Making Yourself
Competitive for and
Surviving Graduate School
Duane Larick,
Interim Dean
Graduate School
What is Graduate School?
• Obtaining specialized knowledge
from concentrated study in one
area
• Development of specialized skills
to practice a profession or do
advanced research
• In the Science and Technology
areas, that includes active
participation in research
Why Go to Graduate School?
• IT CAN:
• Increase your earning power
• Influence how fast and how far
you advance in your career
• Enhance your job satisfaction
• Give you greater flexibility to
change careers
• IT CAN BE A JOB REQUIREMENT:
• For faculty positions
• For research positions
When to Go to Graduate
School?
• Immediately after undergraduate degree:
Pro: No knowledge gap in field
Pro: You are in the student mode
Con: New debts without
having paid off old ones
Con: Possibility of burnout
When to Go to Graduate
School?
• After working for awhile:
Pro: Some programs require it.
Pro: Gain in experience, maturity, and focus
Pro: Can pay down undergraduate debts and
save for graduate school
Con: If the field changes rapidly, you’ll have to
play “catch-up.”
Con: It may be hard to return to the grind and
poverty of student life.
How Do I Choose a Graduate
School?
Questions to Consider About
Yourself:
• What are my academic
credentials?
• What type of degree am I
seeking?
• What are my financial needs?
• In what type of academic
climate do I wish to study?
How do I Choose a Graduate
School?
Questions to Consider About the Institution:
• REPUTATION OF THE
– Institution
– Program or Department
– Particular Faculty Member
• COST/FINANCES
– Availability of financial assistance
http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/prospect.htm
http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/grad/degree.htm
What Are Graduate Programs Looking
For in Prospective Students?
ADMISSION TO GRADUATE SCHOOL
The Admission Process:
•Applicant Sends Application to the Graduate
School
•Almost all electronic now
•Graduate School Sends to Department for a
Recommendation
•Department Makes Recommendation
•Graduate School Responds to Applicant
How Do I Apply?
•
•
•
•
•
Apply to a specific program.
Contact department; visit if possible.
Apply to at least 3 or 4 programs.
Submit all requested materials.
Submit application packet on time,
Particularly when applying for
financial aid.
Keep copies of everything.
General Admission Requirements
Minimum Admission Requirements
•3.00 Undergraduate GPA
•BA/BS from an Accredited College or University
Other Factors that Are Considered
•Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, MAT)
•References
•Personal Knowledge – YOU!
•Departmental Capacity & Other Resources
•Competition
Transcript Analysis
• Grade Point Average
– Expect 3.0+
• Performance in Key Courses
– Major Courses (GPA = 3.0+)
– Math and Science (major courses)
– English
• Performance Patterns
– Start vs. Finish
– Strengths/Weaknesses
Standardized Test Scores
• GRE (to be revised Fall 07)
– Required by Most Programs
• General Exam Includes:
– Verbal Reasoning
– Quantitative Reasoning
– Analytical Writing (New in 2002)
• Subject tests (Some may require)
Improving GRE Test Scores
• Practice Questions
– Online at ETS
• http://www.gre.org
– Buy Computer Software that give Practice
Tests
• Learn How to Make an EDUCATED Guess when it does not hurt you
• Take a Review Course - if available
Letters of Recommendation
• Standard Reference Report Form
– Aptitude for Graduate Research and Course Work
– Comparison with Prior Students
• Formal Letters
– Expanded Comments
• Suitable References (Examples)
– Undergraduate Advisor
– Research Project Supervisor
– Teachers of Upper-level Courses (400/500)
– Managers/Supervisors at Work
• Summer Internships
• Other Technical Positions
Goals Statement
• Clear Expression of Goals and Experiences
– Career Goals
– Present Progress Toward Goals
– Research Interests
• Cite Published Work
• Seek Suggestions for Improvements
– Faculty Advisor
– Current Graduate Student
• Correct Spelling/Grammar
– Spell cheek misses sum things
Experience Outside the
Classroom
What Makes You Unique as an Applicant?
•Summer Internships
•Leadership Positions in Clubs and
Organizations
•Summer Research Experience/Academic Year
Research Experience
•Completion of an Academic Minor
If you have unique experiences that you cannot
highlight in the goals statement – attach a
resume.
What does the Graduate School
expect of students?
• Graduate School is not an extension of
undergraduate school
– Usually research oriented in addition to
courses (problem solving and
innovation)
– Student must work independently
(initiative)
– Judged on research in addition to
grades
• Ultimately, you will be expected to become
an independent researcher
Requirements for Success – Your
Attitude Towards Graduate School
• Be organized, focused and determined
• Be prepared to learn continuously and embrace
change
• Handle multiple tasks at once in a substantive
manner
– Learn how to manage time and set priorities
• Understand accountability
• Learn to handle failure and frustration
• Adjust to a critical environment
• Adopt a professional stance
• Be ready to have values challenged and changed
• Persevere
Requirements for Success – Your
Approach to Graduate School
• Set clear and attainable goals
• Choose a research topic or discipline
• Seek opportunities to improve your
communication skills (written and oral)
• Develop leadership skills
• Learn to work in teams and across fields
• Take advantage of professional
development opportunities(attend
conferences, present papers, etc.)
Requirements for Success –
Programmatic Related
• Identify degree requirements (policies, etc.)
• Select mentor and graduate committee early
• Develop a plan of work for courses and
research
• Understand history and culture of discipline
• Learn exemplary practices in your field and
practice high standards of conduct/integrity
• PUBLISH, PUBLISH, PUBLISH
Requirements for Success – Your
Personal Wellbeing
• Maintain a well balanced life
• Counterbalance stress
• Get involved with department,
community, church, etc.
• Be well informed (newspapers,
etc.)