qualifications and where your interest stems from Why now is the right time and University X is the right place Details about how you plan to use the degree in the future Clear Concise Specific Persuasive

The Timeline (cont’d) October before applying Contact Recommenders Complete Vita/Resume Edit Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose  Get feedback November before applying Request transcripts Send GRE scores to schools Check in with Recommenders

Recommendation Letters Who? Professors Past Employers How many? 3-4 letters When to ask? At the most: 3 months At the least: 1 month

The Timeline (cont’d) October before applying Contact Recommenders Complete Vita/Resume Edit Personal Statements and Statements of Purpose  Get feedback November before applying Request transcripts Send GRE scores to schools Check in with Recommenders

The Timeline (cont’d) December Final check SUBMIT application

Final Advice Be prepared Be organized Be sure Be genuine

Any questions? SEMANGAT!!!!!!!