Post on 28-Dec-2015
Welcome!
SCSU Students
School of Graduate StudiesSt. Cloud State UniversityTuesday, April 16, 2013
Presented by: Annette DayDirector of Graduate Admissions
Why Get a Master’s Degree? Advance your career Make more money
http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm Empowers one to be an expert in a field/discipline Pursue a love of learning In today’s economy, highly knowledgeable people have
edge over the competition Graduate students are recognized as those who
understand the need to keep pace with the changing workplace
Master’s programs provide a stepping stone to doctoral programs
Types of graduate schools
Research Comprehensive Private Proprietary
How to choose a graduate school? The most important factor should be how well the
graduate program fits your particular interests, academic background, and goals.
Talk with faculty members at your undergraduate school to see where they completed their master’s and what they know about graduate programs in their fields.
Do you feel a connection to the campus department? Do you feel you will be offered a mentoring
relationship?
How many schools should be explored? Safe schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your
applications
Probably/Maybe schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your applications
Reach schools (at least 2) 1/3 of your applications
What are graduate programs looking for in a student? Solid academics Relevant work experience Positive recommendations Encouraging evaluations from faculty Acceptable to strong score on
standardized tests Your professional goals Want to know your academic interests
Some Good Advice Start early so you are not rushed through tests
and applications
Investigate all your options consider distance and satellite programs
Talk to everyone gather input and information from professors, professionals, family and friends
Trust yourself be confident you can achieve your dreams and to find a program that matches your needs and interests
When To Apply?
Check with your desired program. Deadlines are often set by programs.
Visit campuses the end of your junior year and over the summer
Start the application process early in your final year of undergraduate education.
Take the GRE or GMAT early in your final undergraduate year
Double check that all materials and forms have been submitted
Helpful websites to begin your search http://www.gradschools.com/ http://courseadvisor.com/ http://www.schoolguides.com/Default.asp http://www.graduateguide.com/Default.asp http://www.gradschools.com/business-programs.htm
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http://www.gradschools.com/online-programs.html http://www.gradschools.com/international-programs.
html http://www.gradschools.com/landingpages/MetroArea.aspx
What to submit?
Basic materials Application
Application fee
Requested test scores
Recommendation forms or letters
Statement of Intent
What to submit Additional materials
Resume/vitae Portfolio Writing samples
Supplemental program application, music performance video
Interview Doctoral- personal or department members Master’s- group with department members
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) A standardized test required for applicants to an
MBA program Contains a Verbal section, Quantitative section,
and two analytical writing sections The verbal and quantitative sections range from
200 to 800 and are rounded to the nearest ten The analytical writing score ranges from 0 to 6 in
half- point intervals You can visit http://www.mba.com/mba to
register for the examination and access free preparation software
The GMAT cost is $250 in the United States
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) A standardized test that plays a role in the
graduate admissions process Contains a Verbal section, Quantitative section, and
two Analytical writing sections The verbal and quantitative sections range from
130 to 170 in 1 point increments The analytical writing scores range from 0-6 in half-
point increments You can visit http://www.ets.org/gre/ for free
preparation materials and test taking strategies The GRE cost is $160 in the United States
How to write a statement of intent Think of your statement of intent as an extended and
formal answer to the question, “Tell me about yourself…”
Your statement should be at a minimum 1- 1 ½ pages long
Opening paragraph- Introduce yourself and your reasons for pursuing graduate studies. Briefly discuss your academic, professional, and volunteer background
Qualifications (1-3 paragraphs)- Build a foundation for your forthcoming work
Closing- Leave your reader with a statement of your perceived qualifications and why you will be successful in graduate school
Recommendation Letters
Three recommendation letters/forms is the standard across schools
It is recommended that two of the recommendation letters come from previous or current professors, and the remaining recommendation come from an employer or internship site manager
How are admissions decisions made? 1. Reviewed in the department of graduate school
office 2. Reviewed by department committee or chair 3. Depends on competitiveness of the program
Score requirements GPA requirements
4. A student’s entire profile is then reviewed Undergraduate GPA GPA in major Internships Volunteer history
How are admissions decisions made, cont’d…
Employment/career history
Recommendation letters
Essay or statement of intent
GRE or GMAT scores
Interview
Financing your education
Grants and loans This aid may come from the institution,
state government, the federal government, or sometimes your employer
Assistantships Teaching- Teach with a full-time Professor
or you may teach your own class Research- Spend your time performing
research in a specific field or study Graduate- Tasks can vary from grading
papers to managing an office
Teaching, Research, Graduate Assistant Benefits SCSU- 8 credit tuition waiver per semester,
and $10,000 stipend per academic year
U of M- Each department has their own funding; therefore, tuition and stipends vary. Most GA’s get full tuition waiver and health insurance benefits. The average salary for 20 hours work/week is $16,000 per academic year
UMD- Tuition is covered and all or portion of University fees
Assistantships, cont’d… NDSU- Each department has a specific amount of
funding each year; therefore, each GA tuition/stipend varies on which department they work in
UND- The amount of tuition waived varies department by department, can range from 1-12 credits. For a stipend, if you work 20 hours/week you receive $1,377.08 per month and 10 hours/week you receive $688.54 per month
St. Thomas- Fellowships offer tuition waiver and stipend; Research assistants receive $1,500 at the end of semester, and Teaching Mentors receive $1,200 at the end of semester
How to stand out? Connect with a Professor Build a relationship by asking questions and
commenting on articles and their work Send your vitae Visit the program and graduate coordinator Submit outstanding writing samples. Portfolio, etc Discuss culminating project
Thesis- Your personal research and findings Literature Review- A critical evaluation of
material that has already been published Portfolio- A collection of outstanding work you
have completed
Best wishes to you and in your academic endeavors!