Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]Graduate School: Graduate School: To Go Or Not To To Go Or Not To Go? Go? Not To Go? Career Services Science Library, G-50 518-437-4900 www.albany.edu/cdc Please view this presentation in slideshow mode
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Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 518.437.4900 albany.edu/career [email protected] Graduate School: To Go Or Not To Go?
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Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Graduate School:Graduate School:To Go Or Not To Go?To Go Or Not To Go?
Not To Go?
Career ServicesScience Library, G-50518-437-4900www.albany.edu/cdc
Please view this presentation in slideshow mode
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Introduction
Before Applying: Questions to ask yourself
Finding Programs
What You Can Do Now
Choosing Schools
The Application Process
Resources
Outline
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Introduction
• Graduate school is different than your years spent as an undergraduate
• More demanding
• Subject material is more specialized (no Gen Eds!)
• Smaller classes
• Closer relationship with faculty
• More papers/group projects versus exams
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself
• Are you committed enough to your subject to pursue an advanced degree?
• Is an advanced degree required for entry into your desired field? Which degree? Specializations? Licenses? Certification?
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself
• Would it be in your best interest to work & gain experience, THEN apply?
• Do you have the financial resources to cover costs?
• Are you “burned out” academically & need to take some time off?
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Before Applying: Questions to Ask Yourself
• Do you have what it takes?
• How much do you really know about graduate school?
• Are you pursuing graduate school for the right reasons rather than avoiding “real life?”
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask
• Faculty
• Graduate Students & Alumni
• Admissions Offices
• Professional Organizations
• School Viewbooks, Catalogs, and Websites
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Finding Programs: Places to look and People to ask• Directories & Web Sites:
GradSchools.com
Peterson’s Graduate and Professional Programs
(six volume set available in Career Services & the main library or www.petersons.com)
US News & World Reports: America’s Best Graduate Schools
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
What You Can Do Now• Clarify your interests
• Prepare for admissions tests: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, Praxis
• Obtain relevant experience
• Get to know faculty better
• Raise your GPA
• Think ahead: save your money!
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Admissions Criteria
• Curriculum/Program Requirements
• Internship or thesis
• Dissertation
• Comprehensive exam
• Foreign language requirement
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Reputation, Quality of Program, &
Accreditation
• Employment Statistics: % of graduates employed by graduation, as well as six months out
• Faculty- Research interests- Orientation- Ratio to students
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Choosing Schools: What to Consider• Location & Size
• Cost/Financial Aid (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition)
• Loans
• Grants, scholarships, fellowships
• Tuition-remission programs
• (i.e. assistantships)
• External sources
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process
– TIMETABLE
– Junior Year (Summer):
Clarify interests & start looking for programs
Meet with faculty members & Career Services staff to discuss interests
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process– Senior Year (September/October):
Research financial aid sources, fellowships, and assistantships
Take admissions tests
Draft personal statements
Request recommendation letters from at least three faculty members
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process– Senior Year (November/December):
Order official transcripts (asking Registrar to send AFTER Fall grades are posted)
Finalize personal statements
Mail applications (EARLY!)
Apply for financial aid
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process
• Application Components:
• Application and fees
• Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process• Letters of recommendation which
may describe your:• Academic & analytical ability• Oral/written communication skills• Character & initiative• Intelligence• Maturity• Responsibility & integrity• Interpersonal relations• Leadership ability
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process– Personal Statement• Often the most difficult part of your
application• Tailor each statement for each
application• Answer questions such as…
• How does this program match with your interests?Why should we accept you?How will you fit into their department and school?
• Indicate you have the drive and dedication to complete the program
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
The Application Process• Interview
• May or may not be required, depends on program
• Usually longer if applying for a counseling, psychology, or MSW program
• Structure may vary (group versus individual interview)
• Other• e.g., portfolio of your art, writing sample
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Career Services Resources• Reference file service ($30 fee)
• Program directories
• Resume/essay critiquing
• Admissions test information
• Career advising appointments
• www.albany.edu/cdc
Career Services, University at Albany Science Library G-50 • 518.437.4900 • albany.edu/career • [email protected]
Other Resources– If you are even slightly interested in law or