“WHY GRADUATE SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
Sponsored in part by
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
Dr. Sandra Cruz-Pol
Associate Professor
ECE UPRM
FAQs BY STUDENTS
 Why
Should I Go to Graduate School?
 How Can I Pay for Graduate School?
 How Do I Apply for Graduate School?
 How Do I Apply for a GEM Fellowship?
 Where Can I Go to Graduate School?
 Tips for Getting Fellowships?
 How To Succeed In Grad School?
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
2
“WHY SHOULD I GO TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
WE NEED YOU!
Percentage of Minority Engineering
Graduates, 1994
28%
30%
College-Age Population
BS Graduates
MS Graduates
PhD Graduates
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
8.5%
4.3%
1.8%
0%
Source: NACME Research Letter, Vol. 6, Number 1, May 1996
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
4
BENEFITS
 Increased


Higher starting salary
Greater ability to earn independently
 Enhanced



career flexibility
Competitive advantage
Greater choice of work
Greater mobility
 Fortified

compensation
self-confidence
Demonstrated ability to perform rigorous tasks
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
5
IDENTIFIES YOU AS A LEADER
 A seat
at the table.
 Solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing
problems lie in science and engineering:





Healthcare (AIDS, Cancer, Alzheimer's)
Environment
Transportation
Communication
Civil Infrastructure
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
6
WHO BELIEVES IN GRADUATE
EDUCATION?
3M
Over 50 GEM employers, including:
Agilent Technologies
Hewlett Packard
AMD
Intel
Lexmark Int’l
BP Amoco
Compaq
Lucent
Corning, Inc.
Merck
Daimler Chrysler
Microsoft
Dow Chemical
Motorola
DuPont
NASA
Eastman Kodak Co.
QUALCOMM
ETS
Raytheon
Sandia Nat’l Lab
Exxon Mobil
Ford Motor Co.
Siemens
General Motors
Timken
GlaxoSmithKline
Texas Instruments
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
“HOW CAN I PAY FOR
GRADUATE SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
8
GEM DELIVERS!

Portable Fellowships to 88 Universities




M.S. Engineering Fellowship Program
• Minimum $10,000 stipend over 3 semesters/4 quarters
• Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University
Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship Program
• Minimum $14,000 academic year stipend for 5 years
• Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University
Ph.D. Science Fellowship Program
• Minimum $14,000 academic year stipend for 5 years
• Full tuition and fees at GEM Member University
Summer Internships at 51 Company Members
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
9
OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
 Research Assistantships
(RA) and Teaching
Assistantships (TA)

A form of financial aid where the graduate student
is paid for work which is often related to the
student’s studies or area of specialization. An RA
pays a student to assist a professor on a research
project; a TA pays a student to teach sections or
classes of undergraduate courses, or to help
grade papers or examinations.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
10
RESOURCES FOR FINANCIAL
INFORMATION







GEM’s Web site - http://www.gemfellowship.org
The Financial Aid Web site- http://www.finaid.org/
The Graduate Office at your University
The Graduate Office at Universities of interest to you
The department you plan to pursue
your degree in
McNair Scholars waives application fees.
Go to http://www.ed.gov.offices/OPE/HEP/trio/mcnair
Project 1000 waives up to seven application fees
E-mail: project1000@asu.edu
Go to http://mati.eas.asu.edu:8421/p1000
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
11
“HOW DO I APPLY FOR
GRADUATE SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
12
The Graduate Admissions Process
 Graduate





School Application:
Complete application forms and questionnaires at
University and Department levels as required.
Submit transcripts, letters of reference, and statement
of purpose.
Apply for admission at member
universities before January 1st
for additional funding opportunities.
Take Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Submit ALL documents at once.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
13
The Graduate Admissions Process
(continued)
 Supporting



documents:
Ask for STRONG letters of recommendation from
faculty.
Allow sufficient time for letters to be written (2-3
weeks).
Have faculty review statement of purpose before
submittal.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
14
The Graduate Admissions Process
(continued)
 Graduate






Record Exam (GRE):
Two parts: General and discipline exams;
• October 2002 new exam guidelines include a
writing section. Go to http://www.gre.org
Computer based exams offered continuously;
Resources include search services, on-line practice
exams, and on campus workshops/seminars;
Submit GRE scores with admission packet;
Review Peterson’s Guide for scores (previous class)
submitted at various universities; and
Submitting GRE scores is required for funding
opportunities at some universities.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
15
“HOW DO I APPLY FOR A
GEM FELLOWSHIP?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
16
GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS

First year students should begin exploring options now.



Participate in undergraduate research experiences.
Gain internship and/or co-op experiences in industry and/or
government laboratories.
Juniors may apply.

Begin to target specific graduate programs at member
universities. Go to web site for list of members.

University alumni/ae are encouraged
to apply.
 Apply on line at
www.gemfellowship.org
by December 1st deadline.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
17
GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS
(continued)
 Eligibility requirements:








Minimum 2.8 GPA for MS Engineering Fellowship;
Minimum 3.0 GPA for Ph.D. Engineering and Science
Fellowships;
Submit two (one from faculty) letters of recommendation;
Detailed resume;
Include statement of purpose;
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
Be member of underrepresented majority group (African
American, Latino/a, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and
American Indian); and
Be a US Citizen.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
18
GEM FELLOWSHIP PROCESS
(continued)
 Internship Expectations:





Internships begin summer before Fall enrollment at
member university except Juniors;
• Juniors complete three internships with employer.
M.S. Engineering Fellows are expected to complete
two internships with employer sponsor;
Ph.D. Engineering and Ph.D. Science Fellows are
expected to intern at least once with employer;
All interns are evaluated as potential full-time
employees; and
Employers pay internship salary and travel.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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2001 vs. 2002 APPLICANTS
450
400
432
350
MS E
PhD E
PhD S
300
250
329
200
150
100
50
0
62 58
2001
94 89
2002
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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2001 vs. 2002 SELECTIONS
160
140
120
159
MS E
PhD E
PhD S
100
110
80
60
40
20
0
28 13
2001
26 10
2002
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
21
2002 M.S. ENGINEERING
APPLICANTS AND SELECTS
S
t
# u
d
o e
f n
t
s
Applicant Profile:
•308 (71%) African Americans
•112 (26%) Latinos/a
• 12 ( 3%) American Indians
•200 (46%) Female
•363 (84%) >3.0 GPA
•190 (44%) >3.3 GPA
500
400
300
432
200
100
110
0
2002
Year
Applicants
Selects
Select Profile:
• 80 (73%) African Americans
• 27 (24%) Latinos/a
• 3 ( 3%) American Indians
• 44 (40%) Female
• 99 (90%) >3.0 GPA
• 74 (67%) >3.3 GPA
• 52 (47%) >3.5 GPA
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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2002 Ph.D. ENGINEERING
APPLICANTS AND SELECTS
S
t
# u
d
o e
f n
t
s
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Applicant Profile:
•64 (68%) African Americans
•27 (29%) Latinos/a
• 3 ( 3%) American Indians
•40 (43%) Female
•39 (41%) >3.5 GPA
•22 (23%) >3.7 GPA
94
26
2002
Year
Applicants
Selects
Select Profile:
•16 (61%) African Americans
• 8 (31%) Latinos/a
• 2 ( 8%) American Indians
•13 (50%) Female
•13 (50%) >3.5 GPA
• 8 (31%) >3.7 GPA
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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2002 Ph.D. SCIENCE
APPLICANTS AND SELECTS
S
t
# u
d
o e
f n
t
s
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Applicant Profile:
•56 (63%) African Americans
•31 (35%) Latinos/a
• 2 ( 2%) American Indians
•60 (67%) Female
•41 (46%) >3.5 GPA
•19 (21%) >3.7 GPA
89
10
2002
Year
Applicants
Selects
Select Profile:
• 5 (50%) African Americans
• 4 (40%) Latinos/a
• 1 (10%) American Indian
• 5 (50%) Female
• 7 (70%) >3.5 GPA
• 2 (20%) >3.7 GPA
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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NETWORK
S II NN EE SS
UU S
Company
Reps
SS
Faculty
BB
University
Reps
NETWORK
network
GEM
Staff
Alumni/ae
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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TIME LINE TO APPLY
 September


1 – APPLY ON LINE.
Remember to apply to graduate programs at various member
universities and take GRE; and
Indicate up to four employers of choice on GEM application.
 December
1 - Submit GEM Application and
Graduate School Application.

Selection Committee will match your employer preferences with
internship opportunities available.
 February
1 - Announcement of GEM Fellows.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
26
TIME LINE TO APPLY (continued)

March - GEM Acceptance Forms Due.
 May - Forward Transcript & School Selection
to the GEM Office.
 May/June - Internship Begins.
 August/September - Fall Semester
Begins; Meet GEM Representative
on Campus.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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“WHERE CAN I GO TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
28
Start Your Search Here!
Over 80 GEM universities, including:
MIT
Cornell
Columbia
Georgia Tech
U of Illinois
Johns Hopkins
U of Michigan
Northwestern
Penn State
Princeton
Purdue
Yale
U of Puerto Rico
U of Arizona
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UCLA
UC San Diego
Drexel
Stanford
Texas A&M
Rice
U of New Mexico
U of Notre Dame
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
How to Research a Graduate Program

Research university libraries



Peterson’s Guide
Chronicle of Higher Education
Directory of Graduate Programs
 Request
information be mailed to
you from the department


Visit schools you are interested in
Surf the Web
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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How to Research a Graduate Program
(continued)

Gradschoolshopper.com


Your guide to graduate programs in physics and related fields; go to
gradschoolshopper.com, enter search parameters (i.e. geographic or
academic preferences), and receive pages meeting these criteria.
Gradschools.com


Worldwide web site dedicated to post-baccalaureate educational
programs; tens of thousands of programs listed, continually updated;
go to gradschools.com, enter search parameters (i.e. geographic or
academic preferences), and receive pages meeting these criteria.
Student prospector.com - draws prospective students from the
gradschools.com web site and offers them a place to create & store a
academic profile; recruiters subscribe to this service for a fee.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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Identifying a Graduate Program

Are Faculty members conducting research in your
area of interest? Ask about faculty to other students.
 What is the educational infrastructure (labs, library,
computers, etc.)?
 Does the curriculum support your interests?
 What are the degree requirements?
 What is the average time to degree completion?
 Is financial support available?
 What will be your work/study environment?
 Are the social outlets adequate?
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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“TIPS FOR GETTING
FELLOWSHIPS?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
33
Tips for Getting Fellowships!



Start Early
 Application deadlines range from early November to early
February.
Research your options
 To find a program or a fellowship that matches your interests
and goals, plan on doing some serious research. The money
won’t necessarily come to you – you have to go to it (or at
least tell them how to find you...).
Pay attention to the restrictions
 Some programs put a limit on the number of credit hours you
can have finished before application.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
34
More Tips!




Follow directions
 Although this may seem obvious, follow the directions in the application
packet to the letter.
The Name Thing...
 When applying for fellowships, you should be consistent in how you
report your name. The name on your SS card, your graduate school
admissions application, and your fellowship application should be
identical.
Supporting documents matter
 Letters of Reference and Statements of Purpose can make a difference
in the selection process.
Keep trying
 If you don't get an award one year, apply again next year.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
35
“HOW TO SUCCEED
IN GRAD SCHOOL?”
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees
for Minorities in Science and Engineering, Inc.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
36
Graduate School
 It’s
unlike anything else; unstructured.
 Is not for everyone.



Independent work
Lots of reading
Commitment; (not finding a job is not a reason to go to
grad school)
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
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Goal and Objective



Your goal is to graduate
Need unique (interesting) thesis topic
To graduate,



Be a good researcher;
• (READ, READ, READ!)7 , understand.
• Organized: keep journal, file of papers
Stay motivated
Show initiative in research ideas
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
38
Today’s Situation in Grad School



In Engineering Schools Hispanic graduates
comprise less than 10% of the students!
So you may find (Most people don’t find this)
 Discrimination
 Harassment
 Isolation
 Lack of support
Yes, you’ll be different, so?
 Con: Have to work twice as good
 Pro: Your face will be easy to remember
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
39
Choosing the Right Advisor *
 Advisor is
the most important person for
your MS or PhD!
 Area of research, fame, good school?
 Interview advisor,

ask about average time to graduate, your special
circumstances like family.
 Talk

to his/her current grad students
Ask about failure rate, relations, support
 You
should get along and trust advisor.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
40
Discrimination:
…Breaking the stereotypes
 Both
races are sometimes in fault.
 Create awareness, in a polite way (jokes?)
 Don’t leave the Discrimination Radar ON
 Mingle; football, golf , parties …
 Appearances ARE
important
 dress up appropriately for work and research
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
41
Modus Operandi + Intelligence = Ph.D.
 People
skills
 Networking is important
 Network with supporting societies
 (e.g. SHPE, MEP)
 Get to work,
 be disciplined , make a schedule
 Set time for recreation too!
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
42
Family Priorities;
for couples studying together
 Make
sure spouse understands children are
responsibility of both, that your work should also
be a priority for him.
 Two cases to avoid:
 Non-cooperative husband
 “Self-slaved” wife (yes, it happens)
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
43
Grad school
 Don’t

 In


give up!
At some point everybody thinks that “they’re not
going to make it.”
Keep the faith!
addition try to (specially in PhD),
Write journal papers
Attend conferences
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
44
Thesis
 Start


with the thesis proposal
This is required in many programs
Some also require candidacy and oral tests.
 Write

a chapter at a time.
Writing journal or conference papers helps for thesis.
 Significant
content is important.
 Good writing style is very important.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
45
Key factors for success
Success of underrepresented students in graduate
school?
 Know how to “play the game” -Attitude
 integrate
 married status helps
 do a great job
 be professional
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
46
Elements to speed transition
What are the key elements that enhance their
transition from graduate school into
academia and/or industry ?
 Find
mentor and role model
 Integrate to group
 Focus
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
47
Summary









Choose the Right Advisor.
Keep a positive attitude. Make friends
 (these will be your future collaborators)
Be strong and don’t let others bring you down with
discrimination comments, etc.
Work together with spouse to set goal straight.
Be a leader, take initiative to do good research
Read a lot of papers (ask your advisor)
Organize, work efficiently
Set time to relief stress with entertainment
Don’t give up.
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
48
Visit
www.gemfellowship.org
ece.uprm.edu/~pol
>>>>>StudentResources
Hispanic Caucus web page
“Turning Today’s Technical Talent
Into Tomorrow’s Technology Leaders”
49