11/16/2007
Applying to Graduate and pp y g o adua e a d Professional Schools 134 Mary Gates Hall (206) 543‐0535 careers.washington.edu
Overview Researching options Exploring possibilities Understanding the application process L Learning about scholarship and funding i b t h l hi d f di sources • Resources • • • •
Learning about the options • Graduate school – Advanced study in academic disciplines • Doctoral degrees • Master’s degrees earned while working toward a doctoral degree • “Terminal” Master’s degrees
• Professional school – Preparation for entering into the professions • • • • •
Business Law Health‐related professions Education Etc.
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Deciding – Is it right for you now? • Know why you’re going – Reasons, expectations, realistic appraisal
• What are the costs and benefits? – Short Short‐term term and long and long‐term term positives and negatives positives and negatives
• Choosing a Program – Dream schools, good possibilities, & safeties
Researching Programs • Review online/ print resources • Talk with professors, advisers, graduate students, friends and family. • EEmail faculty in programs you are il f lt i considering. • Visit campuses and gather feedback from current students. • Create a “short list”
Online/Print Resources • Web sites – www.gradschools.com – www.petersons.com – www.princetonreview.com
• Online articles – www.jobweb.com/Career_Development/gguides.htm
• Books and library resources
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Things to Consider: Academics Program specifics and their match with your interests Reputation (ranking, stars, name value) Academic rigor Specialized vs general curriculum Potential advisors and committee members (for PhD Potential advisors and committee members (for PhD programs) • Size of school, department, cohort, and classes • Libraries & facilities
• • • • •
Things to Consider: Other • • • • • •
Culture Geographic location Demographic profile Cost Financial aid resources Academic & job placement/ career services available
Application Check List • • • • • • • • • •
Deadlines GPA/ transcripts Test scores (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, etc.) Personal statement Recommendation letters Writing samples or portfolio (for some programs) Resume or C.V. (for some programs) Application forms Interviews (for some programs) Financial aid applications
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Admissions Timeline • Junior year or two years before entering Become familiar with admissions process/criteria Research areas of interest & schools Develop relationships with potential recommenders Prepare for and register for admissions tests Take tests. For more information, visit: www.washington.edu/oea/services/testing_center/ – Request or review online admissions materials – Begin applying for fellowships & scholarships – Begin writing personal statement – – – – –
Admissions Timeline • Senior year or one year before entering – Take admissions tests (if needed) – Check on deadlines and review what’s needed – Obtain letters of recommendation – Have personal statement reviewed, revise, finalize – Send in completed financial aid applications & forms – Check with schools before deadlines to insure applications are complete – Keep track of acceptances, wait lists, and rejections – Notify schools of your decision
Statement of Purpose • • • • • •
What is a statement of purpose? Why write one? What makes a compelling statement? How to get started? Start early! Have drafts reviewed and revise!
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Recommendations • Letters of recommendation file service http://depts.washington.edu/careers/leo/ • Best to solicit from those who know you well and can speak to your ability to succeed • Plan to have at least three strong letters • Provide recommenders with supporting material • Follow‐up with recommenders prior to deadline
Admissions Interview • Review application materials • Be able to relate several stories about how you took initiative, participated in leadership roles, and decided to study the field you are pursuing • Be prepared to answer Be prepared to answer “Why Why here? here?” and and “What What can can you contribute to the program?” • Be open and honest • Be courteous to everyone you meet • Write thank you notes • Take advantage of CCS Mock Interview Program
Types of Funding • Need‐based • Merit‐based • Targeted • Scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards. – www.lib.washington.edu/gfis/ lib hi t d / fi / – www.grad.washington.edu/fellow/hotlist.htm – www.grad.washington.edu/fellow/booklist.htm
• Assistantships and other forms of employment. • Loans
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Funding Sources • UW libraries grants & funding information • Resources available at CCS • Departmental resources • Undergraduate Scholarship Office • Online (check sites where applying)
Resources • • • • • • • •
Researching and Deciding Timelines Preparing for admissions tests Writing personal statements Letters of Recommendation File Preparing for admissions interviews Scholarships and financial aid UW campus resources
Applying to Graduate and pp y g o adua e a d Professional Schools 134 Mary Gates Hall (206) 543‐0535 careers.washington.edu
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