Graduate School Application Process Mc NairCSTEPLSAMP Summer Research

Graduate School Application Process Mc. Nair/CSTEP/LSAMP Summer Research 2010

The Application Process • Very different from undergraduate process • Faculty oriented • Multiple contacts • High expectations • Competition for funding means deadlines are deadlines!

Preparing Competitive Applications • Be Responsible – Organization is Key – Create a Graduate School Folder on Your Computer/Flash Drive – Excel Sheet/Checklist – List every graduate program you’re applying to and the components of the application – As you complete and acquire each piececheck and put the date of completion – Sort by Program deadline

Preparing Competitive Applications • PREP – Be Prepared • Be informed- Know all program information, expectations, deadlines, etc. – Be Responsible • Prepare and organize your application material, get a timeline and schedule yourself accordingly – Be Efficient/Effective • Applications materials must be complete, comprehensive and clear – Be Punctual • Time is in fact Money! Admissions and funding schedules are time sensitive. You’ve got to be in it to win it. Live by your deadlines, if you snooze you lose.

Preparing Competitive Applications • Be Prepared – Graduate School is a significant commitment- Learn all that you can about the program you are applying to. • Course Requirements- view course catalog/bulletin/ find out pre-requisites • Faculty Research – Identify how your research interests align with faculty research and the campus research facilities • Available Support- Seek out offices and programs that support graduate students and minority graduate students • Deadlines – Be certain you know all program and application deadlines

Preparing Competitive Applications

Time Line for Applying Junior Year • Notify professors for recommendation letters • Take GRE • Know schools you will apply • contact professors you want to work with • Know area of research you are interested in • Tour schools Summer following • Write strong personal statement • Finish CV

Time Line Continued Senior Year Fall • In August: give personal statement/CV to professor for recommendation letter, give them a fake deadline, perhaps the end of September • Start online Applications • Create timeline with deadlines that you don’t miss • Make sure you sent GRE and Transcripts to schools • Finish all applications by deadline

The Graduate School Application • Components – – – Application Academic Transcript Recommendation Letters Standardized Exams (GRE) Personal Statements Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application • Begin Early – Graduate application deadlines fall between November and February. Some programs may have rolling admission. • • • Review instructions and requirements carefully Submit supplemental materials on time! Be Consistent – Make sure your name matches your academic transcript and other documents. This will reduce the possibility of misplaced supplemental documents. • Proofread and check spelling – Proofread PDF of application and check for spelling errors • Be punctual – Timing is everything, all applications must be completed & submitted by ( or preferably before) the deadline

Transcripts • Request them early • Request from ALL undergraduate institutions • GPA will be calculated for all schools • Order from Registrar’s Office • Destination address • Fee • Allow several weeks

Recommendation Letters • Must come from faculty, first and foremost! • Give recommendation providers ample notice to write your letter • Provide a packet of personal information including your resume/CV, personal statement, etc. – Include a list of all the programs/schools you’re applying to and when letters/applications must be submitted. – Include a summary of the work you have done with/for your letter writer and include achievements and results. • Offer to meet with faculty to discuss personal/professional goals, explain personal information and discuss the programs to which you are planning to apply. • Send polite reminders, but be careful not to stalk. • Send thank you cards to show your appreciation. • Follow-up! Let faculty know the outcome of your applications. They will more than likely provide recommendation letters for future opportunities, so keep them updated.

Test Scores • Most graduate programs require an exam score (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, Miller Analogies Test) • Good luck & don’t stress this is only 1 part • Free scores • Take early in case you want to retake • Most schools combine best scores (check with school)

The Personal Statement • Why is it important? – Lets admissions know who you are and you’re serious. – Can be the deciding factor. • It should… – Show your writing skills (style, grammar, punctuation) – Stand out • Questions to ask… – What are your goals – Why do you wish to pursue graduate school ( this area of study at this school) – How does academic performance and experiences explain you and this chosen path • Most Importantly! −Revise, revise

Resume or CV • Resume – Appropriate for M. S. application – Opportunity to outline relevant skills, internships, research experience, involvement in student activities, leadership positions, awards, etc. • Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Appropriate for Ph. D. application – Opportunity to outline relevant skills, research experience, teaching, presentations, publications, etc. • Obtain feedback from the Career Education Center, faculty advisor, mentor, current graduate students

Homework Assignment 1. Complete application for one of the graduate schools on your list 2. Write your personal statement geared towards applying to that school. 3. Have two people review and make suggestions on it 4. Revise, revise * These are required for your final folder on JULY 31, 2010…bring your rough copy to your summer advisory meeting for Tammy or Myself to review and make suggestions.

References • Preparing Competitive Applications for Graduate Programs in Engineering and Science. Presented By Tykeia N. Robinson& Dr. Tiffany Simon, Columbia University. • Mc. Nair Boot Camp 2010, Donald Asher • Making It Into a Top Graduate School, H. Greene & M. Greene • Personal Statement Presentation Hillary Oakes