How to get into grad school From the ACS website – Education – Undergraduate – Planning for Graduate School https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/graduate/gradschool.html

Planning for graduate work in chemistry Preparing as an Undergraduate Choosing a Graduate Program Applying for Admission Early Graduate School Life

Planning for graduate work in chemistry Preparing as an Undergraduate Coursework Research Reading Extracurricular activities

Planning for graduate work in chemistry Coursework Build your knowledge network on a strong foundation Demonstrate your pursuit of excellence! Attitude, curiosity, focus, attention to detail, work ethic, etc. The excellent grades will follow automatically! Take advanced level courses They will prepare you for what is expected of you in graduate school Talk to your professors!! Not just if/when you need help!

Planning for graduate work in chemistry Research Develop a research mind-set: Interaction with research mentor, graduate students, pot-docs Gain understanding of what graduate study involves Expand your problem-solving skills Present your work Paper / Poster at Conference Publish your results Major feather in your cap!! 

Planning for graduate work in chemistry Extracurricular activities Professional Interest/Focus club(s) ACS, AXE, Forensics Club, etc. Become well-rounded Network Service Activities: Engage with the broader community Build your leadership, communication and interpersonal skills

Planning for graduate work in chemistry READ!! Educate yourself about current issues Discuss what you find interesting with professors, graduate students, peers Chemistry Science in general Global challenges in various fields

Beginning the process REFLECTION: WHY do you want to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry? What do you actually know about the world of graduate study? How do you want to contribute to the Chemical Sciences? What do you know about the various career paths available after graduate study? Which of these appeal to you? How will your graduate school experiences help you pursue your long-term aspirations?

Beginning the process Action Items: Identify several Graduate Programs that appeal to you Take the general GRE: required Take the subject GRE : recommended, (even if optional) Visit the programs you are interested in

Where to apply What to Consider: Research options Financial Considerations Geographical location

Where to apply Research options Do you know what type of research you wish to pursue? It’s OK if you don’t know before you begin to explore the possibilities! Explore the type of research conducted at the school(s) that interest(s) you

where to apply Research options You need to do some homework! Go to the faculty pages on the department websites to scrutinize the research interests of various faculty members Do the research interests of different faculty members seem appealing? One faculty member or MORE than one?

where to apply Do some MORE homework! READ some recent papers published by the faculty members whose work appeals to you It is perfectly OK if you understand only 5-10% of the paper(s) you read! It will still give you some idea of : Techniques, instruments, etc., typically used in conducting the research Journals in which this type of work is published Funding agencies that support this type of research, etc.

where to apply Financial Considerations What financial support is available? Teaching Assistantships / Research Assistantships / Scholarships: Responsibilities? Typical work-load? Dollar amount? Tuition waiver? Cost of living?

WHERE to apply Geographical location Important! You will spend ~ 5 years to earn a Ph.D. The geographic location of the school should not make you miserable!! E.g., You really don’t like cold weather…….. You like to go hiking in the mountains………

Where To apply Finalize your selections: Assess your competitiveness: be realistic, but positive GPA, GRE, other experiences At least SIX schools 1-2 “dream” schools 2-4 schools where you believe you would be competitive 1-2 “safe” schools

WHERE TO APPLY Finalize your selections: Consider the cost Application fees for each program you apply to Do you want to visit? Will the school cover the cost of your visit?

how TO APPLY Components of the application: Online application form Official Transcripts Statement of Purpose Recommendation letters Other supporting documents, as relevant

how TO APPLY Online application form When does it become available? When is the deadline for submission? How many letters of recommendation are needed? What other documents must accompany the application?

how TO APPLY Official Transcripts Find out : How to request transcripts from the Registrar’s office How long it typically takes Check the transcripts for errors Do NOT wait till the last minute!!

how TO APPLY Statement of Purpose Why is this important? What should be included in the essay ? Attend the workshop arranged by HPAC on Oct 28, GAB 104 The focus is on the health professions, but much of it will apply for graduate school too

how TO APPLY Recommendation letters Who to ask? When to ask? How to ask? What information should you provide to your recommender? Other supporting documents, as relevant