Cooglife Magazine - Grad School Guide, September 2020 by Cooglife

COOGLIFE // September 2020

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EDITOR’S LETTER Hey there reader! Welcome to Cooglife Magazine’s annual Grad School Guide! My amazing staff and I worked hard to create an issue all about how to get into and survive grad school. We’ve got plenty of how to guides about acing your grad school admissions process, paying for your degree, managing your time, and more. And in case you’re not the reading type, which perplexes me as to why you picked up this magazine, our monthly playlist and quiz have fun grad school twists too. I’m currently a graduate student here at UH, and I wish I had read this issue before I started my application process. In my final semester of my undergraduate degree I realized that I wanted to seek a different career direction than the one I was headed towards. However, there were a few obstacles in my way: A) I was about to graduate. B) I was broke. C) I wasn’t qualified enough to start applying for the jobs I wanted. D) I wanted to learn more about my ideal career field. E) We’re in a pandemic.

I had finally realized my life’s calling, but I had no idea where to start on the path to get there. I began to explore my options, and that’s when I started to consider graduate school. I found an amazing two-year program at UH that checked all of my boxes for the perfect education and career move. I worked my way through the application process, and I waited patiently to find out my results. Finally, this summer I recieved the news that I had been admitted to the program, been offered a scholarship, and secured an instructional assistant position that would allow me to pay for my degree. I absolutely love my education in graduate school so far, and it has brought so much fufillment to my life in so many ways. If you’re thinking about graduate school, I encourage you to give this issue a read and look into your options! You just might find your new dream.

-AUTUMN RENDALL Executive Editor

EDITORIAL

Autumn Rendall, Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com

COVER

Juana Garcia, Creative Director of The Cougar ame@thedailycougar.com

PLAYLIST

CJ Moorer, Coog Radio Station Manager, director@coogradio.com

WRITING

Yidan Ren Cristobella Durrette Santiago Gaughan Anna Baker Sydney Rose

ADVERTISING

csmadvertising@uh.edu

COOGLIFE // September 2020

September 2020

6-7

Houston Events Calendar Questions to ask yourself before going to grad school

9 How to choose the right grad school for you 10-11 Tips for conquering the GRE 14-15 How to pay for your graduate degree 17 Managing your time in grad school 18-19 How to ace your grad school applications 21 Playlist: Chill out and study up 22-23 Quiz: Which grad school alumni from a movie or TV show are you?

COOGLIFE // September 2020

HOUSTON EVENTS Disclaimer: Events may be affected by COVID-19.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Sunday

Monday

Wednesday

Thursday

4Virtual: Stages 5

7Virtual:

15 16 Virtual: Art in

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Live from Heinz Field @ Noon 4 p.m.

Studio Sessions: An Evening with Jasminne & Lupe Méndez Online Performance @ 7:30 p.m.

House of Cards Sculpture at Discovery Green @ 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday Market on the Bayou at The Raven Tower @ 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Virtual: Bayou City Art Festival: Virtual Experience

Visit Artful Anniversary: Urban Yarnage Knitscape @ 105 Sabine Street Houston, TX 77007

Yoga at at Discovery Green @ 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Visit “Mars” by Luke Jerram at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Love & Make’s Fragrance Design Workshop in Rice Village @ 5 p.m.

Fusion Belly Dance at Discovery Green @ 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Rothko Chapel presents Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual & Faith Traditions on Vimeo Sound Healing Meditation in the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park @ 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Virtual: Apollo Chamber Players’ 20×2020 Virtual Festival Episode 11@ 7 p.m.

Virtual: Apollo Chamber Players’ 20×2020 Virtual Festival Episode 13 @ 7 p.m.

the Park Virtual Workshops @ 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Friends of Riverside Park Houston and Harambee Art Gallery

Friday

Tuesday

Houston Botanic Garden Opening Season: Celebrating Asia @ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virtual: Stages Studio Sessions: An Evening with Mark Ivy Online Performance @ 7:30 p.m.

Virtual: 2020 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

Saturday

Urban Harvest Farmers Market @ 8:00 am to 12:30 pm on 2752 Buffalo Speedway

Second Saturday Tours at Spring Street Studios @ Noon - 7 p.m.

Farmers Market at Imperial Park Recreation Center in Sugar Land @ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ENJOY SAFELY! COOGLIFE // September 2020

FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE DECIDING TO GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL WRITING BY YIDAN REN & ART BY JUANA GARCIA

COOGLIFE // September 2020

here are plenty of reasons why more and more workers and students have decided to attend graduate school over the years — whether it’s to meet a job requirement that used to only require an undergraduate degree, starting a career change, following a passion, aiming at a salary increase, etc. However, graduate school is still a huge time and financial commitment that needs careful consideration. Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself before deciding if graduate school is the best choice for you: Why do I want to go to graduate school? This is the time for you to sit down and have a real and honest self-reflection. As you read earlier, there are plenty of valid reasons to attend grad school for both career and personal reasons, but you should have at least one specific reason why you want or need to go to graduate school. Graduate school takes a lot of time, effort and responsibility, and unless you’re motivated by a specific reason you might regret your choice to enroll later. Am I ready for another 2+ years of education? Just because a lot of master’s degrees take a shorter amount of time to complete than an undergraduate degree, that doesn’t mean they’re less or even an equal amount of work. Think about your work, family or other commitments you have within the next two years or longer. There are a lot of graduate degrees aimed at people with busy schedules, but you should critically think about if you’re at the right time in your life

to take on more school.

connections that have the degree you’re thinking about and see what it brought to their lives.

How will I pay for it? Like any amount of college, graduate school life is expensive. Tuition, books, living expenses and other miscellaneous costs can add up, especially if you have no one else to rely on financially but yourself. You should check out page 14 for ways you can finance your graduate degree. In the meanwhile, try to brush up on financial literacy skills like budgeting and learning how loans work.

What’s my end goal? In 10 or 15 years, where do you hope to be in life, and would this graduate degree you’re thinking about help you get there? There are a lot of ways to accomplish your goals, so try and figure out whether going to graduate school is the best way to do that. Do some thorough research into the graduate program and degree you’re thinking about, and see if graduates of the degree end up with the career you’re hoping for.

What can I do with my degree? What could you do with your Hopefully these questions, and any newly earned master’s or more you need to ask yourself doctorate degree? What kind of along the way, give you confidence doors could this degree open up in your choice about graduate for you? If you have student loans school. from graduate school, could you use your new degree to pay them off? These are all great questions to think about when analyzing the benefits of pursuing UHV offers face-to-face master’s degree programs in both graduate Katy and Victoria, and online classes that you can take from school. Do anywhere. Learn more about some of UHV’s most popular some research degree programs: on what kind Earn an affordable MBA that meets your career goals. of careers or opportunities Obtain a CACREP-accredited MEd in counselor education. you can get Become a school psychologist with a specialist in with the school psychology degree. specific degree you’re thinking UHV.edu | (361) 570-4848 | (281) 396-3700 about, or try to start up a conversation with some LinkedIn

It’s Time

to make your mark!

VICTORIA

• KA TY • ONLINE

COOGLIFE // September 2020

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRAD SCHOOL FOR YOU

BY SANTIAGO GAUGHAN

There are a lot of factors to take in when considering which graduate schools and programs you want to apply to. While a certain program might seem cool because it’s in your dream city or the cost is pretty cheap, after some comparison with other schools or a reanalysis of your career goals — you might find that it’s not the best choice for you. Here’s a list of a few factors to keep in mind when weighing your top choices against each other: CONSIDERATION ONE: Is it a good program? Graduate school is a huge investment of your time and money, so you’ll want to choose a school that’ll best serve your career goals. Do some research over where alumni from the program usually end up, or find testimonies from former or current students from the program you want to go to. Also, take a look at the school’s ability to connect students with jobs in addition to any groundbreaking projects or research from their students and faculty. CONSIDERATION TWO: Could this program help you pay for your degree?

Unfortunately money is important to function in society. Graduate school is a good way to increase your potential income. However, graduate school (get this) will cost a lot of money, so it is important to look for ways to finance your degree. Some specific graduate schools offer fellowships and scholarships, so compare each school’s finance options in your decision process (check out page 14 for advice on paying for your degree). Also, consider the amount of money a degree from this school could get you after graduation. CONSIDERATION THREE: We are in a pandemic. It does not look like the coronavirus pandemic will end anytime soon in America. This stinks, as it means your graduate school experience is going to look a lot different from a typical semester. Research how your top gradute school picks are handling the pandemic. Do they provide free testing? Grade accomadations? You’ll want to attend a school that you know values your health and safety as well as your education. CONSIDERATION FOUR:

How does the program offer their classes? There’s a lot of variation in the ways graduate classes are offered. Whether it’s mainly online classes because of the pandemic or possibly a lot of in-person lab work, it’s important to consider which format of class delivery works best for your career and degree path. Also, if you are going to work, raise a family or keep up other committments while in graduate school make sure your top graduate school picks either offer A) classes that work with your schedule or B) plenty of academic support systems to help you handle your workload. BONUS CONSIDERATION: Did somebody dare you to go? This one is tough because it depends on the level of dare you are given. It is entirely possible to smooth talk your way out of a dare or double dare. Even a double dog dare or a triple dare can be weaseled out of if you are persistent enough. However, if someone you know triple dog dares you to go to a certain graduate school you have to go. I do not make the rules and find no joy in reporting them.

COOGLIFE // September 2020

Tips for conquering the GRE WRITING AND ART BY CRISTOBELLA DURRETTE

arly one morning in late August, I logged in to my laptop and became one of thousands of graduate school applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination at home. 10

COOGLIFE // September 2020

Better known as the GRE, the standardized test is among the countless institutions and practices revolutionized by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Educational Testing Services (ETS), which owns and administers

the GRE test, began offering the option to take the test at home or at designated testing centers in March. While some colleges and universities have waived their GRE requirement for Fall 2021

admissions, others still require applicants to submit GRE scores with their materials.

skills such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, math and vocabulary for under $25.

The test--which evaluates analytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning skills--is one part of a school’s holistic applicant review process, although it has come under fire for disadvantaging poor and minority students.

For students looking for a free study option, Gregmat offers walkthrough videos about the test format, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing and vocabulary. Students interested in accessing additional Gregmat materials can pay $5 a month for membership.

Whether taken at home or at a testing center, the nearly four-hourlong test can be daunting. Here are some time, and budget-friendly, tips that helped me study smarter and get ready for test day.

Before the test: 1) Start early. Seriously. Once you register for a test date, create a study schedule and stick to it. Making a spreadsheet to keep track of how many hours you intend to study each day and how long you actually study can be a smart way to track your habits. Calculate roughly how many hours per day you’ll need to study in order to earn your goal score. To help determine your goal score, research GRE scores for admitted students at each program you’re applying to and find out what the highest average scores are for each section across the programs. 2) Use available study materials. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on GRE preparatory courses and materials to earn your goal score on the test. Materials are available from ETS for the general test and specific

3) Take practice tests to evaluate your progress. Some review materials may come with free practice tests. These mock exams are a great way to test what you know throughout your GRE preparation process. I started off the GRE study process by taking one of the free practice tests you can opt in for when you sign up for the GRE. The experience allowed me to gauge my skill level in each area and to determine where I needed to focus the bulk of my study time.

Test day: 1) Don’t cram. We’ve all crammed for an exam the night before, but that won’t work for the GRE. Scientists have found that having one or two intense study sessions doesn’t necessarily correlate to better recall or ensure that you have the material committed to memory. Engage in some light review in the days leading up to the test, if you think that you need it, but don’t feel like you have to work until the last minute.

I took a couple of days off from studying before taking the test. It gave me the time to do some much-needed relaxation and put myself in the right frame of mind leading up to the test. 2) Relax and settle in. On test day, make sure that you have everything that you need in order to take the test. If you’re taking the online test, check that you have downloaded all necessary browsers and clear the area around your workspace in accordance with GRE testing guidelines. If you’re taking the test at a testing center, allow sufficient transportation time. Be sure to have your ID handy. Whether you’re taking the test online or at a testing center, you’ll be asked to present a valid passport, state ID card or driver’s license before you can begin your test. Make sure that your phone is turned off (yes, completely off, not just on silent) and stowed in your bag. The last thing you want is to be that person whose phone starts beeping or chiming in the middleof the test. 3) Take your time and breathe. Read each question completely and carefully. If you get stuck on a question, note it and come back to it at the end. If you have extra time once you’ve completed the questions, review your answers. There’s no need to rush. Don’t forget to breathe and remember that you’ve got this!

COOGLIFE // September 2020

GreatGreat Name.Name. Downtown Address. Downtown Address.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Home of Houston’s largest MBA program (U.S.since News & World Report) 2014 The University of Houston-Downtown • Home of Houston’s largest MBA proThe University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) gram since 2014 (UHD) serves servesthe theeducati educational needs of • Federally designated Minority- and onal needs of America’s • Federally designated MinorityHispanic-Serving Insti tution &and Military America’s fourth largest city. As Houston’s fourth largest city. As Houston’s second Friendly School Hispanic-Serving Institution & Military secondlargest, largest,public public four-year university four-year university in the Friendly School in the heart of Downtown, Downtown,UHD UHD provides heart of provides students • Industry-aligned degrees in accounting, life-changing educati onal experiences students life-changing educational experi-with • Industry-aligned degrees in data anabusiness administration, criminal justice, lytics, data science, health and behavunparalleled opportuniti es to conduct ences with unparalleled opportunities to data analytics, nonprofit management, research andand parti cipate in community-cenioral sciences, nursing, social work, conduct research participate in commurhetoric and composition, security tered learning, coupled withwith flexible schedgeosciences, biotechnology, chemistry, nity-centered learning, coupled flexible management, teaching, and technical uling and and an an award-winning We offer mathematics, criminal justice, technischeduling award-winningfaculty. faculty. communicati on. bachelor’s degrees in 44 areas of study and 9 cal communication, nonprofit manWe offer bachelor’s degrees in 44 areas of master’s degrees in five academic colleges. agement, Demands criminal justice, rhetoric and Industry Advanced study and 8 master’s degrees in five acacomposition, and teaching. demic colleges. Business Skills As industry evolves, more and more working •

Data Driven: Cutting-Edge Technology & Data Driven: Cutting-Edge Emerging Fields

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The College of Sciences & Technology’s The College of Sciences & Technology’s MasMaster of Science in Data Analytics. With ter of Science in Data Analytics was among the emergence of Big Data and the need to the first graduate degree of its kind in the remanage vastthe quantities of of information tothe gion. With emergence Big Data and find innovative intifields—from need to managesolutions vast quanti es of informatilife on sciences to oil and gas to to eduto find innovati ve soluti onshealthcare in fields—from life cation to banking/finance to countless other sciences to oil and gas to healthcare to eduindustries. A master’s degree in data analytics cation to banking/fi nance to countless other A master’s degreeto in adata analytics isindustries. an excellent complement foundation an excellent science, complement to a foundati inistechnology, engineering andon other in technology, science, engineering and other business arenas.

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The Davies College of town campus or one of three satellite loca- program from medicine and business to science toto With offers a ‘team-teaching’ approach from medicine and business to science degreetiprograms (15 undergraduate/3 Business now offers professionals the choice ons, UHD degrees and classes are masoffered by collaborating humaniti es. with private industry to ter’s). From face-to-face of taking classes either in-person in our tradi- humanities. completely online orinstruction a combinatiatonthe of the make ensure that every MBA class is taught by a Downtown campus of three satellite UHD is recognized nationally for its commutional hybrid format or online. two. With oneor of one the lowest tuiti on rates in UHD is recognized nationally for its comnity engagement programs that link classlocations, UHD degrees and classes aretuition andprofessor and an industry executive. Texas, UHD’s competi tively priced and a munity engagement that room academics withprograms opportuniti es tolink serve Graduate Certificates: Meet makes theonline pursuit learning offeredfees completely orofa higher combination Graduate Certificates: Meet Individual classroom academics with opportunities to people and agencies in Greater Houston and affordable of the two. With and oneaccessible. of the lowest tuition Individual Student Needs Student Needs serve people and agencies in Greater Housaround the globe. UHD Gators help shape rates in Texas, UHD’s competitively priced ton and around the globe. UHD Gators help the city’s workforce—home of Gator Grit— For individuals who are not ready to commit POINTS OF DISTINCTION tuition and fees makes the pursuit of higher For individuals who are not ready to commit ready the to take onworkforce—home our city, state, nation to a full MBA program, but want graduate-lev- shape city’s ofand Gator learning and accessible. to a el full MBA program, want gradu• affordable Two nationally ranked online programs— the world. to take on our city, state, nation training to improvebut their skills, UHD offers Grit—ready ate-level training to improve their skills, UHD Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in eight AACSB-certi fi ed graduate certi fi cates. and the world. POINTS OF DISTINCTION AACSB-certified graduate Applied Administration and Master of offers Learn more at uhd.edu/masters Afteight er earning a Graduate Certi ficate, certifstudents Science in Criminal Justi ce (U.S. News & icates. After earning a Graduate Certificate, may enter UHD’s MBA program—no GMAT • Two nationally ranked online Learn more at World Report) students may enternearly UHD’shalf MBA program— required—with of all coursework programs—Bachelor of Applied Arts & uhd.edu/admissions/graduate completed. no GMAT required—with nearly half of all Sciences in Applied Administration and coursework completed.

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• Master of Business Administration

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Master of Science in Data Analytics The University of Houston-Downtown•(UHD)—the second largest university • Master of Arts in the fourth city—provides busy professionals in-demand degrees, professionals withlargest 9 in-demand master’s degrees, in Non-Profitwith Management e fourth largest city—provides busy • Master of Arts skillsskills and leadership abilities thatabilities today’s industries and leadership that today’s industries have come to expect. essionals with 9 in-demand master’s degrees,

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With one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, UHD e come to expect and value.

• Master of Professional Accountancy • Master of Arts UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas. makes the pursuit of higher learning affordable in Rhetoric & Composition Design your future from an academic program that sparks your passion. h oneand of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, UHD accessible. • Master of Arts es the pursuit of higher learning affordable Master of Management in •Rhetoric & Security Composition

Master ofInBusiness Administration (MBA) accessible. response to the COVID-19 pandemic,

Master ofGRE/GMAT Science in Criminal Justice (MS) scores and official transcripts admissioninare temporarily suspended Master offorScience Data Analytics (MS) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, further notice. Master ofuntil Arts Management (MA) GRE/GMAT scores in andNon-profit official transcripts for admission are temporarily suspended until further notice.

Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition (MA) • Master of Arts Management inManagement Teaching (MSM) Master of • Master ofSecurity Security Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) • Master of Science • Master ofArts ArtsininTechnical Teaching Master of Communication (MS) in Technical Communication

• Master of Science uhd.edu/masters in Technical Communication

Learn more at uhd.edu/masters

COOGLIFE // JANUARY 2019

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE WRITING BY ANNA BAKER & ART BY JUANA GARCIA

COOGLIFE // September 2020

It’s no secret that college can be financially draining, especially if your funds have been used up already to pay for an undergraduate degree. Going to grad school can increase your chances of earning more and open up more opportunities career wise, but the cost is a valid reason to reconsider your enrollment. No need to fear however, here’s a few ways you can finance graduate school without breaking the bank: Become a teaching or research assistant One way to shave off the cost of graduate school is to become a graduate assistant. Often these programs have graduate students teach a class, do research or other duties related to the department they’re working under for a stipend. The compensation varies from school to school, but this is a way that a lot of graduate students can pay for their studies and gain career-related experience. In fact, most of us have probably taken a class assisted by a graduate student before. Find a one-year program If you’re looking to get an M.A. for a cost efficient price, you might want to look in to a oneyear master’s program. One-year programs are very fast paced, but they can save you money since they are only one year of classes. Tuition aside, that’s also one less year of having to pay for housing as well. Often these programs are online too, which shaves off the cost even more. Work before or during your education One way to pay for graduate school is to take a gap year or two to work in between undergraduate

and graduate school. Depending on your area of study and previous experience, you may be able to get a job in your industry with your B.A. Though your salary might not allow you to pay for graduate school fully, it can at least account for a considerable amount of the expenses. There are also plenty of graduate students that work full or parttime jobs while they’re pursuing their graduate degrees. Though it won’t be easy, there are plenty of grad school programs that are designed for working professionals to be able to fit them into their schedules through online, evening or weekend classes. Scholarships Just like in your time as an undergraduate student, there are plenty of scholarships available for graduate students. Start researching scholarships for graduate students in your field or ones that are sponsored by the department you’re applying to. Some schools are looking to draw students to their graduate programs, so there might be a need-based scholarship sponsored by the university you’re applying for.

There are many scholarship search engines like Gograd, Unigo, Fastweb, and Scholarship America. If attend the University of Houston, the ScholarshipUniverse portal is filled with options. Try looking for niche scholarships outside of your university that you can apply for as well. For example, if you’re a part of a professional organization for your field of study, such as the American Society for Civil Engineers or Association of American Educators, the organizations might sponsor certain scholarships. If you’re interested in research for your field, look up research fellowships which can subsidize the costs of tuition in exchange for the recipient to contribute to research in their field. Fellowships can even extend beyond just a master’s degree. There are fellowships for medical professionals wishing to receive additional training, and people who just completed doctorates but still want to continue researching.

COOGLIFE // September 2020

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MANAGING YOUR TIME IN GRAD SCHOOL BY YIDAN REN

Starting graduate school can be an exciting new chapter of your life, but it’s certainly no cake walk. There are plenty of graduate students surrounded by internships, research, and coursework every single day. Whether you’re a grad student already in this situation or you’re planning for the future, here are some tips to help manage your time and workload in grad school: Do yourself a favor and buy a planner. Even if you’re more of a digital person, there are many options when it comes to online planning (such as Notion, Microsoft OneNote or EverNote). As a graduate student, you will have to juggle your school responsibilities, work schedule and your personal life.You might think you can keep everything straight with your memory alone, but trust me it’ll be much easier to remember all of your assignment deadlines and meetings if you write them down.

Study smarter not harder. Search up effective study routines and find the one that works the best for you. For example, some of us concentrate better in the morning while others are night owls, or some of us study better at our desks while others thrive sitting on their couch with a laptop. Think about the kind of method that would bring you the most successful result, and try out a few different strategies.You can definitely maximize your work ethic if you find a routine that fits your personality.

peacefully knowing you have no homework.

Use your time wisely. You know when you finally get yourself to sit down and have a study session, but then you pick up your phone to check what time it is and before you know it you’ve spent another hour scrolling on social media? That time on social media can go by so quickly, but when it comes to studying and getting your assignments done that time is precious. Setting up time limits for social media or other distracting apps for yourself can help you make the most out of your day. It’s totally okay to take breaks, but make sure to use your time wisely.

You’ve heard this a million times, but don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is one of those negative school habits that dies hard. As easy as it is to think “Why do it now when I can do it later?” try to work on changing that thought to “Why push something off when I can get it out of the way first?”. There’s less stress on your shoulders if that assignment you’ve been putting off is already submitted. A) You never know what kind of appointment or event might pop up at the last minute to ruin your chance of cramming in that project. B) There’s no better nap than the one you take

Everything is about balance. Don’t put yourself down if not everything goes according to plan. It’s okay to take a break, and it’s okay to not be perfect. It’s all about finding a work-life balance. It can be easy sometimes to neglect our physical and mental health in order to meet the next deadline, but don’t forget that you deserve to take care of yourself. Don’t overestimate your abilities and overwork your body and mind. Try to incorporate healthy eating, exercising and mindfulness practices into your routine, and don’t forget to rest and reward yourself for all your hard work.

Learn how to say “no”. Even as an adult you might be subject to peer pressure and be forced into commitments that you don’t have time for or might not serve your best interests.You need to know when to reject an offer in order to prepare for your next exam, interview or other task, or else you might struggle to catch up with everything while trying to juggle all the promises you’ve made.

COOGLIFE // September 2020

HOW TO ACE YOUR GRAD SCHOOL APPLICATIONS MN

UTU A Y B

L DAL N E R

BY AUTUMN RENDALL

ow that you’ve finally chosen your top graduate schools and safety choices, here comes the stressful part: applying. Graduate admissions are a smidge more complicated than what you might be familiar with from your undergraduate experience, so you’re going to want to familiarize yourself with the process before you get started. Though admissions 18

COOGLIFE // September 2020

requirements can vary from school to school and program to program, here’s some common steps to take in order to ace your applications. 1. Make sure you know the requirements and deadlines for your program! Like I said, graduate admissions are less standardized than undergraduate, so make sure and be aware of what each school

you’re applying for requires from you during the application process and when they want you to submit your materials. Believe it or not it’s not that fun when you’re about to hit the submit button and you realize you have to write an extra essay you didn’t know about. 2. Ask for recommendation letters Graduate schools will often require

two or three recommendation letters, so it’s important to figure out which of your professors or former/current employers you’d like to speak on your behalf well in advance. Make sure to be polite and understanding when asking for the recommendation because this is a big favor that your recommendation writer doesn’t necessarily owe you. Give your writers at least two weeks time before you’d like them to turn in the letter, and you might want to show them an updated resume of yours so they can see what you’ve been up to professionally since they last supervised you. When they submit your letter, make sure to thank them profusely. 3. Study up and take your GRE Check out page 10 for tips on acing this graduate school readiness exam. However, make sure to research if your hopeful graduate school you’re applying for offers a waiver that allows you to skip the test. For example, if you went to UH for your undergraduate degree and meet certain requirements, UH graduate programs will offer you a GRE waiver. 4. Request your transcripts from every college you’ve previously attended ahead of deadline Sometimes transcripts can take longer than you’d like to be processed, so make sure you request each one from every previous college you’ve attended well in advance. 5. Create a resume that shows off your academic and professional experience that prepares you for this grad

program Some graduate school applications require explanations about your employment or volunteer experience, so having a resume ready that shows off all of your professional and academic achievements comes in handy. 6. Write your personal statement A personal statement for graduate school admissions is an essay you write that explains why you’re a perfect fit for the program you’re applying for. This is your time to talk about your passion for what you’ll be studying, why you’re applying for this specific program at this school, your qualifications and experience in the area you’ll be studying, and your goals during the program and after your graduate from it. Spend a good amount of time working on this essay, EARN AN and don’t be afraid to give it a hefty amount of rewrites and edits. 7. Some programs might ask for samples of your work or research Select the examples that best show off your capabilities for the program and that you’re most proud of. If you can, have your professor or employer

familiar with the project or subject matter review it just in case. 8.Triple check all of the application steps and documents you’ve submitted, and make sure you’ve filled out and written everything correctly. We’re all humans, and we all certainly make typos. In order to show that you cared enough to pay attention to all of the details of your application, block out some time to carefully reread everything you’re submitting. 9. Submit your work and wait! Congratulations, you’re done! 10. Don’t forget to accept your admission if you receive acceptance into the program.

M.A. IN SOCIOLOGY

AND PREPARE YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS IN AN INFORMATION-ORIENTED AND GLOBAL SOCIETY • • • •

All majors welcome! Financial assistance available No GRE required Option to complete an applied internship or research track To Learn More: www.uh.edu/class/sociology/graduate/

COOGLIFE // September 2020

Chill out and study up: Coog Radio’s playlist to melt the day’s stress away before starting your next big study session

1. Buffalo Soldier by Bob Marley & The Wailers

9. Let It Happen by Tame Impala

2.Black Magic Woman by Santana

10.Your Man by Josh Turner

3. Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clario) by Wallows, Clairo

11. Crawl out Through the Fallout by Sheldon Allman

4. Get You The Moon (feat. Snøw) by Kina, Snøw

12. What You Won’t Do for Love by Bobby Caldwell

5. I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You) by John Mayer

13. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

6. Come Over by The Internet

14. Consider Me by Allen Stone

7. Notion by Tash Sultana

15. Daddy Issues by The Neighbourhood

8. OUTTA MY MIND by Monsune

16. Swanee River Rock (Talkin’ ‘Bout That River) by Ray Charles

COOGLIFE // September 2020

QUIZ

Which grad school alumni from a movie or TV show are you? BY SYDNEY ROSE

Q1: Did you always know you wanted to go to grad school after undergrad? A- Yes! It was something I had planned out forever. B- No. It was a very on a whim, last minute decision. C- It was sort of something I expected to happen eventually. D- While I was in undergrad it just seemed like the next best thing for me. E- Yes, I planned for my next step to be grad school after undergrad. Q2: How organized would you say you are? A- I have certain days where I have my work planned out. B- I am a go with the flow person, but I do the work that needs to be done. C- I am pretty organized with my own system unless something comes up. D- My organization skills are very different from others, but they work for me. E- I’m pretty organized, and I have everything planned out. Q3: How would you compare your grad school experience to undergrad? A- There’s more work for sure, but I like how my work is more narrow to what I want to do. B- Grad school is much more difficult than undergrad! There isn’t as much slacking off. C- My grad experience is pretty similar to undergrad, same kind of course work. D- I almost think my grad program was easier than my undergrad program… E- Both were hard work, but they are what I want to be doing, so that made it easier.

COOGLIFE // September 2020

Q4: Did you stay at the school where you completed undergrad for grad school? A- Yes, I choose to go there for undergrad because of the grad program. B- No, I went to a better school for grad in my opinion. C- No, the program I needed was at another school. D- No, I had moved since undergrad and needed a school closer to where I was. E- Yes, it ended up having the program I wanted already. Q5: How has your social life differed with grad school? A- I have more group projects, so there’s chances to meet more people. B- It can be a little lonely sometimes. C- I still have my friends outside of grad school that I hang out with. D- I mostly hang out with my roommates more than classmates. E- I have gotten closer to other people in my grad program for sure. Q6: What do your plans after grad school look like? A- Working my way up from internships to an entry level position. B- That’s a good question… we’ll have to see how it goes. C- Go for more school probably to get the most education that I can. D- I don’t know yet. It depends on where I am at in my job. E- Getting a job doing what I love!

RESULTS:

Did you get mostly A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s or E’s? Mostly A’s: You got Wes Gibbons from How To Get Away With Murder! You always knew what you wanted to do with your life, and you are pursuing it faithfully! There might be more you want out of life than just what you are going to school for, but you are making the most out of your experience and trying to get every little thing out of it that you can. Mostly B’s: You got Elle Woods from Legally Blonde! Grad school may have not been your initial plan of life, but you are absolutely killing it. Some may not say you are the traditional grad student, but you make it work and get the job done no matter what.You are living your best life. Mostly C’s: You got Cosima Niehaus from Orphan Black! You are a dedicated student and probably the smartest person you know. But, you don’t let your academic standing define you as you are also very fun-loving. Grad school was always in the cards for you and soon enough you’ll probably have Dr. in front of your name! Mostly D’s: You got Jessica Day from New Girl! You have a career in mind that fits your personality and what you love to do, so grad school was just in the cards for what you had planned.You look at this opportunity to advance what you already know and get ahead at what you love to do.You are having so much fun with your life and are probably just vibing. Mostly E’s: You got Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy! You are determined and dedicated and that’s what motivates you all through grad school.You have an end goal here, and you are just waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.You try not to let anything get you down or anything get in the way of what you want.

COOGLIFE // September 2020