Applying to Graduate & Professional School The Pennsylvania State University

Today’s Outline v The decision to attend v Researching v Application process v Funding considerations v Final decision

The Decision: Work or Graduate School? The Pros and Cons of Graduate School u PROS: Higher degree needed in field Well-thought out career plans u CONS: Escaping job market Indecision about career and life direction

The Decision: Work or Graduate School? The Pros and Cons of Working u PROS: Unclear about direction Work provides good perspective on content Employers like experience Earn money to pay for school Ready for a break u CONS: Difficult to return after making money Reentering classroom may be difficult

Research: How do I find information about different programs and schools? u Talk with professors and graduate students u Seek out the advice of professionals u Career Information Center, Pattee Library u The Web u Request information from schools u U.S. News & World Report

Research: How do I evaluate all the different schools and programs? u Faculty quality, including research interests u Courses, emphases related to interests u Prestige of institution u Costs, financial aid, work opportunities u Geography u Opportunities for experiential learning u Placement rates u Accreditation of school u Can I meet the admissions criteria?

The Application Process: What are the schools’ admissions criteria? u Undergraduate Grade Point Average u Major, minor, coursework u Admission test scores u Letters of recommendation u Evidence of genuine interest u Relevant work or research experience u Interview u Essays

The Application Process: What are some of the things I have to do? u Have transcripts sent u Register for exams, send scores u Ask for letters of recommendation u Send out paperwork u Pay attention to deadlines! u Write essays

The Application Process: Essay Considerations u Questions to ask yourself: What work experiences have led you to want to pursue graduate education? When and how did you become sure of your career direction? How will graduate education help you in this regard? How have you prepared yourself to succeed in graduate school? What personal attributes make you likely to succeed in graduate school and your career?

The Application Process: Essay Considerations u Ingredients of strong essays: Great opening lines or paragraphs Convey glimpse of applicant’s personality Substantial academic preparation and knowledge of subject matter Understanding of challenges and rewards of career Sense of maturity, teamwork skills, stamina, leadership Demonstrating how applicant plans to use graduate education, and understanding of ‘big picture’

Funding Considerations u Contact schools for specific information on... Work study, assistantships(teaching, research, administrative) Grants, fellowships, scholarships Loans from banks, government, or institution INFORMATION AVAILABLE IN 410 BOUCKE

The Final Decision u Review many of your prior considerations: Pros & Cons, funding, geography, career goals, professionals’ advice, program quality, students’ input… u Eliminate options using criteria u Trust general feel, intuition, first impression

QUESTIONS? 413 Boucke