So, You Want to Go to Grad School?

A Stand-Alone Instructional Resource

By Andrew Murray

Purpose

This resource will acquaint you with the five main pieces of information that most graduate schools use when admitting students

When prompted, choose the option that best matches you!

The “Fab Five”

In order to be competitive on your graduate school applications, it is essential to consider the following factors:

1. GPA (grade point average)

2. GRE (Graduate Records exam)

3. Letters of Recommendation

4. Personal Statement

5. Internship/Research Experience

Grade Point Average

Grades are important, as they are a long term indicator of how well you perform as a student

They reflect your motivation and your ability to do consistent and successful academic work

Admissions committees not only look at your GPA, but also at your major GPA as well as your cumulative (overall) score

Many grad schools will expect a 3.0 or better GPA for admission, although the specific requirements often differ

Grade Point Average

“My GPA is where it should be to be competitive”

“I think I can make my GPA better before I apply to grad school”

How do I make my GPA better?

Success on your transcript is all about working hard IN and OUT of the classroom

Tips: In class: Take notes, ask questions, talk to your

professor before/after class Out of class: Form study groups, visit your

professor during office hours, use academic resources on campus (Writing Center, Academic Learning Center, Academic Advisors, etc.)

Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

Prospective graduate school applicants from all around the world take the GRE

GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study

The GRE assesses the kinds of thinking (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing) you’ll do in graduate school to show you are ready for the rigors of a professional education

Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

“I am prepared for the GRE and don’t have any questions”

“I need more information on the GRE… what’s my next step?”

More Info on the GRE

http://www.ets.org/gre GRE home page, a great place to start!

http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare Free test prep materials!

Letters of Recommendation

A well-written recommendation letter provides admissions committees with information that isn't found elsewhere in the application

A recommendation letter is a detailed discussion, from a faculty member, of the personal qualities, accomplishments, and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the programs to which you've applied

It’s important to consider your letter writers carefully and give them plenty of time to write, as these letters are essential to entrance into your graduate program

You’ll need at least three (3) letters!

Letters of Recommendation

“I already know three great faculty members / job supervisors that can write effective letters on my behalf”

“I have no idea who could write my letters. How do I choose a letter writer?”

What You Need to Know About:Letters of Recommendation

How do I choose my letter writers? Choose faculty members or job supervisors with whom

you have lots of productive and positive experience Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you feel you can write me a

strong letter of reference? Make writing the letter “easy”

Provide all necessary information and materials Resume Questions or topics to discuss Addressed envelopes with stamps Timeline for completion

Give your letter writers time Your writers are busy… give them at least a month to craft

and send your letters

Personal Statement Graduate programs will often assign specific

topics that applicants must address in writing their personal statement

The graduate admissions essay is a critical part of the graduate application because it is through this essay that applicants speak directly to the committee and demonstrate their unique fit to the program

Personal Statement

“I’ve already written my statement and consulted with writing professionals… I’m good to go!”

“I would like to learn more about how to write the best personal statement I can… who can I talk to?”

More Info on: Personal Statement

Use your resources on campus: Talk to faculty members / academic

advisors Writing “professionals”

The Writing Center Faculty with credentials in writing/language

Research / Internship Experience

Internships and research experiences allow you to express your passion and learn more about issues in your chosen field that interest you!

Internships and research experience bolster your resume for grad school and future employers, and allow you to gain practical knowledge that textbooks cannot provide

Research / Internship Experience

“I already have two or more years of work experience in the field related to my program… I’m all set!”

“I have less than two years experience. Where can I pursue this experience? What resources might be available to me?”

Research / Internships: Resources!

Research: Typically, your professors are scholars in your

major and are conducting research… consult them, or the academic department, to become a research assistant

Internships: Career Services or Service Learning are great

places to start Both:

Your academic advisor can connect you a lot of these resources!

Beginning the Journey

At this point, you now have the knowledge needed to begin the application process

Be sure to refer to the school’s website for specific requirements

Give yourself time to apply! Don’t rush! Finally, utilize your academic advisor and

favorite faculty members… they’d love to help you!

For a Refresher… GPA

GRE

Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

Research / Internship Experience

Back to the Beginning

How do I contact the author of this presentation?

Thank You!

For more information on this presentation, please contact:

Andrew Murray

Andrew.Leon.Murray@gmail.com

Michigan State University