Graduate School: (What They Don’t Tell you) Susan S. Standen Stanford University 03/23/04

Contents Disclaimer Things that surprised me The good news… And the bad What they want What YOU want Preparing to apply Applying What to do when you get IN

Things that surprised me Grad school is not like school –Grades are not important –Be there all day –Work hard for no credit The professors are not there to teach –They are there to get tenure –Tenure means publishing research –Publishing research depends on grad students They don’t want the “perfect student” –They want someone who “fits”

The Good News Getting in is hard; staying in is easy No irrelevant classes Cutting-edge information “Culture of curiosity”

…And The Bad Constant, difficult reading –Steep learning curve Knowing, not passing tests –Rote memorization skills will not help –Recalling Who, When, What and Why People who will matter for the rest of your life –Mandatory socializing

Preparing to apply – Part 1 Writing Statistics Reading research Public speaking Start studying for GRE & Psych GRE Get recommendations EARLY

Preparing to apply – Part 2 Schools/people that match your interests Look at article titles from department Get catalogs Narrow down choices Talk to Grad admin, grad students (advisors) Read papers by professors Make appointments Visit: “You’re first on my list”

Applying “Good GRE Scores” “Great recommendations” “And a smashing personal statement” GRE: = automatic candidate Recommendations: “Sainthood is next step” Personal statement –They don’t really care where you were born –Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want published –Mention interests, key issues, NAMES

The Big Question You got in! SCREAM A LOT CALL EVERYONE YOU KNOW START WORRYING Or… You didn’t get in Cry Take a deep breath Remember it’s about fit and not quality Don’t be afraid to call and ask why

Your First Day at Grad School Bring an apple Just kidding! Ideally, arrive in the summer Find housing Find a grocery store and a Starbucks Hang around the department Offer your free services

Most of all… Remember who you are Remember why you’re there