Helpful Hints for Applying to Graduate School

Compiled by Michele C. Kieke, CSB class of 1995; biology major

Review Michelle's sample applicant statement

START TO THINK ABOUT GRAD SCHOOL NOW!!

Why do you want to go? What might you do once you've received your degree? What are you interested in (specifically)? What types of characteristics in a school are important to you (location, atmosphere, length of program, financial support, cost of living, prestige, etc.)? What do I need to plan ahead for (don't miss GRE registration deadlines, find out if you need the subject GRE, when application deadlines are, etc.)?

USE THE CAREER RESOURCE CENTER!

They have a lot of very helpful info, and especially utilize their computer program (SIGI) which helps you narrow down school choices by indicating important factors such as what part of the country you'd like to live/study in, the size of school you prefer, the area of specialization you're interested in, etc.

GET EXPERIENCE AS AN UNDERGRADUATE!

Whether it's washing dishes in a lab or actually participating in research, get yourself into a lab [or out in the field] to chalk up some experience and learn some techniques. Summer research programs are excellent, as are T.A.ing or tutoring jobs.

GET TO KNOW THE FACULTY!

Try to stop in and talk, ask them after class about their experiences and their advice. They make great resources, and can later write a better recommendation if they know more than simply your name, year, and major.

BE AWARE OF REQUIREMENTS!

Make sure you carefully schedule necessary courses during your undergrad years. For example, although the biology major does not require classes like organic chemistry and physics, they are important for many grad school-bound students.

SELECT YOUR RECOMMENDATION WRITERS WELL IN ADVANCE!

Do not give your writers the recommendation form the day or even week before it's due and expect them to have time to whip up a recommendation. Allow for plenty of time; Professors are very busy, too. Also, make life easier by giving her/him pre-addressed envelopes (including postage).

TAP INTO VARIOUS RESOURCE SOURCES

Talk to professors, family members, friends, alums, people in the work force, anyone with graduate experience. Ask lots of questions. Go to grad school fairs, meetings, and presentations. Talk to seniors who are in the process of or finished applying. Write, e-mail, or call your schools of choice and ask questions. Even make an effort to visit your schools if possible; get your name out there, speak with faculty members, check out the lab facilities, sell yourself; there's a good chance they'll remember you when accepting applicants into their program if you make yourself "visible". Request info from your schools.

If limited in time, at least try to review basic math concepts (like adding fractions or other "ancient" math you probably haven't touched for over five years!). Another suggestion I once heard is to study up a bit on suffixes, roots, and prefixes for the vocabulary section (since you can't possibly memorize definitions of 1000's of words). Take practice tests. Use resources in the CRC on the various tests (you can check out materials for preparation for FREE rather than using the expensive study guides).

WRITE A REALLY GOOD APPLICANT STATEMENT

Your statement not only shows the department you're applying to that you "have what it takes" to succeed in grad school, it also indicates whether or not you can simply write coherent English! Write clearly and concisely. Have several people (especially professors in your major) read your drafts and revise several times. Don't forget you can also utilize the Writing Lab or Writing Workshop. Spelling and grammar are crucial. Watch for what info the application specifically asks for (some schools ask you to comment on rather specific things) and also if there is a word limit.

GET YOUR TRANSCRIPTS SENT ON TIME

The registrar's office is really helpful with this step. In fact, if you bring them your other completed forms (your applicant statement, your general application, your application fee) they will mail the whole mess FOR you. You can save yourself time and postage. They will be sure to insert your transcript inside your envelope. Just make sure you allow enough time for it to arrive; allow at least a week advance time if not more.

MAKE A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A PROGRAM AND AN ADVISOR

This list includes questions like: Where do I want to be in five/ten years? Do I need direction and motivation from an advisor, or do I prefer independent work? Is the atmosphere of this particular program more competitive or cooperative? What is the advisor's reputation and temperament (you can ask the current grad school student "insider" info such as this; they'll give you the dirt straight!)? How long (on average) does it take to earn a degree? How are the library and computer facilities? Are females and males treated with the same respect? Will you simply be a "pair of hands" for the advisor to take advantage of, or will you be doing your own research? Will you be able to travel and present your research on behalf of your dept.? What are previous graduates doing (did they find jobs!)? What course work is expected? Do I have to teach? What are the various requirements (course load, oral and written exams, journal club, etc.) How is the funding situation in that dept. (do they have money to spend)? How prestigious is the school and the department (I looked in the Peterson guide books and also simply asked our faculty members what schools stick out in their minds as having a good reputation for my area of interest)? What size lab would I prefer (large, medium, small)? What kind of diversity does the dept. have (are there women faculty, for example)? Do students publish? How do other possible plans for my life fit in with the tremendous commitment of grad school (do I plan on getting married and/or having children at some point in the future)?

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Research many facts about the school and especially your department. Look in the Peterson's guide, ask current students, ask professors from your undergrad who have attended a school of choice. If you decide to visit or if you are invited, prepare for your trip by making up a list of questions to ask. Best advice everyone gave me about truly getting an accurate picture of a department; TALK TO THE CURRENT GRAD STUDENTS! Don't be afraid to ask weird questions, they've probably heard it all anyway.

PLAN AHEAD

Applying to grad school is stressful enough; don't procrastinate. Once you get your applications in, an enormous weight is lifted. Then all you have to do is wait to hear from schools. As you can imagine, finally being accepted and having everything "set" is a wonderful feeling! Until that time comes, make the applying process less stressful for yourself.

PLAN FINANCIALLY FOR APPLYING

I didn't spend a whole lot of money in the application process, but the costs can really add up. Every school requires an application fee (average range from $20 to $50 per school), you need stamps and envelopes, you'll probably make several long distance phone calls, if you visit you'll need gas and travel arrangements (unless the school pays for it!), etc. The more schools you apply to, the more expensive it will be.

There are several factors to consider here. As mentioned above, the more schools you apply to the more expensive it will be. The decision is dependent on your personal preference. Some people apply to five or more schools. I chose three. An important hint to remember; make sure you have a "fall-back".

Example of an Applicant Statement

Michele C. Kieke
Dept. of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois I will earn my undergraduate degree in biology from the College of St. Benedict in May of 1995. I hope to begin graduate study in the fall of 1995. My academic preparation includes a liberal arts education together with a strong background in biology courses and research experience. It also includes summer research experience and a senior honors thesis.

Many hours of laboratory work for genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry have helped me gain many necessary skills needed for research. I also participated in a ten week summer undergraduate research program at the University of Minnesota. Participants gained experience in presenting scientific research in the form of three oral seminars and a poster session. The senior honors thesis program at the College of Saint Benedict has given me the opportunity to continue my summer research project. Participants in this program spend their senior year working on their research and then present their work in the spring. Thesis completion involves a written paper and an oral defense.

Other activities I am involved in include working as a tutor for first year biology students, participating in the biology club as an officer, and contributing to our biology department newsletter.

My research interests include the area of my research thesis, gene therapy. I have enclosed a copy of my research abstract. I am also interested in gene expression and how gene regulation relates to the development of cancer. My career goal is to teach at the university level and head a research laboratory.

Before enrollment into graduate school, I will have completed a year of organic chemistry and two upper division biology courses--biochemistry in the fall and molecular biology in the spring.

Thank you for considering me as a prospective graduate student at the University of Illinois.

Sincerely,

Michele Catherine Kieke