Overview of PostgraduateStudy in the US

& Fulbright Awards

EducationUSA – who we are?

Global Network of more than 450 advising centres in 170 countries supported by the US Department of State

Primary source of information for potential under and post-graduate students and scholars around the world who seek access to US Higher Education

EducationUSA advising centre is now based in the Fulbright Commission

TimelineTypical Timeframe Time before

EnrolmentNotes

August - September 10-12 months •Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities•Register for admissions exams•Begin admissions and funding applications

September - December 8-10 months •Submit admissions applications•Submit funding applications•End Nov. 2011 – Apply for a Fulbright Award for 2012-2013

Spring of Final Yr 4-7 months •Receive admissions and funding decisions

Summer after Final Yr 1-3 months •Notify universities•Apply for your visa

Aug / Sept - •Begin Study in the US!

Choosing a Postgraduate Degree & Funding Options

1,700 HEIs offering postgraduate degrees...

What is the right fit for your DISCIPLINE? What is the right fit for you PERSONALLY?

Factors you will want to consider: academic fit and suitability of department location and campus setting/size competitiveness of admission cost of attendance and availability of funding accreditation and reputation

Steps for narrowing the search...

Think before you search. Prioritise the factors that are important to you

Use an online search engine to identify a more manageable list of universities meeting your criteria that you can research further. Narrow down your list from 4,000 universities to 10-20 good options

Research your 10-20 good options, and then narrow the list to the 4-6 you apply to

Where to start?

Talk with lecturers, specialists in your field, colleagues...

Publications – who’s doing work in your area in the US?

Department websites, current students and faculty members, Irish societies

Be proactive and use what’s available online...

www.petersons.com - an EXCELLENT resource on EVERYTHING

www.princetonreview.com

Other useful websites

www.educationusa.info

www.gradschools.com

www.internationalgraduate.net

How much will it cost?

Varies significantly between universities and degree programmes

Can be set semester/yearly rate or calculated on a per-credit basis

Factor in cost of living, books and personal expenses = $8,500 - $10,000 on top of fees (US immigration will need to see proof)

Average total cost of attendance: Master’s: $21,900 (public) - $34,100 (private) Doctoral: $28,600 (public) - $40,200 (private)

Sources of funding...apart from your own!

What are US admissions looking for? Academics

Degree results - Minimum 2:2 undergraduate results Admissions exam results – GRE, GMAT, LCAT, MCAT

‘Academic fit’ – compelling reasons for: pursuing that particular degree programme at that institution how it will help you achieve your future goals For Irish students - why you’re interested in studying in the US

Relevant preparation - Work/research experience and/or coursework

Extracurricular involvement – Do not underestimate this!

The Application Procedure- Leave plenty of time!

Each application will follow a similar format:

Application form Admissions exam scores, such as the GRE Transcript Personal statement / essay question Research statement (if applicable) 2-3 recommendation letters CV Application fee ($50-$100) Interview (for MBA) or audition (for the Arts) Submission of work (writing sample, portfolio, etc.)

Transcripts / Grades

There are three ways US universities will evaluate your qualifications: Some universities will assess your qualifications holistically, knowing

what it means to have a First, 2:1 or 2:2 Other universities will convert your Irish results to a US GPA using a

publication or internal chart Some universities however will require applicants to use a credential

evaluation service, which converts international qualifications into their US equivalents and verifies the authenticity of your qualification.

Each institution will vary so ensure you give them what they ask for!

Graduate Admission ExamsGRE - Graduate Record Examination (www.ets.org/gre) $190 For entry into professional or academic/research Master's

programme (other than medicine, business) 3 hours & 45 minutes Quantitative Analysis, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing Computer-based format in Dublin To Apply visit www.ets.org/gre

GRE Subject Test $160 Check with the academic department or graduate admission office

to confirm if it’s required

Discipline Specific Graduate ExamsGMAT – to pursue an MBA www.gmac.com Quantitative (75 minutes) and Verbal Section (75 minutes) Analytical

Writing (30 minutes) LSAT – to pursue a 3 yr law degree (J.D) www.lsat.org LSAT not required for L.L.M. (Master's in Law) programmes which

often require the GRE. Five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions that measures

critical thinking, reasoning, logic and reading comprehension skills.MCAT – for entrance to most M.D. programmes. www.aamc.org Computer-based exam is approx four and half hours Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Writing Sample, & Biological

SciencesNOTE: International made up 3% of the total applicants, but less than 1% of the matriculants.

Recommendations: Ask someone who knows you well, both in and out of the classroom

Meet with your referee to discuss / give them a CV to remind them of your successes

Make sure referee is aware of deadlines and what it entails

Letter should be a marketing tool for you as an applicant

Above all, encourage referees to be enthusiastic, positive, descriptive and anecdotal and avoid being restrained and too modest

Graduate School Essays:

Demonstrate that you know the school, that the school is the right place for you, and that you’re the right student for the school

Admissions exam scores, degree results and letters of reference are all important indicators of an applicant’s academic potential

BUT

this information does not reveal much about the student’s Character Motivation Future academic or career goals Why the applicant is interested in that particular university or field.

Structure?Often the only instruction is word count or number of pages

Where to begin Stop and think before you put pen to paper Have a rigorous brainstorming session List the criteria given and come up with 1-2 personal examples Omit anything that will be covered in other areas of the application Arrange into why me, why here, why now – 3 sections + Introduction: Open strong - many start with a personal anecdote or

quotation Conclusion: What is the main message the reader should take

away?

Tips

Graduate school essays are about you BUT they are also about the school you are applying to! Use clear, concise language - say what you mean Make relevant mention of a faculty member or two and some of their

work Give them what they are asking you – if there are specifics Address any gaps or weaknesses in your application or academic

performance – turn them into a positive if you can if you re-use a personal statement, be careful to submit the correct

personal statement to the correct university Get someone else to PROOF READ your essays

Avoid

Clichés “I knew I wanted to study ____ when ….” -BO-ring!

too much overlap with other sections of your application package

Discussing any rankings

Gushing about how prestigious the school is

Grammar/spelling mistakes. Graduate school essays are also about paying attention!

Admissions Decisions... You will likely hear by April 1st 2012 if you have been accepted,

declined or are on the wait list

If accepted: Accept Decline OR Defer if for some reason you cannot attend. You will need to

offer a genuine reason.

FULBRIGHT AWARDS

Fulbright Awards 2011-12

Quality One of the most prestigious international education programs out there.

ContactsAccess to a deep reservoir of expertise

Cost Assists with the application / admission process to US institutions and visa processing with the US Embassy.

Fulbright Awards 2011- 2012

Fulbright grants include:

a monetary award visa administration accident and emergency insurance cultural and professional programs

There are awards for:

1. Irish citizens & EU citizens in Ireland for 3 years or more for postgraduate research, study, and or lecturing in the US

2. US citizens for postgraduate research, study, and or lecturing in Ireland.

Two Categories of Awards...

Fulbright All Discipline Student Awards

Fulbright All Discipline Scholar Awards

Fulbright Awards - Scholars and Professionals

Number: Approx 6Value: €10k - €15k for full academic year

This Program enables Irish academics / post-doctoral scholars professionals to spend 3-12 months researching / lecturing in the US. The following awards were offered for 2012 - 2013:

Fulbright Award in any discipline including the visual and performing arts

The 2012-2013 competition will close midday on Friday 18th November 2011 .

Fulbright All Discipline Student Awards

Number: Approx 14

Value: Max $25,000

These awards enable Irish students to undertake postgraduate study and research at US colleges.

Students can be: enrolled on Irish / EU PhD programs ORmay apply / enrol on US degree programs.

There are 2 types of awards...

1. COMMISSION AWARDS in any discipline including the visual and performing arts

2. SPONSORED AWARDS for specific areas / applicants.

For 2012 – 2013, these include:

CRH in Business Studies Environmental Protection Agency in Environmental Science / Policy Fulbright – University of Notre Dame LL.M. in International Human Rights

Law (50% tuition waiver)

The grant is only available for one year but students may remain in the US for the full duration of their US Masters and PhD programs.

In addition...

Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship Awards

(FLTA Awards)

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship (FLTA)

Number: Approx 10

Value: Approx €20,000 including return airfares, living costs + tuition waivers

The aim of the FLTA program is: to strengthen Irish language instruction at US colleges and universities

to provide current or future teachers with the opportunity to refine their teaching skills

to extend their knowledge of US society and culture

What are we looking for?

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 to "enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries"

Someone who: Has leadership qualities Has an understanding of the Fulbright Program Understands the role and benefit of being a Fulbrighter.

How to Apply Visit www.fulbright.ie Check eligibility Minimum of 2.1

Application includes: Personal info and CV Personal statement and or project statement References Transcripts (for student applicants) Samples of work for artists

Deadline midday 18th November 2011 – NO EXCEPTIONS!

DEADLINE FOR 2012-2013 AWARDS

12 NOON FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER

TO APPLY - www.fulbright.ie

Q & A