Cooglife Graduate School Guide 2018 by The Cougar

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

9/7/18

3:44 PM

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S L

10-11567 Coog Life September_ad_print.pdf

CMY

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

S OR’ LE

R’S LE TO

ER EDI T T

ER EDIT TT

You may know Cooglife as UH’s lifestyle publication, and with that comes a lot of opportunities to create diverse content that serves the student body. This issue is going to be a little different from the rest of the issues we will put out moving forward because it contains mostly sponsored content. Regardless, we hope that you will find it beneficial, whether your future plans for sure include grad school or not. For me personally, I’ve never really considered going to grad school, so working on this issue has made me weigh my options, and learn so much more about grad school. If you guys are already in grad school, hopefully you can gain something from this issue as well! Again, we are always looking for new writers to join our staff, so don’t be afraid to join our staff through The Cougar’s staff application on GetInvolved through AccessUH. We hope you enjoy this issue, and be on the lookout for our Entertainment issue that hits stands on Monday, Oct. 22. ☺

EDITORIAL Julie Araica, Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com Diamond Braxton, Assistant Editor cooglifeassist@thedailycougar.com

COVER Fiona Legesse, Creative Director ame@thedailycougar.com

WRITING

Madeleine Willars Reem Albishah Reyshaad Khan Waylon O’Day

ADVERTISING

csmadvertising@uh.edu

cooglife @cooglifemag @cooglifemag

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

September 2018

Choosing the right grad school

8-9

University of St. Thomas

10-11

Avoiding grad school burnout

12-13 UH Law 14

UH Bauer

15 PHOP 16 MPA 17 College of Pharmacy 18 UH Downtown 20-21

Apps to help with your GRE

22-23

Balancing Grad School and Work

24-25 Application Mistakes 26-27

Staying Organized during Grad School

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

Grad School Pros and Cons

31 Grad School Checklist 4

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

How to choose the right Grad School for you

Writing by Diamond Braxton | Layout by Julie Araica There are various options for grad school; the tricky part is choosing the right one. Since grad school is an advanced education providing you with the skills needed to do your dream job, you’ll want to make sure you choose the best school. Consider these questions to help you narrow your list of grad school options:

In-state vs. out-of-state

One of the major things to consider for grad school is if you want to go out of state. If you want to truly immerse yourself in a different environment, then maybe going out-of-state is the best option for you. However, if you want to be close to your friends and family along with cheaper tuition, staying at home might be the best option. Out-of-state schools can be more expensive; for example, the school best known for “mechanical engineering” might be in New York while 6

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

you live in Texas. When it comes to grad school, you’ll have to consider if it’s worth leaving your hometown for the best education. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t grad schools in your area known for having an outstanding mechanical engineering program— it all depends on how high-ranking you want your school to be in your declared field.

Search for the best grad programs in your field

Once you’ve figured out if you want to stay in-state or out-of-state, now you can focus on what schools in your preferred area have the best programs in your field. Do a quick google search along the lines of “Best grad programs for mechanical engineering in Texas” to see what comes up. After you’ve done this, go through each school in the top 3 and compare their programs to see if you think

you’ll enjoy one program over the other. Make sure to look at tuition cost, university size and any other factors that could make or break a school for you.

Visit the campus

It might be harder for you to visit the grad school of your choosing if it’s out-of-state; however, it’s important to at least try. Sometimes you’ll think you found the right school, but when you visit the campus it’s completely different than what you were expecting. Visiting the campus gives you a final reassurance that you chose the right school because you’ll be able to visualize yourself there. Take a look around the city and see what the people are like and truly ask yourself, “Can I see myself here?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve most likely found your grad school.

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

SPONSORED Small Classes, Big Opportunities for Students in UST’s Graduate Programs The University of St. Thomas offers 20 graduate degrees in business, counseling, education, nursing, public policy, and liberal arts. Find a degree that can help you further your career, or consider a program that satisfies your desire to pursue an intellectual interest. Some of the advantages to choosing UST include: • A convenient location minutes away from downtown Houston, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center and Greenway Plaza. • Small classes that allow you to develop strong ties with faculty who serve as advocates for future opportunities. • Varied scheduling options that enable you to pick the classes that fit your needs. Many programs have evening and Saturday classes to accommodate students who work and pursue a graduate degree at the same time. • GMAT/GRE waivers for many programs when applicants meet GPA and/or work experience requirements. • Network building through events and contacts with peers and industry leaders. UST is committed to helping you succeed. The on-campus Career Services department assists students with finding jobs and internships by reviewing their resumes and preparing them for interviews. The department also hosts networking and career fair events throughout the year for students and alumni. Eighty-seven percent of UST graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. Students also enjoy a diverse campus, with classmates from 34 states and 61 countries. This lends a more global perspective to class discussions and creates a space where you learn more about the world from the people 8

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

— Convenient location and diverse program options make the University of St. Thomas a great choice for graduate students

around you. Many UST students take advantage of study abroad opportunities for their major. Students travel for one week or more to places all over the world. Past trips include a 15-day trip to Cuba where students participated in conferences with Cuban scholars and professors who explained current and historic economic conditions. They also toured local businesses, visited a reforestation project and met with community project leaders who teach artistic skills to people in their towns. UST’s graduates are prepared to excel as they progress in their careers. Part of the University’s mission includes developing ethical leaders who think critically and communicate effectively within the companies where they work. This gives you an edge over other candidates who may not possess these “soft skills” that have become so important in the workforce. Apply to UST today and see how affordable a private university education can be. The University offers a limited amount of scholarships for graduate programs, works with students who have employee reimbursement plans and even offers interest-free payment plan options.

Popular Programs at UST

Cameron School of Business is AACSB accredited for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The school offers 5 master’s degrees: • MBA – customizable with one of nine concentrations • Accounting • Clinical Translation Management (in collaboration with Houston Methodist Research Institute) • Finance • International Business The Cameron Scholars program is available to qualified students and provides a scholarship equal to 40% of UST tuition. The School of Education and Hu-

man Services offers 5 master’s degrees and a doctorate: • Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, leading to Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) Certification • Master of Education – customizable by choosing one of our resource areas • Catholic Education • Catholic Educational Leadership • Master of Arts in Teaching The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program provides off-campus classes throughout the Houston area and some programs are available online. The Master of Public Policy and Administration prepares students for, or advances them in, careers in leadership and management in public service or non-profit administration. The MPPA provides you with tracks to tailor your degree to specific interests or needs. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program enables professional nurses to expand their abilities through the practice of transformational leadership. By translating research into practice, graduates are equipped to create organization-wide changes that spark transformations in patient care and well-being. The Master in Liberal Arts program is designed for students who seek professional advancement, admission into doctoral programs or personal enrichment. Choosing from one of the 18 concentrations offered gives you the chance to study the topics you most enjoy. Applications for most programs are on a rolling basis for the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Learn more about all of UST’s graduate degree programs, review admissions requirements, or register for a campus visit at chooseust.org/graduate.

Earn Your Graduate Degree at UST

The University of St. Thomas has expanded its graduate programs to serve the needs of Houston. We offer 20 graduate programs in business, education, liberal arts, nursing, public policy, counseling and more. You can get there from here! Our neighborhood is your neighborhood. Choose UST and stay close to downtown Houston and the Texas Medical Center. Your commute stays the same – UST is less than 15 minutes from the University of Houston. Experience the UST Advantage:

• Flexible scheduling, including online, hybrid, evening and weekend courses

87%

employed full-time within six months of graduation

• Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction and classroom discussion

• Unique complementary opportunities, such as faculty mentorship and study abroad

Check out our graduate programs and apply online

choose-ust.org/graduate

713-525-3500 • gradadmissions@stthom.edu

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

How to stay focused and not burn out during Grad School Writing by Diamond Braxton | Layout by Julie Araica

When you’re in the midst of grad school, a part of you might want to give up or slack off or take a semester off. With the stress of your classes, it’s 10

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

understandable that you might want to just take a breather in the middle of your educational journey. But, it’s important to stay focused and resist

getting burnt out because you’re doing something most people can’t do- you’re in grad school.

So, how do you stay focused during your academic journey?

Remember why you’re here

You chose to go to grad school because you wanted to. You knew that by taking this major step that you’d be one step closer to your end goal whether that’s for a higher raise or a better job. It’s important to revisit how you felt before you attended your school. Do you remember how you reacted when you got your acceptance letter? Do you remember those long, hard nights when you were crossing your fingers in hopes that you’d get accepted? By remicising on the factors that pushed you to attend grad school, it could give you the much-needed strength you might need to finish your education. Think of the end of the tunnel and how bad you want to see the light there.

Take a night out

You don’t have to be surrounded by your books constantly. If you feel the insanity kicking in, then maybe it’d be

a good idea for you to take the night off. Maybe just go down to a coffee shop and lose yourself in a fun book or go see a movie with your friends. Maybe you just need to lay in bed and catch up on some sleep. You can’t be stressed during your entire grad school journey and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to kick your feet up and relax. Of course, not for too long but just until you start to feel sane again. When you finally feel like you’ve gotten enough rest, then you can return to your studies once your ready and the thought of reading a book doesn’t sound completely horrifying.

Reach out to your support system

Having a support system is great because it can really help you get through grad school. If you’re starting to feel down, it can be a good idea to reach out to the people that helped you get to where you are today. Sometimes just having a quick five minute conversation with someone who helped you realize grad school would be a great

option for you, can turn your sour day into something sweet. Communication is also known for helping battle our stress. Anytime you feel like you might pull your hair out and cry, always remember that there is someone out there who will listen to what you have to say to make you feel better. And if this doesn’t exist for you, consider joining some type club on campus if your school will allow it, so you can build a support system of your own with people who have the same interests as you.

Change your environment

When you’ve been staring at the same study material for hours, you might just need a change of scenery. Google some of the best coffeeshops in your area and take a trip to a new place. The excitement of visiting a brand new environment can get you hyped up again to sit down with your study material. Not to mention you’ll be able to grab a hot piping cup of joe while you’re at it.

Do you want your voice to be heard by over

40,000? Join The Cougar’s writing staff! Fill out an application on Get Involved facebook.com/TheDailyCougar

@TheDailyCougar

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

SPONSORED

UHD Graduate Degree: Value & Flexibility for Busy Professionals As industry evolves, more and more working professionals in Houston are realizing the tremendous value—and greatly enhanced earning potential—a master’s degree can provide. The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)— the second largest university in the fourth largest city—provides busy professionals with in-demand degrees, skills and leadership abilities that today’s industries have come to expect. But so many options for graduate studies in Houston, what gives UHD— and you as a student— the edge you need to Finish UHD Strong?

Industry Demands for Advanced Business Skills

We know that degrees and individual coursework must align with industry needs for students to claim highly competitive positions after graduation. For this reason, UHD has reinvented the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with its Corporate Fellows Program. Thanks to a powerful combination of sound business theory and practical application, the Marilyn Davies College of Business MBA Program offers a ‘team teaching’ approach by collaborating with private industry. This program ensures that every MBA class is taught by a professor and an industry executive also known as a Corporate Fellow. Another added bonus—tuition that is far below other programs. And it’s attracting a lot of attention. For three consecutive years, UHD’s MBA Program has garnered the No. 1 spot on the Houston Business Journal’s list of Largest Houston-area MBA programs. By bringing real-world applications to course materials, applying case studies to today’s most pressing business issues and providing students with hands-on 18

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

interactions with some of Houston’s top business executives, UHD’s MBA students can immediately transfer classroom knowledge to the boardroom. Upon graduation, students are prepared to transition seamlessly into advanced positions of leadership in their current companies or build their own businesses as entrepreneurs.

Graduate Certificates to Meet Individual Student Needs

For individuals who are not ready to commit to a full MBA program, but want graduate-level training to improve their skills, UHD offers Graduate Certificates through the Marilyn Davies College of Business. Those with an undergraduate degree can gain specialized training through eight corporate-designed, AACSB-accredited Certificates, including Accounting, Business Development/Sales Management, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, Investment Management, Leadership, and Supply Chain Management. These separate, free-standing Graduate Certificates, which align with the University’s MBA concentrations, provide students with opportunities to take their careers to the next level with critical skills needed for success in the business industry. After earning a Graduate Certificate, students may enter the Davies College of Business’ MBA program—no GMAT required—with nearly half of all coursework completed.

Data Driven: Cutting-Edge Technology & Emerging Fields

UHD’s College of Sciences & Technology recently launched its Master of Science in Data Analytics. With the emergence of Big Data and the need to manage vast quantities of information to find

innovative solutions in fields—from life sciences to oil and gas to healthcare to education to banking/finance to countless other industries. Today’s graduates need interdisciplinary skills in statistics, computer science and risk analysis to become tomorrow’s leaders. A master’s degree in data analytics is an excellent complement to a foundation in technology, science, engineering and other business arenas. Another high-demand field requiring the analysis of real-time data is security management. The Master of Security Management (MSM) offered in the Marilyn Davies College of Business equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead the continuously changing security and cybersecurity environments. Developed in collaboration with security management professionals, this online program follows a “Part-of-Term” schedule. Students can complete one course during the first half of the semester and a second course following the mid-term. This degree is designed for individuals who have a vision of their future in the security and cybersecurity.

Affordable Cost & Flexible Schedules for Working Professionals

The University of Houston-Downtown has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas to offer its students as well as other high-value master’s degrees in areas, including technical communication, nonprofit management, criminal justice, rhetoric and composition, and teaching. UHD is routinely named as one of the best values in higher education in the state, with tuition and fees ranking below the statewide average. With face-to-face, hybrid and online classes, take the first step toward a more profitable and rewarding career. Learn more at www.uhd.edu/masters

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)—the second largest university in the fourth largest city—provides busy professionals with in-demand degrees, skills and leadership abilities that today’s industries have come to expect. With eight master’s degrees to choose from, UHD allows you to design your future from an academic program that sparks your passion. From face-to-face, hybrid and online classes, unparalleled networking opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities, UHD is the best value for working professionals seeking an advanced degree in Houston. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS) Master of Science in Data Analytics (MS) Master of Arts in Non-proﬁt Management (MA) Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition (MA) Master of Security Management (MSM) Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Master of Arts in Technical Communication (MS)

Learn more at uhd.edu/masters COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

Ten apps to help you prep for your GRE Writing/Layout by Julie Araica

20 COOGLIFE

// SEPTEMBER 2018

The Graduate Records Examinations, or GRE for short, are standardized tests that serve as a prerequisite for most graduate schools in the U.S. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing and critical thinking skills. Think of it as an SAT on steroids. While it might not be as stress-inducing as your SAT though, you will definitely want to still invest a good amount of time into making sure that you are adequately preparing yourself for this exam. Here are ten apps that can help you start your study process today. GRE: Practice, Prep, Flashcards This app is available on iPhone and iPad, and it’s great at helping you test your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The app also includes a practice test, with a timer built-in. The flashcards for vocab words also define the words in-context. The only downside is the lack of feedback. Feedback is only given after completion of the practice test, and pretty general at best. GRE Prep & Practice by Magoosh Magoosh apps will be your best friend as you prepare for your standardized testing, the GRE being no exception. In addition to practice questions, the app includes video tutorials for the math, verbal, and writing sections. It also allows you to actually schedule your study sessions. The app keeps track of your progress, so that if you need to take some time off, you can pick up right where you left off. If you choose to pay for the full-version, you’ll have access to hundreds more practice questions and video tutorials. Manhattan Prep GRE All of your answers get immediate feedback with this app. If you purchase their prep book, you will also have hundreds of test prep questions to go along with it. The free features of this app are a bit limited, but there are just enough things to help you decide whether you want to purchase the full version or not. This app is great for people who are on the go. GRE Test Prep by Galvanize This app lets you overlook all of your correct and incorrect answers, and gives you very tailored feedback. You can set goals. and the app can even predict your GRE score based off of how well you do on the practice tests. GRE Math by Sherpa Prep If you really want to buckle-down and focus all of your energy on one subject for the GRE, this is the app you want to use for the math portion. It includes fulllength math lessons, and gives valuable feedback. In addition to this feedback, you’ll have access to how-to videos, and analysis of GRE math concepts. Overall,

this is a solid app for people who need a little extra help with their math.

GRE Daily Vocabulary by the Economist This app will help give you your daily dose of GRE vocab practice, but do so in passage format to ensure that you really know what you’re doing. There will be context clues to help you infere, and give you its synonyms and formal defintions. There are no quizzes or practice tests, but you can save words to study at a later time. It’s also possible to look through words from previous days. GRE Vocabulary Flashcards by Magoosh Another Magoosh app, this one lets you study flashcards for the vocab words you don’t know, and includes multiple different difficulty levels. The app keeps track of the words you don’t know, and shuffles its pile of words accordingly. Once you get to the tougher words, it will randomly throw in previously learned words to make sure that you really know your vocab. GMAT/MCAT/LSAT Timer - by CATT If you want to stray away from using apps to study for your exams, just get this timer. It will track how long it takes you to manually complete your practice tests. It gives you a good sense of your pacing, and gives you good in-sight into the dyanimcs between questions and time. Pocket GRE Math: Quants A completely free collection of over 800 quantitative aptitude questions and word problems to help you prepare for the arithmetic section of the GRE. Vocabulary Builder by Magoosh Another vocabulary app by Magoosh, this one helps you learn over 1200 words picked by expert tutors. There are definitions and sample sentences for every word. There are basic, intermediate and advanced vocab sections to work through. Beating levels also unlocks more words.

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

How to balance Grad School and work | full-time and part-time Writing by Diamond Braxton | Layout by Julie Araica Now that you’re headed to grad school, you’re probably thinking about all of the loans and debts you’ve accrued throughout your college career. But don’t stress yourself out, you don’t have to be broke until you get a big boy job; there are several ways to get through grad school while also working full-time or part-time.

Full time work vs. grad school

When you’re working 40 hour work weeks on top of attending 12-15 hours of classes per week, the panic mode starts setting in. How will I have time to study? Will I ever have a social life? Is there even time to eat? Here are some ways to help you manage your stress:

Drop a class

Be honest with yourself. If you cannot handle the stress of being in school full-time and working full-time, you might have to drop a class. If you can afford to be in school for just a little while longer, then consider lightening up your course load. You’ll be thankful for this when midterms and finals come around.

Apply for scholarships/financial aid

By applying for scholarships or financial aid, you might be able to get a big chunk of your education paid for. By doing this, it will relieve your stress if you’re paying for school out of pocket especially if you’re worried about graduating with a ridiculous amount

of debt.

Get better with time management

Try downloading a planner app on your phone so you can always stay up to date with your daily schedule. By keeping an online planner, you can input your work and class schedule. After doing this, you’ll be able to visually see your free time during the week. Add in your extra to-do’s during your free-time whether it’s working out, studying or going to see your friends. Mastering time management is the key to successfully getting through fulltime work and school.

Part time work vs. grad school

Working part time is a little more manageable when you’re in school. You

It’s time to get ahead! UHV offers face-to-face master’s degree programs in both Katy and Victoria, and online classes that you can take from anywhere. Learn more about some of UHV’s most popular degree programs: * Earn an affordable MBA that meets your career goals. * Obtain a CACREP-accredited MEd in counselor education. * Become a school psychologist with a Specialist in School Psychology degree.

V ICT ORIA • KATY • ONL I NE

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

UHV.edu (361) 570-4848 (281) 396-3700

The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973, offers courses leading to 70 bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree programs and concentrations in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as a teaching center in Katy, and online classes that students can take from anywhere.

have more time to think about what you’d like to do during your free time, but this doesn’t mean working while you’re in school isn’t stressful. Here’s how to manage your stress while working part-time:

end and one during the week, etc. By doing this, you’re ensuring that you’ll always have two FULL days to get your schoolwork done if you start to feel the stress piling on.

Make sure you have two days completely free on your calendar

Try giving yourself a bedtime within the 10-12pm range. By letting yourself get rest and a full night’s sleep, you’ll be able to start your days with energy so you won’t skip any of your classes. By getting a good night’s rest, you’ll naturally ease your stress levels and

When setting up your work and school schedules, try to have two days completely free. Whether it’s two days during the week, one day on the week-

Get rest

you’ll have more time in the day to either relax or get work done.

Stay ahead with your schoolwork

Don’t let your homework pile up. As soon as you get an assignment, even if it’s due a month later, work on it as soon as possible! Getting ahead in your school work will save you when all your classes decide to have tests on the same week, and you’ll be prepared since you’ve been ahead in the readings and homework. COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

Five Common Grad School Application Mistakes to Avoid

Writing by Reem Albishah | Layout by Fiona Legasse Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finally time! Grad school applications are a stressful task, involving many steps and lots of information that most professors in your undergrad years never 24

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

tell you. To ensure you get into all your dream programs, avoid these common grad school application mistakes.

1. Not Understanding the School or the Program In order to be able to show genuine interest in going to this school, do your research. Follow

their social media accounts, read up on the specific program and even call the recruitment office to ask questions. Each school has different requirements, traditions and recruitment patterns that you should know about before writing your essays.

2. Not Marking Down Due Dates

Imagine working hard on an application and having to shelf it because you missed the deadline? If you set frequent reminders, this will never be your reality. Three reminders are the best, one reminding you a couple months in advance, a couple weeks in advance and a couple days in advance. This will ensure that not only are you reminded to keep working on it, but also when you have to have it done and sent off.

3. Writing a Vague Personal Statement

connections with the person who is writing about you. Someone who knows your personally and has worked with you, like your favorite professor or a mentor. They can paint a realistic and positive image of you in the most persuasive way.

You have a burning passion for ___ ? That’s great. But that’s not enough. Let them know why their school is the right match for you. How can that specific program benefit you and vice versa. Understand the culture of the school and answer specific questions. For example, if you love the fact they have an amazing roster of professors that you are itching to learn from, put that in!

4. Asking the Wrong People for Letter of Recommendations

5. Not Triple Checking

Letter of recommendations might be hard to get, but don’t let that make you settle down for a random professor or someone with a prestigious name attached to them. It is more important to make real

We get it, the application took forever. You’re tired. But don’t let that discourage you from double and triple checking everything. You might find a few grammar or spelling errors, or even want to change how you phrased something. Have someone else look over it as well, to make sure everything looks right to a third party observer. You want to make sure everything sounds and looks great before you send it off. You definitely don’t want to be rejected for a small mistake.

Your opinion matters. Let’s hear it.

Become an opinion columnist by applying through Get Involved today.

/thedailycougar

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

Staying organized during the Grad School application process Writing by Waylon Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Day | Layout by Julie Araica

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

Applying for graduate school can be a daunting task, especially when you're trying to balance between that and finishing up the last credits of your undergraduate degree. Here are tips to help you with some tips to keep you sane and successful when getting ready to start the next stage of your education.

Create a file folder exclusively for all your Grad School information

The number of documents and information related to Grad School apps can pile up quickly, so making a dedicated place on your computer for all these documents and pertinent information is of the utmost importance.

and official transcripts.

Every school’s application is process, and a lot of times they want a copy of your unofficial transcript before you start the formal application process. Be sure that when you go through the actual application that you include your official transcript.

Have your resume in multiple document formats

Save your resume in both a pdf and word document format. You will want to use the pdf when you send in your application but keeping it in a word doc format gives the ability to add and delete pertinent information as you move forward in the application.

Make sure the folder isn’t just on your desktop

Put your application due dates everywhere!

Keep copies of both your unofficial

Things happen, laptops break, get stolen, or just all together stop working. Save your Grad School files in a cloudbased storage system, like Dropbox, Google Drive, or One Drive.

Don’t just put your application due dates in your phones calendar, put them in a calendar app, in a daily planner, post-it notes, do whatever you need to to keep from missing those crucial deadlines.

Give yourself time to work on your applications

This isn’t undergrad work, so don’t procrastinate! Make time in advance to sit down and hammer out some apps, as well as times to come back and brush over any mistakes you may have made in the process. Try and plan out the process in sections and stick to it. If you slack on one day, or over do it another, you may find yourself burnt out, so try and stick to a manageable schedule for best results.

Keep a spreadsheet that has all of the info for school’s you’re looking at

This may seem like a no-brainer, but this is by far the most important thing to do to keep yourself from crumbling under stress during the grad school application process. Use Excel or Google Sheets and keep track of all the pertinent information you need quick access to during the process to keep your head on straight and have you heading off to the grad school of your dreams.

Student-Run

Radio Broadcasting 24/7 at CoogRadio.com Listen anywhere on TuneIn | RadioFX | Redline facebook.com/coogradiohouston @coogradio

coogradio COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

Are you watching?

facebook.com/CoogTV 28

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

@UHCoogTV

youtube.com/CoogTV

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

Writing by Reyshaad Khan | Layout by Fiona Legasse Asking for a letter of recommendation is an important process. There are a lot of factors you should consider when asking for a letter of recommendation like who you are going ask to write the letter, how much time the writer would need, have an established relationship with the writer, whether or not the writer is qualified, and if the writer has an established relationship with the employer you are applying to or is familiar with the industry you work in. Who you are asking to write the letter is very important. The person you ask should be someone you know and knows you well enough to be able to explain to your potential employer who you are as a person. If you ask somebody who is not familiar with your work, the letter of recommendation will not represent your capabilities properly. You should have an established relationship with the writer, and

make sure you are still in contact with the writer. If it has been a few years since you have been in contact with writer, you should email them and try to meet with them. This is to ensure your letter has information that is relevant and up-to-date. Time is a very important factor when asking someone to write a letter of recommendation. You should inform the writer at least a month before the letter needs to be completed, and if possible, earlier than that. Take into consideration how busy the writer is with their job and other factors that go into their schedule. A lot of people ask their professors or college advisors to write the letter, but always keep in mind they have their schedules to keep up with. When considering who you want to write your letter of recommendation make sure they are qualified. Check the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background. Make sure they have good standing in the community

and have a decent educational background. It is important when considering who you want to write the letter of recommendation if the writer has a prior relationship with the employer you are applying to or they should at least be familiar with the industry you are working in. When you have chosen someone to write your letter of recommendation it is important to give the writers the appropriate materials like your resume and your work so the writer can familiarize them self with your skills. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of thought that needs to go into getting a letter of recommendation, but if you follow these tips and advice, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find it really is an intuitive process. Just be confident in yourself and ask someone you respect and admire. They will be honored that you considered them for such an important task. COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

The Pros and Cons of going to Grad School Writing by Madeleine Willars | Layout by Julie Araica

The Pros 1. Seperate yourself from other applicants Many jobs now require more education. Employers may be interested in a candidate that has a masters rather than just a bachelors. 2. Prolong going into the workforce Many students graduate college still unsure of what career they want to pursue. Obtaining a master's or professional degree will give you more time to find your place in the field you wish to work in. 3. Potential Free Tuition Many universities offer free or discounted tuition as compensation for working as a teaching assistant. While the expenses of grad school can deter students, this may change their minds. 4. Easier to advance in career Though it is possible to get high paying jobs out of undergrad, once you work in the field it may be harder to advance in your career without a higher degree. 5. Because you want to Continuing your education is fulfilling. Consider going to grad school for the academic challenge.

30 COOGLIFE

// SEPTEMBER 2018

The Cons 1. Expensive Going to graduate school will mean you will have to pay two to seven more years of tuition and living expenses. 2. Time Grad school can take up to 7 years to complete. This time could be used advancing in your career, saving money, traveling, or starting a family. 3. Commitment If you have other responsibilities, balancing school is a huge challenge. 4.No Guarantees Grad School does not guarantee a higher paying salary than an undergraduate degree. 5. Writing thesis Many graduate programs require writing an original thesis on a subject chosen for you. Writing a thesis is time consuming, challenging, and often is a reason why grad school takes long.

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

10/7 Lovelytheband 10/8 Verite 10/9 Reignwolf 10/10 Mt. Joy

THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.

COOGLIFE // SEPTEMBER 2018

520 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002 www.ReventionMusicCenter.com