1. 5/20/2018
Graduate School
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2. Why go to Graduate School?
5/20/2018
Why go to Graduate School?
Personal growth and education
Facilitate specific career goals
Contribute to society
Earn more money
High school $1.2 M
B.S. $2.1M
M.S $2.5M
Ph.D. $3.4M
Enjoy life more and probably
live longer
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3. Typical Questions What should I study? Where should I go?
5/20/2018
Typical Questions
What should I study?
Where should I go?
Will I get in?
How will I pay for it?
Is this the right decision at this point in my life?
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4. Presentation Outline Selecting a graduate school
5/20/2018
Selecting a graduate school
The application process
Getting admitted
Financing your education
Deciding to attend
Keys to success in grad school
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5. Types of Graduate Programs
Professional (MBA, DVM, PharmD, EdD, MD, Law)
Master's (thesis and non-thesis)
Doctoral Programs

6. Factors in Selecting a Graduate School
Art
Factors in Selecting
a Graduate School
Program fits with your interests and abilities
Faculty: quality, critical mass, and their research interests
Location
Cost and funding package
Does it feel right?

7. Admissions Requirements
Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Typically a cumulative GPA> 3.0
Is acceptable to the graduate
program

8. Typical Application Components
Application form (web-based)
Resume or curriculum vitae
Personal statement/educational objectives
Essays or portfolios for some programs
Letters of recommendation (typically 3)
GRE scores commonly required
Transcripts for all college work

9. Letters of Reference Typically 3 letters
Cultivate relationships (mentor/professor)
Ask advice
Choose professors carefully
Contact professors early, ask if they can support you, and say thank you!
Help professors write the best letter possible

10. Entrance Exams Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
5/20/2018
Entrance Exams
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for business
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
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11. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
VERBAL:
analyze and evaluate written material; (130 – 170 scale; mean = 150.8)
QUANTITATIVE: mathematical skills; algebra, geometry, data analysis (130 – 170 scale; mean = 151.3)
ANALYTICAL WRITING: critical thinking and analytical writing skills; does not assess specific content knowledge (0-6 scale; mean = 3.7)

12. GRE Subject Tests Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology
Literature in English
Biology
Math
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Psychology
Be sure to check program requirements!

13. Criteria for Admission Decisions
5/20/2018
Criteria for Admission Decisions
Undergraduate GPA
GRE scores
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement/educational objectives
Samples of academic work
Relevant professional experience
Undergraduate research experience
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14. WAITING … Waiting … waiting

15. Acceptance Letters!

16. What if you don’t meet entrance requirements?
Contact a professor
Express interest in a program
Show professional accomplishments
Show publications (such as senior thesis)
Apply to a less competitive program

17. Funding Your Education
Funding availability depends on type of degree program
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Scholarships
Fellowships
Loans

18. Sources of Funding at WSU
41% student loans (45% use none)
16% teaching assistantships
20% research assistantships
Family support
Work

19. Teaching and Research Assistantships
Teaching assistants work in an instructional capacity an average of 20 hours per week.
Research assistants work in a research capacity an average of 20 hours per week.

20. Duties of a TA may include:
Setting up electronic classrooms and laboratories
Preparation of instructional aids and web pages
Preparation of exams
Grading exams and papers
Holding office hours for students
Attending lectures, assigned readings
Conducting review sections
Leading discussion or lab sections
Offering guest lectures
ASK YOUR PROFESSOR WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU!!

21. Research and Teaching Assistantships
Salaries (in the sciences) may range from $11,500 (avg. TA) to $45,000 (PhD fellowship) per year.
Out-of-state tuition MAY be waived for students on an assistantship. 
In-state tuition/fees MAY also be paid as part of the package.
There MAY be other benefits, such as health benefits.
Ask lots of questions! Read offer letter!

22. Deciding to Attend Go visit -- take a tour!!!
5/20/2018
Go visit -- take a tour!!!
Talk with professors and students
Talk about funding
Talk about housing
Is there a good fit between your interests, the program and available projects?
Does it “feel” right?
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23. Selecting a Major Professor
5/20/2018
Reputation, expertise, publishing record, time to degree for students
Communication and responsiveness
Ability to help you get a job and write a good letter of recommendation
Talk with current and past students, other profs, and staff
Consider your fit both academically and personally over the long term
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24. Working with your Major Professor
5/20/2018
Working with your Major Professor
Understand expectations
Find preferred ways of working
and communicating
Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!
Don’t take things too
personally
Realize there will be ups and downs in your academics and professional relationship
Do your best work!
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25. Supporting Units at WSU Can Help You be Successful
Writing Center
Career and Professional Planning (CAPP)
Counseling Center
Library
Women’s Center
TACC - workshops on study skills etc.
COGS, department, and college

26. Great Web References http://gradschool.about.com/
Deciding if grad school is right for you, admissions, financial aid
Suggestions for finding the right school for you: applying, getting accepted, financing, essays, campus tours, exams, etc.
Search degree programs

27. Contact Me!
Debra C. Sellon Associate Dean Graduate School Washington State University

28. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS