Pursuing Higher Degrees: Applying for and Being Accepted to Graduate School
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This document summarizes a presentation about applying to graduate school. It discusses who the presenters are and their backgrounds. It outlines the agenda which includes why to pursue graduate school, writing a personal statement, letters of recommendation, the application process, finding the right program and mentor, and funding opportunities. Tips are provided for each topic such as who to ask for letters, how to ask, application deadlines and GPA requirements, what to consider in a program fit, and resources for funding. The document concludes by advising attendees to get organized and provides contact information for any additional questions.
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Pursuing Higher Degrees: Applying for and Being Accepted to Graduate School
- 1. October 11–13, 2012 Pursuing Higher Degrees: Applying for and Being Accepted to Graduate School Fara Williams and Kay Porter OK-LSAMP, Oklahoma State University
- 2. Agenda and Goals • Who We Are • Why Pursue Graduate School • Writing a Personal Statement • Letters of Recommendation • The Application Process • Finding the Right Fit – Program, Location, Mentor • Funding Opportunities
- 3. Who We Are • Kay - education and work experience • Fara - education and work experience • Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation – Funded by the National Science Foundation – Supports minority students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines – Main goals include research experiences and graduate school preparation – Currently, 50-60 scholars at OSU; ~200 scholars state-wide – Since 2009, ~52% of graduates have attended graduate school
- 4. Why Pursue Graduate School Average Yearly Earnings • Greater Earning 109600 89400 Potential 62300 52200 • The Bachelor’s degree is no longer “good enough”
- 5. Why Grad School – The Need for More Mentors Science and Engineering Doctorates Awarded in 2009 14552 1947 1041 1098 1802 120
- 6. Writing a Personal Statement • Grammar • Tell your story….. • Have multiple people read statements • Writing process - grammar • Reuse but also tailor • Always proofread once more before submitting – GRAMMAR, headings, etc.
- 7. Letters of Recommendation – Who to Ask • High rank vs. close relationship • Different aspects of you – Research abilities and experiences • Academic Year Assistantships • Classes • Internships – Leadership skills – Academics – Work ethic and other skills • Have an “emergency” recommender
- 8. Letters of Recommendation – How to Ask • Ask, but find someone else if: – They are busy or don’t have time – Don’t feel comfortable – They are hesitant for any reason • Provide a copy of recommender format/topics • Provide a copy of your resume • Provide a deadline – Give yourself a time buffer
- 9. The Application Process • Application Deadlines – One to be considered – One to be accepted – One for full financial consideration • Minimum GPA – One to apply – One to be considered – One to be accepted
- 10. Finding the Right Fit • Your goals and interests vs. the program • Possible mentors and advisors* • Location • Community • Costs • Financial aid and funding sources*
- 11. Finding the Right Mentor Professional AND Personal Match You will need someone who: Guides and advises Right level of supervision Supports and challenges Right balance of “push” and “nurture”
- 12. Funding Opportunities Types Places to Find • Grants • Government (NSF, NIH, DOD, Tribal) • Fellowships • Organizations • Scholarships (Ford, Sloan, Gates*) • Assistantships • Industry • Loans • Campus Specific
- 13. Review • Personal Statement – Writing Process • Letters of Recommendation – Who and How • Application Process – Deadlines and GPA’s • The Right Fit – What to Consider • Funding Opportunities - Resources
- 14. Get Started • Keep organized – Make lists / spreadsheets – Create files – Use a tote box, binder, file cabinet… • Included in today’s handouts: – Helpful tip sheets – Samples / templates • Sample “tool box” available for inspection
- 15. Questions? Fara Williams Kay Porter 405-744-7820 405-744-6710 fara@okstate.edu kay.porter@okstate.edu Mike Heppler, Graduate Application Expert 405-612-5799, rabbito76@yahoo.com www.ok-lsamp.okstate.edu
Editor's Notes
- “A four-year degree no longer offers the promise of a steadily-rising income. In 2007, the real value of wages actually fell almost 2% below the 2001 level” – onlinegraduateprograms.com
- “A four-year degree no longer offers the promise of a steadily-rising income. In 2007, the real value of wages actually fell almost 2% below the 2001 level” – onlinegraduateprograms.com
- You can have the best qualifications in the world, but if you don’t tell them about it…Have multiple people read and offer suggestions, but remember that they are suggestions. Ultimately, it is your essay.
- Perhaps highlight parts of your resume pertaining to work done with the recommender
- Application Deadlines
- Explore class descriptions for program content (Forensics example – forensic anthropology vs. toxicology). Have two or even three possible mentors at the same institution. Big city vs. rural community. Coast vs. mountains. If family - schools and daycare facilities. Campus and community activities. Beware the possibility of culture shock – not a bad idea to expand your horizons, but…. Think of total cost – tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation, health care, family care
- If you are highly dedicated and self-motivated…. If you need step-by-step instruction or a rigid schedule…..If you tend to “take the easy way”…. If you have a hard time saying “no”….
- Part of your handouts include some tip sheets and sample organization templates. We have a sample tool box if you would like to take a look.