Defining the ‘right fit’:
Investigating the Graduate Student
Community – an Integral Part of the
Application Process
This is the Goal
Starting the Journey
 Application materials
 Letters of recommendation
 Standardized tests
 Personal Statement
 Writing Sample
 Resume/CV
Now what…
So you have your list…
Asking the questions related to best fit…
Is there a graduate student community?
Are there organizations, affinity groups, clubs I
can join?
How do I find a place to live?
Who do I ask for help?
Will I have time for anything fun?
Transitioning
Undergraduate student
Graduate student
Consumer of knowledge
Producer of
knowledge
Apprentice
Expert
Develop deep understanding of particular field of study
Graduate Studies
In graduate school, your job is to
 Learn
 Contribute
 Grow professionally
 Develop personally
Life Beyond the Library & Lab
Elements
beyond
academics
Engaging
Welcoming
Graduate
Student
Community
Fit with
other
students
Inclusive
Supportive
Explore Beyond Campus
 Mental and physical
wellness
 Social activities,
entertainment,
culture
 Take a walk, go to
dinner, see a movie
Graduate Visitation Programs
 Typically for populations that are
underrepresented in graduate education
 Apply to receive partial to fully funded
campus visits
 1-3 day program
 Meet with faculty, students
 Experience the campus environment
Ex. UR Visitation Program
 Two day event
 Interact with faculty
and students in
program
 Grad student panel
 Campus tour
 Application session
 Reception with
Deans
Campus
Organizations
Student
Services
Healthy
Graduate
Student
Professional
Development
Mentor
Programs
Sources of Support
 Coordinator for Graduate Student Services
 Programs that focus on underrepresented
graduate students
 Ombudspersons, intercessors, other confidential
support
 Family friendly policies
 Professional development workshops/courses
Ex. UR Professional Development
 Future Faculty
Initiative
 Networking
Workshops
 Grant Writing
Tactics
 Program and department websites
 Student organization blogs, social media
groups
 Leveraging LinkedIn
 Student Profile
Aspiring graduate student seeking challenging
doctoral program in biomedical engineering
 Groups
Alumni and common interest
 Making connections
Contacts
Defining your path through graduate school
This is the Goal
Answers
 Now you know the questions
 Ideas on where to find some answers
 Tactics for evaluating programs
Good Luck
 Questions, comments, concerns?

Contact information:
Pia Bunton
Graduate Marketing & Recruiting
University of Rochester
pia.bunton@rochester.edu