1. How to get into grad school
From the ACS website – Education – Undergraduate – Planning for Graduate School

2. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Preparing as an Undergraduate
Choosing a Graduate Program
Applying for Admission
Early Graduate School Life

3. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Preparing as an Undergraduate
Coursework
Research
Reading
Extracurricular activities

4. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Coursework
Build your knowledge network on a strong foundation
Demonstrate your pursuit of excellence!
Attitude, curiosity, focus, attention to detail, work ethic, etc.
The excellent grades will follow automatically!
Take advanced level courses
They will prepare you for what is expected of you in graduate school
Talk to your professors!!
Not just if/when you need help!

5. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Research
Develop a research mind-set:
Interaction with research mentor, graduate students, pot-docs
Gain understanding of what graduate study involves
Expand your problem-solving skills
Present your work
Paper / Poster at Conference
Publish your results
Major feather in your cap!! 

6. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Extracurricular activities
Professional Interest/Focus club(s)
ACS, AXE, Forensics Club, etc.
Become well-rounded
Network
Service Activities: Engage with the broader community
Build your leadership, communication and interpersonal skills

7. Planning for graduate work in chemistry
READ!!
Educate yourself about current issues
Discuss what you find interesting with professors, graduate students, peers
Chemistry
Science in general
Global challenges in various fields

8. Beginning the process REFLECTION:
WHY do you want to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry?
What do you actually know about the world of graduate study?
How do you want to contribute to the Chemical Sciences?
What do you know about the various career paths available after graduate study?
Which of these appeal to you?
How will your graduate school experiences help you pursue your long-term aspirations?

9. Beginning the process Action Items:
Identify several Graduate Programs that appeal to you
Take the general GRE: required
Take the subject GRE : recommended, (even if optional)
Visit the programs you are interested in

10. Where to apply What to Consider: Research options
Financial Considerations
Geographical location

11. Where to apply Research options
Do you know what type of research you wish to pursue?
It’s OK if you don’t know before you begin to explore the possibilities!
Explore the type of research conducted at the school(s) that interest(s) you

12. where to apply Research options You need to do some homework!
Go to the faculty pages on the department websites to scrutinize the research interests of various faculty members
Do the research interests of different faculty members seem appealing?
One faculty member or MORE than one?

13. where to apply Do some MORE homework!
READ some recent papers published by the faculty members whose work appeals to you
It is perfectly OK if you understand only 5-10% of the paper(s) you read!
It will still give you some idea of :
Techniques, instruments, etc., typically used in conducting the research
Journals in which this type of work is published
Funding agencies that support this type of research, etc.

14. where to apply Financial Considerations
What financial support is available?
Teaching Assistantships / Research Assistantships / Scholarships:
Responsibilities?
Typical work-load?
Dollar amount?
Tuition waiver?
Cost of living?

15. WHERE to apply Geographical location Important!
You will spend ~ 5 years to earn a Ph.D.
The geographic location of the school should not make you miserable!!
E.g.,
You really don’t like cold weather……..
You like to go hiking in the mountains………

16. Where To apply Finalize your selections:
Assess your competitiveness: be realistic, but positive
GPA, GRE, other experiences
At least SIX schools
1-2 “dream” schools
2-4 schools where you believe you would be competitive
1-2 “safe” schools

17. WHERE TO APPLY Finalize your selections: Consider the cost
Application fees for each program you apply to
Do you want to visit?
Will the school cover the cost of your visit?

18. how TO APPLY Components of the application: Online application form
Official Transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters
Other supporting documents, as relevant

19. how TO APPLY Online application form When does it become available?
When is the deadline for submission?
How many letters of recommendation are needed?
What other documents must accompany the application?

20. how TO APPLY Official Transcripts Find out :
How to request transcripts from the Registrar’s office
How long it typically takes
Check the transcripts for errors
Do NOT wait till the last minute!!

21. how TO APPLY Statement of Purpose Why is this important?
What should be included in the essay ?
Attend the workshop arranged by HPAC on Oct 28, GAB 104
The focus is on the health professions, but much of it will apply for graduate school too

22. how TO APPLY Recommendation letters
Who to ask?
When to ask?
How to ask?
What information should you provide to your recommender?
Other supporting documents, as relevant