Applying to Graduate School November 6, 2018 Presented By Hayli Cox, Graduate Admissions Counselor Northern Michigan University

Why Graduate School Career goals Earning potential Personal fulfillment Professional requirement https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm

Choosing a Program Factors to Consider (Match & FIT) Type of degree (terminal, professional, research, etc.) Selectivity Residency Location Degree completion requirements Prerequisites Time to completion Tracks Accreditation Placement record Faculty & alumni Funding packages/availability

Common Application Requirements Transcripts (degree, language, and GPA requirements) Standardized tests Letters of recommendation Resumes and CVs Personal statements/letters of intent Mentor/adviser support Samples of work Additional & accrediting body requirements (clinical hours, teaching or research experience, certifications, background checks, etc.) Additional requirements for international applicants Application fees

TESTS GRE (general, subject), GMAT, LSAT, MCAT Prepare 5 months before test Find a testing center Budget time and money for studying, testing, reporting

Tips Plan to submit your applications early Consider which programs you will apply for (typically 5-8, but varies) Give your recommenders plenty of time Find all you can on the website Familiarize yourself with the requirements and application system Call the graduate or department office Email a faculty member Visit campus Attend an open house Email a current student Look at faculty publications and research Look at past student work

Tools and resources NMU Workshops Free webinars Your faculty adviser People currently in the profession Online resources: Thegradcafe.org PhDs.org GradSchools.com

Get Organized Ahead of Time Just one way to get organized: Program Deadline Highlights Faculty Funding Application Contact Top Choice University 2 Year Master’s 12/15/2019 Full Residency Assistantship, partial tuition scholarship Official Transcripts X 11/06 department@school.edu GRE General X 10/13 Letters

Suggested Timeline Timelines will vary by program and which semester you plan to enter. The following is an example for fall admission. Senior year and before: request information, draft personal statements and goals, review for examinations September: request recommendations and recommender advice, narrow down choices, register for tests October: take GRE or other tests, order transcripts, revise and tailor statements November & December: Submit completed applications, follow up with recommenders, ensure supporting document arrival January & February: Visit prospective programs You may also consider FAFSA, fellowships, and external applications in this timeline. Many programs will make admissions offers available around April.

Questions?