1. The Application Process
Nanett A. Rojas
Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions

2. Ask Yourself the Following Questions
- Why do I want to go to graduate school? - What are my career goals? - What will I specialize in? - Do I have the motivation for another two to seven years of school? - Can I afford to go to graduate school? - Do I have the academic and personal qualities to succeed?

3. Common Reasons to Attend Graduate School
You welcome the intellectual challenge and are interested in the subject matter
An advanced degree is helpful or may be required to find employment in your desired field
An advanced degree may lead to advancement in your field or entry into a new field

4. The Graduate Application Process
Begin Early
Allows enough time for testing and receipt of results
Many funding opportunities make selections by mid-April
Know the requirements for your program (Master’s, Specialist, Ph.D., Graduate Certificate)
Some options do not require exams while others require additional steps
Meet with faculty and advisors
Improves likelihood of name recognition during review of admissions pool
Improves likelihood of research match

5. The Graduate Application Process
Contact the university or research online
Mark deadlines
Find out testing and course requirements for program
Research what application fees and waivers you may encounter/be eligible for

6. The Graduate Application
Transcripts (What do we look at? UG 60)
Exams such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL
Personal Statement/Statement of Intent
References/Recommendation Letters
Resume/CV

7. Preparing for Graduate School
Build on your strengths
Boast your accomplishments
Get involved
Identify a mentor
Think about your research and what you want to accomplish

8. Preparing for Graduate School
GPA competitive (don’t assume, find out!)
GRE competitive (again, don’t assume, find out what range of scores is competitive and the median score of those admitted!)
Research experience: includes jobs, courses, etc.
Excellent writing ability
Strong recommendations

9. Funding Opportunities for Graduate Students at FIU
Graduate Assistantships (TA vs RA)
Fellowships
Presidential Fellowships (doctoral students)
McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
Inclusion Fellowship
NSF Bridge to Doctorate
Latin American and Caribbean Graduate Fellowship
GEM Fellowships
University-wide scholarships ( e.g. Delores Auzenne Fellowship)

10. Student Resources Council of Graduate Schools http://www.cgsnet.org
Florida Education Fund
National Association of Graduate-Professional Students
National Science Foundation

11. Questions???
Contact Us Enrollment Services-- Graduate Admissions Modesto A. Maidique Campus S.W. 8th Street, PC 140 Miami, FL Phone: (305) Fax: (305) Website: