1. Applying for Graduate Schools Andy Wang Operating Systems

2. Myth 1 I cannot afford graduate school…

3. Reality Graduate school is FREE (pretty much) – For both public and private schools If you are good enough to get into a graduate school… – Scholarships/grants – Research assistantship (work for a lab) – Teaching assistantship (work for a class)

4. Myth 2 I won’t have a chance to get into a graduate school…

5. Reality You are in luck – If you are a US citizen or permanent resident… Not enough US students are pursuing graduate schools Your major advantages – Eligible for many funding sources – No language barriers – Lower cost to hire you as a research assistant or teaching assistant

6. Myth 3 Graduate curriculum is just like the undergraduate curriculum…

7. Reality Take fewer classes per semester Master – Emphasis on development Ph.D. – Discover something new – Emphasis on research

8. Some Cool Research Areas AI and robotics (hoarding ducks) Olfactory research Wearable computing Life-long storage SPAM filtering

9. A Typical Graduate Course Not as much guidance Project-oriented You need to develop your own projects

10. Metric of Success Undergraduate – GPA Master – Projects, thesis, skill set Ph.D. – Number of quality publications

11. Personal Statement Interested research areas – Why are they intriguing? Research experience/projects – What have you tried and learned? Why do you need a master/Ph.D? Why do you pick this school?

12. Application Process Requirements – Personal statement – GPA – Two GRE exams – 3 to 4 recommendation letters Relevant upper-division courses Independent studies Internships

13. GRE Exams Computer science GRE – Theory – Systems – Architecture General GRE – English – Math

14. Recommendation Letters How to approach? – If you receive an A in a class – Ask the professor as quickly as possible – Try to use the letter of recommendation service – Submit an envelope Graduate programs, schools, deadlines Photo, personal statement, resume, transcript Envelopes and stamps

15. Other Approaches Volunteer for… – Independent study – Internship for companies