1. GETTING INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL
Professional Development Program
Nazarbayev University

2. AGENDA Choosing a university that will fit Application package
Standardized testing
Financing your studies

3. 1. CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT
CRITERIA
Geographical location
Rankings
Research emphasis
Program/Major
Size of department
Type of school
Qualifications of the faculty
Cost and financial aid
Length of time required for degree
Acceptance rate
Requirements
Course and thesis requirements
International Students Office services
Why is location important???
Is there an area in the U.S. where you have family or close friends you would like to be near?
How well do you adapt to weather different from where you currently live?
Is there an area of the country where you always wanted to go to school?
Size:
Have you always thought you would attend a large university?
Do you like the idea of a small school where it is easy to get to know everyone, including the professors?
Do you learn better in a small class environment or a larger classroom?
Will a small school offer you the variety of courses and majors you need?
Rankings: usnews.com
Majors: double major possibility?
Type:
What do they devote time and resources to: research or teaching and learning?
Do they have a speciality in one specific area or are they known for providing a broad education?
Are they single sex or coed?
Do they have a religious affiliation?
Are they public or private?

4. CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT
SEARCH ENGINES

5. SUGGESTED FORMULA
3 reaches - dream schools
5 solid choices
The more selective schools have more financial aid to offer
Plan B- What are your other alternatives if this does not work out?

6. TABLE

7. TABLE: EXAMPLE

8. 2. APPLICATION PACKAGE
Application
Essays and writing samples
Standardized tests
Reference letters
Resume
Transcripts
Bank statements
Application fee
Deadlines!

9. Read the essay question and answer it Share your story
ESSAYS
Read the essay question and answer it
Share your story
Thoroughly proofread

10. REFERENCE LETTERS
Start as soon as possible
Approach the right people
Give each reference explicit instructions
Share with references information about your program
Thank your references

11. TRANSCRIPTS
The best indicator of future behavior is past performance
Request transcripts well ahead of deadlines
Follow the instructions
Translation, notarizing

12. What for? How much? University templates Local bank statements

13. 3.STANDARDIZED TESTS
TOEFL/IELTS
GRE
GMAT
Registration
Cost
Availability
Useful resources

14. TOEFL iBT vs. PBT sections, time, online profile Registration
Cost: $160
Test dates
Rescheduling, canceling the test
Useful resources
Receiving the scores
Additional score reports
Test Expiration
Sections: reading, listening, speaking, writing
Locations: Almaty
pbt: Aktobe, Amaty, Astana, Karaganda, Kostanay, Oskemen
Reschedule: $60
Cancel: half of the price
Scores: appx. 10 days after the test

15. IELTS Sections, time, online profile Registration Cost: varies
Test dates
Rescheduling, canceling the test
Useful resources
Receiving the scores
Additional score reports
Test Expiration
Sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Test dates: once a month in Astana
Locations: Almaty 24500, Astana 28000, Atyrau, Karaganda

16. GRE GREI, GREII Scoring Registration Test dates Cost
Canceling your scores
Additional score reports
Useful resources
Test Expiration
Sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Writing
Scoring: , 0-6
Test dates:
Cost: $185
Reschedule: $50
Canceling: at the end of the test
Scores: will see them on the screen

17. GMAT Registration Test dates Cost Canceling your scores
Additional score reports
Useful resources
Test Expiration
Sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, verbal
Canceling: after the test
Cost: $250

18. From covering tuition and fees to full grants Assistantships
WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS
Fellowships
Academic merit
From covering tuition and fees to full grants
Assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Graduate/administrative assistantships
Grants

19. Grants EducationUSA Fulbright Erasmus Mundus Bilim Educational Center
UGRAD
CIP programs

20. Career and Advising Center Room #1114 7 7172 709064
Contact us
Career and Advising Center
Room #1114