Getting into Grad School
Going to graduate school is about much more than simply applying and gaining admission. First come the standardized tests, writing personal statements, finding letters of recommendation, ordering transcripts and possibly even an interview. This whole process is exhausting, with each school requiring a different format of application. Even after admissions declarations have arrived you may be left with the choice of two schools or between going to a back-up school and waiting a year to apply again. None of these decisions are easy and mostly based on individual needs and goals. That said, the perspectives in these guides will help diversify the criteria prospective graduate students use to evaluate schools and hone their choice. The admissions system is complicated and prospective students would do well to educate themselves on its intricacies to maximize their chance of acceptance.
Applications
The GRE and application essay heavily influence acceptance to psychology programs and are equally relevant to other disciplines.
Since senior year in undergrad is a busy time for everyone time management is essential to completing graduate school applications.
Unless you understand what your chosen schools are looking for in an application it will be nearly impossible to market yourself as a successful graduate student.
There are many advisers and services at the undergraduate level to help you make the move to graduate school.
Applying to graduate school is a complicated process requiring students to understand what is requested in the many forms and essays.
While testing scores and letters will improve your chances of getting in to graduate school, the real preparation starts with your first day of college courses.
The personal statement can make or break an application process and must involve a serious time commitment.
While a personal statement is open ended, there are guidelines on what to include and leave out to maximize impact.
Since you cannot incorporate all of your learning into a two page statement of purpose you need to discover the qualities that strengthen your potential as a graduate student.
When asking for letters of recommendation it is important to give some direction and sufficient time to ensure you end up with a quality letter.
Find out the best information to include in a letter of recommendation to guide your writers in emphasizing your best characteristics.
Student interviews can be nerve wracking, but preparation and general interview advice will give you a leg up.
Remove the stress of interviewing by reading up on the most commonly asked questions and good ways to answer them.
Dealing with Rejection
Rather than let rejection dictate your future figure out what went wrong and fix these problems for next year's applications.
There are many reasons for being rejected from school but gaining experience and boosting your credentials will give you a better chance next year.
Graduate programs are looking for very specific qualities in students so learn as much as possible about their desired traits.
Rejection is common so learning how to deal with it is more valuable than constant approval.
On Being Rejected! University of California Berkeley, 2004
Sometimes rejection allows us the opportunity to really evaluate our situation and make difficult needed decisions.
Success is possible for anyone despite being rejected from a program; just look at Steve Jobs.
FAQ
It is normal to have a ton of questions about going to graduate school. Can I apply to a different field than my undergraduate major? Should my professors send out my letters of recommendation or should I? Find the answers to these worries and more in this article.
The steps involved in going to graduate school include many considerations, not all of which have clear answers. Some students will not be familiar with letters of recommendation or a CV and need help in understanding their content. Others simply want advice on financial aid, acceptance criteria and how to choose a school. No matter where your anxieties about grad school lie, these frequently asked questions have the answers for you.
Choosing a Program / Choosing a Certain School
You will need to consider many factors when it comes time to choose graduate programs which to apply to.
Swarthmore's graduate program application requirements are typical of many institutions and contain insights for applicants.
While students should try to match their focus with those of an adviser, a diverse department is beneficial in allowing many different perspectives.
Since an academic adviser guides chemistry students throughout graduate school it is most important to choose a professor you admire with similar interests.
Rankings go a long way in the business world and while a like-minded professor may provide an exciting experience it may not be worth it financially.
To get a good idea of where they would fit best students need to ask the right questions.
Understanding your own goals and personality is the most important factor in choosing what program to attend.
To make the best decision about graduate school all the factors need to be taken into account.
Remember that you are in charge of what graduate program you attend, not even rejection should dissuade you from this decision.
Depending on a person's goals different aspects of a graduate program may vary in importance.
There are many different ways to compare graduate schools and students should be aware of all of them.
Thoughts on Getting Accepted / Tips for Getting In
While there are many important factors when it comes to applying, students should focus on the ones they can change to increase their chances of acceptance.
Each school has a different way of evaluating applicants so students must do their research to find out what their preferred programs are seeking.
Those considering graduate schools should apply to as many as possible to increase the chances of a good fit.
Graduate schools have many responses to give to applicants and no matter what the results students can always apply next year.
The personal statement is the primary insight admissions officers have about their applicants.
Realistically evaluating your credentials will help emphasize strengths and downplay weaknesses when it comes to grad school applications.
Minority students are encouraged to apply to graduate school since affirmative action and other policies give opportunities for a position.
Contrary to popular belief people with poor grades and GRE scores can gain admission and excel in graduate programs.
While you may believe that you are not qualified for a particular program dedication will go a long way toward getting accepted.
Funding / Financial Aid
Cost is a problem for all students but many there are many ways to obtain financial aid.
Students in economics are not immune to financial pressures but luckily there are many programs designed specifically to help them.
This report details the trends in how college is funded.
Even if you do not receive a full scholarship there are many ways to reduce the cost burden.
U.S. News clears up the confusion surrounding financial aid and other types of assistance for graduate students.
Aside from the many student loan programs available, minority associations and community groups often support graduate students in need.
Every option for financing graduate school should be explored before even considering student loans.
Preparing Once You're Admitted
When accepted to graduate school students should continue researching the campus to devise a plan for their education.
No matter what the verdict is from graduate school make sure that it fits your needs and weigh your options to determine the best course of action.
If you have been accepted to multiple institutions it is time to get a better idea of campus life there and determine which best fits your goals.
Standardized Tests
There are many different ways to study for graduate school admissions tests, but in the end it all comes down to the effort you put in.
Understanding the types of questions on the GRE and where to invest your time will greatly improve your study habits.
Get the scoop on the most popular test prep materials to find out what you need to study.
While it can be difficult to commit to studying, getting a little done daily will improve your scores and relieve test stress.
GRE vs. GMATThe New York Times, Christine Lagorio, 2008
Find out the difference between the GMAT and the GRE, the most popular graduate admissions tests.
Resources on Rankings / Listings / Specific Degree Info
U.S. News' college rankings are the most popular system in use today.
The factors U.S. News considers in its ranking system reveal the most important factors for this ratings guide.
Since each ranking system uses different criteria it is best to consult a few to get a broad view of college quality.
You may be surprised to learn that U.S. News is just one of many publishers who distribute college rankings.
PhDs.org's interface is an online tool to connect prospective students with the graduate programs that are most complementary to their needs.
Ranking systems have many problems and even a third-party, non-biased organization is not safe from ridicule.
The National Academies press has a detailed assessment of graduate schools along with raw data used to produce the results.
These articles from the California State University at Chico detail the many problems with college ranking.
Wikipedia documents the ongoing argument over the efficacy of ranking college programs.
NACAC Report on RankingsThe National Association for College Admission Counseling, 2011
This report surveys high school guidance counselors and university admissions officials for their views on college ranking guides.
What is the point of rating colleges if they simply enact policies to manipulate the rankings?
Prospective & Current Students
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