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    Deciding To Attend Graduate School

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    Andrew Vogel
    The document provides guidance on deciding whether to attend graduate school, the application process, and online resources for research. It discusses factors to consider such as whether graduate study matches one's interests and goals, and the best timing. The application typically requires GRE scores, statements, transcripts, and letters. Recommendations should be requested early. Finally, the document lists several comprehensive websites that can help with researching programs and the application process.

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    Deciding To Attend Graduate School

    Uploaded by

    Andrew Vogel
    48 views5 pages
    The document provides guidance on deciding whether to attend graduate school, the application process, and online resources for research. It discusses factors to consider such as whether graduate study matches one's interests and goals, and the best timing. The application typically requires GRE scores, statements, transcripts, and letters. Recommendations should be requested early. Finally, the document lists several comprehensive websites that can help with researching programs and the application process.

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    Graduate school guide

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    PlanningforGraduateSchool_0

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    The document provides guidance on deciding whether to attend graduate school, the application process, and online resources for research. It discusses factors to consider such as whether graduate study matches one's interests and goals, and the best timing. The application typically requires GRE scores, statements, transcripts, and letters. Recommendations should be requested early. Finally, the document lists several comprehensive websites that can help with researching programs and the application process.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    48 views5 pages

    Deciding To Attend Graduate School

    Uploaded by

    Andrew Vogel
    The document provides guidance on deciding whether to attend graduate school, the application process, and online resources for research. It discusses factors to consider such as whether graduate study matches one's interests and goals, and the best timing. The application typically requires GRE scores, statements, transcripts, and letters. Recommendations should be requested early. Finally, the document lists several comprehensive websites that can help with researching programs and the application process.

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    Graduate School

    Deciding to attend and applying to graduate school can be an overwhelming process. We hope this document
    will: (1) help you explore whether and when to attend graduate school; (2) provide a brief overview of the
    graduate school application process; and (3) provide a comprehensive list of online resources that focus on
    graduate schools.

    1. Deciding to Attend Graduate School


    Students often assume that graduate school is the next logical step after completing an undergraduate degree.
    There are, however, a number of questions you should consider before applying:

    Is graduate study right for you?


    Graduate education is very different from undergraduate education. To be successful, you must be self-
    directed, intellectually curious, hard-working, flexible, and committed. You will have a closer relationship with
    faculty than you had as an undergraduate, and you will rely on your fellow students for ideas, criticism, and
    stimulation. On the other hand, you will have less of a social connection to your peers, and less social time in
    general. Graduate school is designed for people who enjoy researching one topic in depth. If you cannot find
    satisfaction with extensive writing, researching, and intellectual discussion, graduate school is probably not the
    place for you.

    In addition, think about what you want from graduate school, to be sure that your goals and the purpose of
    graduate education match. For some fields, a graduate degree is crucial, while for others, it will not help you
    advance to a higher level on its own. Graduate school is NOT the place for you if you simply cannot decide
    what else to do with your life. Education for its own sake is a valid rationale, but delaying inevitable decisions
    about your future is not.

    Is now the best time for you to attend graduate school?


    If you know that you want to pursue an academic career, now is the best time to start. A doctoral degree
    typically takes 5 to 8 years of full time study, so there's no time like the present. Now is also the right time if
    you are entering a field that requires an advanced degree for credentialing or to gain entry-level positions.
    However, there are some fields that value work experience as well as an advanced degree, and they may want
    you to have that experience first. For example, most business schools expect that you will have 2-3 years of
    work experience before they will consider you for admission. Work experience enriches the classroom
    experience, making classroom conversations more relevant for you and your peers. Explore your field to
    determine when they recommend furthering your education. The last two reasons for delaying your graduate
    education may be the most important. If you feel burned out after four years of college, or if you are unsure
    of your future career goals, it is best to take some time to work and reflect before making this commitment of
    time and money.

    Should I pursue a master's degree or should I be applying to doctoral programs?


    The degree that is best suited for you should be determined by your interests, field of study, and goals. If your
    field of interest is highly competitive, then a PhD may be the better option. Additionally, if you are interested
    in a job in academia, research, or any form of specialization (therapy, fieldwork, etc.), a PhD is necessary. If
    you are looking to obtain a higher paying job, a Masters Degree may be perfectly fine. However, for certain
    fields, a PhD may result in a higher-paying job. To determine what degree is best for you, do some research
    on your field of interest (Tara Kuther, about.com - http://gradschool.about.com/od/admissionsadvice/a/masterphd.htm).
    Additionally, you may want to pursue a masters degree if you have not had a strong academic career.
    Successful completion of a masters degree may prove that you are capable of serious, doctoral level work.
    Also, if you are changing fields, a masters program will develop a solid base in your new discipline, as well as
    prove your dedication to that field.

    How do I choose a graduate program?


    When beginning to make a list of potential graduate programs, keep an open mind. In graduate school, a
    good university may not equal a good program. You may find that the best program in your field is located
    within a less prestigious university. The best source of information about graduate school programs is
    Columbia faculty members in your field of interest. But before you talk with them, do some preliminary
    research in the Center for Career Services, the library, or on the Internet. Look at professional journals in
    your field to find where the cutting edge research is being done. Contact professional associations to see if
    they evaluate programs. Then, set up an appointment to talk to a Columbia faculty member about your list.

    2. Graduate School Application Process


    In addition to basic information, most applications will require GRE scores, a personal statement, a
    transcript, and letters of reference. You can request application materials via e-mail or by sending postcards to
    the schools. However, more and more schools are encouraging students to complete applications
    electronically. Please refer to the specific Web sites of the schools for more details.

    *Helpful Hint: The graduate school application season is during the fall.

    Graduate Record Examination


    GRE's are required in support of most graduate school and fellowship applications. This three-hour General
    Test, designed to measure verbal, quantitative, and analytical ability, is very similar to the SAT you took in
    high school. Graduate school catalogues usually indicate whether a school requires the General Test, Subject
    Test, or both. The general test is offered on the computer only. Although in theory, you can schedule the test
    at your convenience, computer slots can fill up at peak times. Many graduate schools require that you take the
    GRE by October or December, so plan ahead. Subject tests are offered on specific dates. For further
    information, visit the GRE Web site.

    Personal statements
    Unlike undergraduate institutions, graduate schools will expect you to have clear direction and goals upon
    entering a program. Therefore, their essay questions will be more focused. The most important piece of
    advice about writing these statements should be obviousbe sure that you actually answer the question that
    is asked on the application. It is quite possible that you will not be able to use the same essay for multiple
    applications. You should be prepared to make a case for why you will fit with a particular program and what
    you will be able to contribute to a department, rather than just what you hope to receive.

    Letters of recommendation
    Graduate schools usually require two to three letters of recommendation. These should be academic letters,
    and you should have at least one from a professor in your major. If you are changing departments, it is
    imperative you also have a letter from someone who is teaching in that department.

    It is wise to begin acquiring recommendations as early as possible so that they are in your file when you begin
    applying to graduate schools (generally November through January). It can sometimes take professors a long
    time to complete a recommendation and they may need a gentle reminder of their commitment to you. The
    earlier you start, the more assured you will be of meeting application deadlines.
    *Helpful Fact: Did you know that the Center for Student Advising Offers a Dossier Service that
    will keep your recommendations for Graduate School on file for 5 years after you graduate?

    To open a file you will need to complete a Dossier authorization and access decision form and
    submit them to the Center for Student Advising. To access all required forms and to learn more
    about our Dossier service, please refer to the following link:

    Dossier Service Packet (all forms included)

    3. Online Resources for Graduate School


    This page contains links for general information, as well as help with personal statements, and financial aid
    resources.

    Grad Schools.com
    http://www.gradschools.com/
    This site bills itself as the most comprehensive on-line source of graduate school information, and theyre
    not far off. Here, you can search for programs by subject or school, find information about all the standard
    entrance exams, and get information about financial aid and fellowships. Its a great place to start the research
    process.

    Drew University Career Center


    http://depts.drew.edu/career/students/grad/
    One of the most useful sites weve seen, this site is a document created by Drew University faculty. It guides
    students through every step of the graduate admissions process, from evaluating if graduate school is for you,
    to finding and selecting schools, to the application process, to evaluating decision letters and funding options.
    It is thorough and straightforward, and shouldnt be missed.

    The Princeton Review


    http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/
    This site contains many very useful articles and tools to help you research and evaluate programs and explore
    the differences between college and grad school. Theres also test prep info (including sample tests), on-line
    applications for many schools, and personal statement help. There is also a significant amount of financial aid
    and financial planning information. This is one of the more comprehensive sites around.

    Just Colleges
    http://www.justcolleges.com/grad/index.phtml?inc=index.htm
    This is another great, comprehensive site that includes everything from evaluating programs to help with
    writing personal statements and asking for recommendations. There is such a wide range of info at this site
    its worth a look.

    Grad View
    http://www.gradview.com
    This site is made up of brief articles on topics related to graduate school, including whether or not to attend,
    how to choose a program, and perspectives about being a graduate student. There is also a good amount of
    information about financial aid and money management.

    Job Web
    http://www.jobweb.com/Resources/Library/Grad_School/default.htm
    Although most of this site is devoted to job information, this specific address will take you to a list of links
    about applying to graduate school, financing your education, and addressing the transition from
    undergraduate to graduate education. While many of the links included are standard fare, there are a few
    articles you wont find other places.

    U.S. News and World Report


    http://www.usnews.com/
    Along with the standard rankings, this site also provides useful tips on evaluating programs and schools, and
    information about financing your education.

    Graduate Guide
    http://www.graduateguide.com/
    This is another useful site for finding programs and their entrance requirements. It also has articles about
    admissions tests, accreditation, and useful questions to ask admissions offices. It isnt the most
    comprehensive site, but still useful.

    Petersons
    http://iiswinprd01.petersons.com/
    This site has links about selecting, applying to, and paying for graduate school.

    Colleges.com
    http://www.colleges.com/
    This site is the fastest way to get to any college or university home page. It lists over 3000 schools,
    alphabetically.

    Help with Personal Statements


    Many of the sites out there offer services for a fee. We decided not to list those here if they offered little else.
    But, a quick search on google.com will help you find them if you're interested. Also remember that many of
    the general sites listed above have some info about personal statements/ statements of purpose.

    Graduate School Essays:


    http://www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/writecenter/web/gradapp.html
    This article covers the basics about how to write your statement of purpose for graduate school.

    Get Accepted:
    http://www.accepted.com/help/index.htm
    This site offers several services to help you begin and/or edit your personal statement, but they do charge a
    substantial fee. Among their free services are a few sample personal statements and transcripts from past chat
    sessions with general advice on constructing an effective statement.

    Financing Your Education


    FinAid
    http://www.finaid.org
    This site includes everything you ever wanted to know about finding funding sources and completing your
    financial aid paperwork. Also see some of the other general websites listed above, most of which include
    some financial aid information.

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