1. Preparing for Graduate School
Welcome to the Preparing for Graduate School Presentation
My name is Kim Wilson and I am the Assistant Director of Career Services at UW Bothell
Source of much of presentation content came from
Applying to Graduate and Professional Schools
A Unit of the Division of Student Affairs
134 Mary Gates Hall, Box
(206)

2. Overview What is Graduate School? Researching Programs Application
Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation
Admissions Interview
Funding Sources

3. What is Graduate School?
Advanced study in academic disciplines
Professional school
Preparation for entering into professions

4. Why Graduate School? Know why you’re going
Reasons, expectations, self assessment
What are the costs and benefits?
Research careers and occupations
Choosing a Program
Apply to more than one
Talk to professors

5. Research Programs Identify programs of interest
GradSchools.com 
Petersons 
Grad Source 
Research graduate schools – beyond their websites
Talk with professors, mentors, and students
Contact program admissions advisers
Visit campuses

6. Considerations & Priorities
Create a worksheet with a list of qualities to prioritize
Accreditation
Reputation
Advisors/Mentorship
Academic Rigor
Cost
Location
Experiential Learning
Program Schedule &
Time Commitment
Deadlines – Timeline

7. Application Checklist
Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.)
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Personal statement
Recommendation letters
Writing samples or portfolio (for some programs)
GPA/ transcripts
Application forms
Interviews (for some programs)
Financial aid applications

8. Application Preparation
Junior year
Know admissions process/criteria
Research areas of interest & schools
Develop relationships with recommenders
Apply for fellowships & scholarships
Build experience
Summer between your Jr & Sr year
Finalize research
Prepare your application materials
Senior year- start 6 months prior to application deadlines
Admissions tests
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Financial aid applications & forms
Complete application

9. Undergraduate Research
Research as an undergraduate to discover talents and interests
Projects can lead to scholarships and awards 
Evidence and portfolio pieces for your resume or graduate school application
Undergraduate Research Opportunities

10. Steps to Undergraduate Research
Talk to professors
Independent undergraduate research courses
Meet with SSC Undergraduate Research Advisor
Research-In-Action a two-credit course
Attend Research in Progress seminars  
Consider taking a graduate course
Senior thesis option in your program.

11. Develop a Showcase Portfolio
Connect experiences to academic and career opportunities
Collection of documents and artifacts that demonstrate your content knowledge, skills and experience
Markets your skills and abilities
A meaningful selection, is a living document and is evidence based
Contain samples of your best work
Be sure to update and edit your web presence and social networking sites

12. Components of A Graduate School Portfolio
Showcase RESEARCH, LEADERSHIP, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Showcase portfolio particularly for school or program
Research
Writing samples
Projects
Awards and certificates
Presentations, articles or professional association contributions
Letters of recommendation
Samples of work you contributed to

13. Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose is designed to communicate five things:
1. Writing ability
2. Connections
3. Your philosophy
4. What makes you unique
5. How you can be an asset

14. Compelling Personal Statement
Strong personal statements tell stories that demonstrate your strengths.
Know your unique value
Know your audience
Make a good case for a match
Provide specific examples

15. Letters of Recommendation
Plan to have at least 3 strong letters
4 weeks MINIMUM lead time
Provide recommenders with supporting materials - specific, relevant experience
Follow-up with recommenders prior to deadline
Be timely and responsive  • Keep in touch 

16. Admissions Interview Review application materials
Prepare stories about how you took initiative, participated in leadership roles, and decided to study the field you are pursuing
Answer “Why here?” and “What can you contribute to the program?”
Be open, honest and courteous
Group interviews
Send thank you notes

17. Types of Funding Need-based Merit-based Targeted
Scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards
Assistantships and other forms of employment
Loans
Employer funded

18. Preparing for Graduate Education GRDSCH200
10-week hybrid course (2 C/NC) at UWS for juniors and seniors from all disciplines
Learning Goals:
Identify if you want to go to graduate school
Develop a graduate school portfolio
Prepare to create a competitive application

19. resources
Career services Graduate and Professional School resources Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards Writing and Communication Center Undergraduate Research UW Library resources Faculty Office Hours