Researching Schools and Programs

Researching and Applying to Grad School- Online Workshop

The Graduate School Process (podcast-Fall 2008)

Selecting a Program

Consider the following questions in light of your own personal needs, educational values, and goals.

• What is the emphasis of the program?
• What specializations exist within your general field of study?
• Does the program offer the opportunities you want?
• How rigorous is the program?
• What career areas do graduates of your department go into?
• How long does it take to complete the program?
• How large is the department?
• Where is the school located? Will the location be a fit for you?
• What are the total costs?
• What sort of financial aid (graduate assistantships, scholarships, etc.) is available?
• What areas of research have the faculty focused on?

Obtaining Program Information

Begin your search with one of the standard directories of graduate programs.

• Petersons.com
• International.GradSchools.com
• Public Service Graduate Programs
• MBA Programs with Environmental & Sustainable Business Focus
• Teacher Education Programs - including teacher certification for those who already have a bachelor's degree

Other resources:

• College catalogs and Web sites
• CSB and SJU faculty
• Alumnae/i of the schools you are considering
• Campus visits
• Program/department at the school of interest

The Application Process

Application materials should be obtained at least one year prior to the beginning of the term in which you wish to enroll.  Many programs admit for the fall term only.  Always check with schools for their individual deadlines as they may vary widely from program to program.

Applying to several schools is advised though may be costly with application fees typically ranging from $0-70.  Maintain copies of all application materials and keep ongoing records of each as the process nears completion.  Admission requirements are generally based on some of the following criteria: 

• Graduate admission exam scores
• Undergraduate GPA
• Work experience
• Previous research activities
• Extracurricular activities
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal essay or Statement of purpose
• Portfolios or auditions may also be taken into consideration

Personal Essays

Creating Personal Essays- Online Workshop

Application Essay – Ideas from Kaplan:

Personal Statement...Statement of Purpose...Candidate's Admission Statement... These terms bring a shiver to the spine of many a potential grad student. You should think of the personal statement, however, as an opportunity to show admissions officers what you're made of. They want to know why you want to attend their grad program and this is your chance to tell them as clearly and compellingly as you can.

How to write a strong and impressive personal statement? Focus on two goals: to be persuasive and personal.

Persuasive means showing why you feel that you are right for the program, and how the program is right for you. Your statement should demonstrate the pattern in your life that has led to your decision to apply to this program. It should also address your understanding of what the program is and where it will lead you.

Personal entails honesty and distinctiveness. Many statements of purpose are dull and tend to evade the real issues—and thus are not impressive to an admissions committee. Feel free to acknowledge personal challenges you've faced, but focus on facts and on the future—don't make your statement a tearjerker.

Make an appointment with a Career Counselor to  receive feedback on your personal essay. The Writing Center is also another great resource to help you craft a strong personal statement.

Link to: http://www.gradschooltips.com/essay.htm

Letters of Recommendation

Many prospective employers and graduate schools require letters of recommendation before they will hire or admit you.  These organizations will normally tell you from whom to get your letters and how many you need.  Pay careful attention to this number and do not exceed it.  Here are some tips for getting your letters of recommendation:

• Ask someone who knows you well.  It should be a supervisor, professor or someone else who is able to specifically and accurately express your skills and qualifications for the position.  Choose someone who likes you and approves of your work.  When thinking about who to ask think about these questions:
• Have I worked closely with the person?
• Do I feel this person thinks favorably of me?
• Does this person know me in more than one context?
• Does this person know my future intentions?
• Is this person an effective writer?
• Does this person know me from previous rather than current experiences?
• Will this person create a letter of recommendation by a deadline?
• Choose someone you know is a good writer who can express themselves clearly.
• Provide this person with a resume to review the activities you have been and are involved in and the skills you would like highlighted in this letter.  The more information you can provide them the better.  If possible, meet with them to discuss your educational and career goals and objectives.
• Do not email this person.  Visiting them is best, but if this is impossible call them.
• When you meet with the letter writer make sure you know what the recommendation is for.  Be able to explain the position, what the letter should include, and any other information that may be requested.  Give them as much information as you can to make their job as easy as possible.
• Make sure to provide your reference with a deadline.  It is a good idea to set the deadline a couple of weeks before the actual due date and than check back to make sure the letter was sent.
• When asking for a letter of recommendation, think about timing.  If the deadline is early January and you don’t ask until early December it may be difficult for the individual to get the letter done on time.  Provide the writer with plenty of time so she or he can write the best reference possible.
• If the letter is not an electronic version, provide the person with a self addressed envelope and stamp.  If it is electronic, provide the person with any information she or he may need.
• If you think you may want a letter of recommendation from a faculty member after you graduate, make sure to keep in contact with this person and let them know what you are up to.  You can also ask faculty for a general letter of recommendation to send out later. 
• Send a thank-you note to the letter writer when the process is complete.