1 September 2004

Planning for grad school

• Selecting a program

• Applying to the program

• Finding funding

• Making visits to the program

• Selecting an advisor

Grad School vs. Undergrad School

• Key differences between the two programs– Extracurricular activities– Working– Studying

• What degree should you go for?– Masters degree vs. PhD

Choosing where to apply

Select a person Select a program

Initiating contact

Taking the GRE

Submitting your application

Writing a personal statement

Obtaining letters of rec

Committing

Securing funding

Visiting programs

Finding housing

Oct - Nov Feb - Mar Apr - June July - SeptDec - Jan

Choosing where to apply

Select a person Select a program

Initiating contact

Taking the GRE

Choosing where to apply

• Selecting a person– Searching the literature

– Talking to professors

– Via research experience

• Selecting a program– Searching the literature

– Talking to professors

– Via research experience

Some web resources: Peterson’s guide

Initiating contact

• Correspond with potential faculty mentors:– Do they have room in their labs?– Do they have support?– Do they bother?

• Introduce yourself– Interests in research, subject– Relevant experience

• Do your homework!!!

Initiating contactDear Dr. X,

I am a junior/senior at St. Lawrence University majoring in X. I am writing to inquire whether you will be taking on any new graduate students next fall. During my tenure at St. Lawrence, I have developed interests in X (something more specific than the name of your major). I am familiar with your research, and would be interested to learn more details about your research program. I have had the opportunity to conduct my own independent research as an undergraduate (tell something about what you’ve been doing), and am excited about the prospect of continuing to do research in graduate school.

I’d be happy to send more information about myself, including my current resume and transcripts. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Taking the GRE

• Which test?

• When should I take it?

• How should I prepare?

• Who should I send my scores to?

Submitting your application

Writing a personal statement

Obtaining letters of rec

Writing a personal statement

• Do a good job (proof-read, spell check, etc)

• Sell yourself

• Be honest (you are not promising anything)

• Consider having a mentor read your statement

Submitting your application

• Timing is everything!– Important for access to support funding– Often requires support from a graduate mentor– Communicate with your potential mentor

Obtaining letters of rec

• Who from?

• When? – Provide at least 2 weeks notice for letter writers– Give a copy of your resume, personal

statement– Check to see if you need envelopes– Make deadlines clear

Securing funding

Visiting programs

Securing funding

• Generally two types:– Research Assistantship (RA)– Teaching Assistantship (TA)

• Other sources:– Bring your own funding (NSF)– Work

• Issues to be aware of:– Tuition waivers– In-state tuition– Establishing residency

Visiting programs

• Crucial to making a good decision

• INTERVIEW OTHER GRAD STUDENTS

• Probably have to spend your own $

Committing

Finding housing

Committing and Finding Housing

• Generally need to commit to a program by April 1-15 or so.

• Ask graduate school for information about housing in the area– Share with other grad students– Cheap rentals– University housing?

But when should I go?

• Should I take time off?• What is different if I

take time off before I go?

• What should I do in the meantime?

Choosing where to apply

Select a person Select a program

Initiating contact

Taking the GRE

Submitting your application

Writing a personal statement

Obtaining letters of rec

Committing

Securing funding

Visiting programs

Finding housing

Oct - Nov Feb - Mar Apr - June July - SeptDec - Jan