Graduate School Planning Guide

Transcription

1 Graduate Schl Planning Guide Table f Cntents 2 Intrductin 2 Making the Decisin 2 Financing Yur Degree 3 Selecting a Prgram f Study 4 Selecting a Schl 5 Sample Graduate Schl Applicatin Timeline 6 The Applicatin Package 8 Writing Yur Persnal Statement 9 Writing Yur Resume 10 Writing Yur Curriculum Vitae (CV) 12 Letters f Recmmendatin 13 Campus Visits Career Develpment Services Flrida Gulf Cast University FGCU Blvd S. Frt Myers, FL (239) careercenter@fgcu.edu Website: FGCU Career Develpment Services supprts the missin f the University and the Divisin f Student Affairs by prmting student learning and develpment and helping students fulfill their career expectatins. Within this cntext, we assist students in develping and implementing career, educatin, and emplyment plans and decisins. Overview f Services Jb and internship search advising, including resume/cver letter assistance and preparatin fr emplyment interviews and salary negtiatin. Advising n career and majr selectin, including assessments, majr and career infrmatin, and assistance in the decisinmaking prcess. Graduate schl planning, including assistance with resume/cv/persnal statements, graduate schl research, and preparatin fr interviews. Campus student emplyment, thrugh the use f a web-based jb listing system, Cllege Central Netwrk. Graduate Schl Planning Guide - FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 1

2 Intrductin Are yu thinking f applying t graduate schl t pursue an advanced degree? It is a majr decisin and ne that yu shuld give careful thught and preparatin. Here is a step-by-step guide t help walk yu thrugh the prcess. Please keep in mind, thugh, that the admissin and applicatin prcesses, requirements, plicies, prcedures, and deadlines fr each schl and degree prgram can vary widely. This guide is intended as an verview f the prcess. Always adhere t the admissins instructins prvided by the graduate schls yu are applying t. (Nte: Sme advanced degrees, such as MBA s, are cnferred thrugh graduate schl prgrams. Sme advanced degrees are cnferred by prfessinal schls, such as law schls r medical schls. Fr the purpses f simplicity and readability, in this guide, the terms graduate degree and graduate schl will encmpass the entire scpe f all advanced degree prgrams.) Making the Decisin Make sure yu can answer the questin, Why are yu ging t graduate schl? Graduate schl is a significant investment f time, energy, and mney, and shuld be dne fr the right reasns. Mst students pursue an advanced degree because it is a requirement fr their career gals. Fr example, if yu want t pursue a career as a lawyer, dctr, CPA, prfessr, guidance cunselr, physical therapist, nurse anesthetist, r ther specialized ccupatin, yu must cmplete the advanced degree requirements fr that field. Hwever, sme students see the grad schl ptin as a way t pstpne jb hunting in a weak jb market. Or they may still be undecided abut their career and assume they will get it figured ut while in grad schl. While mre educatin is typically never a bad idea in life, it may nt always be the best strategy fr recent grads with Bachelr s degrees. We recmmend that yu tuch base with a Career Center advisr t ensure that pursuing an advanced degree nw is the right plan fr yur particular career gals. Financing Yur Degree Make sure yu understand all the expenses invlved. This infrmatin is typically available n the schl s website. Lk int the financing ptins available, such as: Assistantships Paid, part-time emplyment that may include tuitin waivers Fellwships Based n academic achievement Grants and Schlarships Gifts f mney, typically with n bligatin fr wrk r repayment, but may be linked t an academic discipline r prject Lans Lw interest lans are available t mst graduate students Financial aid packages, based n bth merit and need, are first cme, first served. It is t yur advantage t submit yur applicatin early. Be aware that sme prgrams, like law schls, may limit the amunt f time students may wrk s that they cncentrate n academic success. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 2

3 Selecting a Prgram f Study The decisin f which graduate degree t pursue is just as mre imprtant. Mst Masters Degrees are highly specialized after all, yu are develping a mastery in that discipline. Therefre, yu need t make sure the degree is crrectly aligned with yur career gals and the emplyment marketplace. Fr example, let s say yu wanted t g int envirnmental advcacy. Shuld yu pursue a highly technical degree, like an M.S. in Envirnmental Science, r a Master f Public Administratin with an Envirnmental Plicy cncentratin? That decisin is based n many factrs and shuld be thrughly researched. Here is sme ther helpful infrmatin that will help yu understand what all thse letters mean when peple are talking abut advanced degree prgrams. Masters Degrees prvide additinal training, experience, research, and schlarship in a particular discipline. Fr example: M.S. Master f Science M.A. Master f Arts M.B.A. Master f Business Administratin M.Ed. Master f Educatin M.S.N. Master f Science in Nursing M.S.W. Master f Science in Scial Wrk What is the difference between and the M.S. and M.A. degrees? It varies by schl, but generally speaking, the M.A. degree has a brader scpe, with a strng emphasis n the humanities, theretical and general knwledge in a recgnized discipline, interdisciplinary field, r f a prfessinal study. The M.S. degree is mre f a fcused apprach with a science base t include a balance f liberal arts, technlgical knwledge, and practical skills needed fr a particular discipline within the field. A prfessinal degree prvides training t acquire specific skills and knwledge necessary t wrk in a particular prfessin. Fr example: J.D. Juris Dctrate (law) M.D. Medical Dctr D.V.M. Dctr f Veterinary Medicine Pharm.D. Dctr f Pharmacy D.D.S. Dctr f Dental Surgery D.O. Dctr f Ostepathic Medicine D.P.T. Dctr f Physical Therapy The highest degrees awarded are Dctral Degrees, which require cmpletin f an academic prgram f studies, a cmprehensive examinatin, and ften a dissertatin, which is a significant wrk f riginal research. Fr example: Ph.D. (Dctr f Philsphy), Ed.D. (Dctr f Educatin), r Psy.D. (Dctr f Psychiatry). Specialist and Advanced Masters Degrees are study beynd the masters but less extensive than the dctral. Fr example: Ed.S. (Educatin Specialist). And Pst-Dctrate degrees are simply advanced study/research/training in a particular area, nt really degrees. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 3

4 Selecting a Schl Once yu have determined that graduate schl is right fr yu and yu have selected a prgram f study, it s time t start researching schls. The research and applicatin prcess can be very time cnsuming, s start early. Ideally, start the entire prcess a year and a half befre yu wish t enrll. As part f the schl selectin prcess, cnsider these factrs: Tuitin csts (public vs. private) Gegraphic lcatin f the schl (in-state vs. ut-f-state, travel and husing cnsideratins) Reputatin and quality f the prgram (accreditatin, ranking) Selectivity f the prgram (yur chances f getting in) Culture f the prgram (cllegiality amng and between students and faculty; emphasis n research r practice) Will the schls prgram meet the necessary educatinal requirements fr licensure r certificatin? When classes are ffered sme schls have evening prgrams which allws students t wrk full-time while attending classes Mst prspective graduate students will apply t several prgrams, ften ranging frm a few highlyselective reach schls (yur chances f acceptance are lwer) t schls where yu are relatively cmpetitive t back-up schls (yur chances f acceptance are gd.) Gather as much infrmatin abut the schls as yu can. Ask yur prfessrs if they knw abut the schls yu are interested in. Use guides such as thse published by Petersn s. Hwever, smetimes there is n substitute t actually ging t the schl fr a visit. A schl visit will enable yu t tur the campus and surrunding cmmunity, check ut the husing ptins, speak with admissins representatives, sit in n classes, and meet current students and faculty. Frequently a campus will have a feel t it that yu can t experience withut being there. Sme graduates schls hst pen huses. It may nt be financially feasible t visit all the schls yu wish t attend, s d as much research as pssible t narrw yur list t the schl s yu are mst interested in. MyPlan.cm is a great ne-stp-shp fr graduate schl infrmatin! G t and click n the Clleges tab. This site includes: A cmprehensive database f schls Financial aid infrmatin Cllege rankings Media library with virtual turs Test prep infrmatin If yu are accepted t multiple prgrams (always a gd prblem t have!), cmpare each schl based n the factrs discussed in the sectin, Picking the schl that is right fr yu. If yu are nt accepted r are placed n a waiting list, cntact the schl. If yu are n a wait list, see if yu can find ut if the list is ranked and what percentage f the wait list is usually admitted. Ask if supplementing yur file with updated transcripts r additinal letters f recmmendatin will imprve yur ranking. Yu may als cnsider asking what yu culd imprve n in the event yu apply again. Sme schls may allw yu t take a few classes t imprve yur GPA r prve yurself and may reevaluate their decisin t admit yu. Sme schls may allw yu t take up t three classes in the prgram as a nn-degree seeking student while yu take/retake admissins tests r get ready t apply again. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 4

5 Sample Graduate Schl Applicatin Timeline This graduate schl applicatin prcess requires yu t stay rganized, especially when yu are applying t multiple schls. This guide is an example f the timeline yu may want t create fr yurself. Please keep in mind that admissin and applicatin deadlines and requirements can vary widely between schls. Yu shuld always adhere t the admissins timelines and instructins prvided by the graduate schls t which yu are applying. Generally speaking, it is nt advisable t wait until the last minute t submit yur applicatin. Create a timeline that allws fr cnsiderable flexibility in case yu decide yu want t retake a standardized exam r yur letters f recmmendatin are delayed. Als, sme schls have a windw f time that they accept applicatins, and they will start accepting candidates prir t the applicatin deadline. If yu wait until the deadline, there may be fewer spts in the prgram, and it culd be even mre cmpetitive t get in. Assuming yur gal is t submit a cmpleted applicatin package by January 1 st. Junir Year Secnd Semester Read the Graduate Schl Guide prvided by FGCU Career Develpment Services. Start researching the graduate schls that interest yu. Get rganized. Create a file fr each schl with the admissin requirements and timelines. Talk with yur faculty abut yur decisin and what schls they recmmend. Make a plan fr cmpleting an internship, research prject, and/r vlunteer activity in the next six mnths that will enhance yur prfessinal skills as well as enhance yur graduate schl candidacy Summer Befre Senir Year Register and start studying fr the required standardized exam(s). Optinal: Register fr a test preparatin curse if yu think it is necessary. Start cnducting research n hw yu are ging t finance degree. Start wrking n persnal statement. Start wrking n resume/cv. If a prtfli is required, start assembling all yur materials. Early Fall Finalize persnal statement and resume/cv. Request letters f recmmendatin frm faculty. Include persnal statement and resume/cv with request. Order transcripts frm all pst-secndary institutins and request fficial cpies t be sent t schls. Take standardized exams and request that yur scres be sent t the apprpriate schls. Keep yur grades up. Mid-Late Fall Cmplete applicatin frms. Make cpies f all applicatin materials fr yur recrds. Cmplete prtfli (if required). Fllw-up with any faculty that have yet t submit a letter f recmmendatin. December Submit all applicatin materials t all schls. Start making plans fr any campus visits (ptinal). Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 5

6 The Applicatin Package Every degree prgram has a set f Admissins Requirements which must be fulfilled t be cnsidered as an applicant. It is critical that yu knw exactly what is required and when. The applicatin prcedures and deadlines can vary frm institutin t institutin. We recmmend that yu create a timeline/checklist fr each schl yu are applying t in rder t keep yurself rganized and n track. Remember, start the entire prcess a year and a half befre yu wish t enrll. Generally speaking, it is better t apply early rather than later. Mnitr the schls website t keep abreast f any changes in deadlines r requirements. The graduate schl admittance prcess can be very cmpetitive. Many graduate prgrams receive many mre applicatins than they have space available, and can therefre be selective. Graduate schls lk at a number f factrs in deciding whm t admit. The gal is t pick peple wh are likely t have the skills, abilities, preparatin, experience, and persnal qualities necessary t be successful in their graduate prgram (and, if applicable, in the prfessin.) Schls typically lk at sme cmbinatin f factrs in making their decisins, including: grades and cursewrk in cllege; test scres; research experience; and experiences related t yur field. Cmmunity service, extracurricular activities, and hnrs/awards are als helpful. The relative weight that each prgram gives t these factrs varies. T gather this infrmatin, they will lk at yur test scres, transcripts, resume, letters f recmmendatin, persnal statement (if required), and perhaps even cnduct an interview. Let s lk at these areas in mre details t help yu better understand what selectin cmmittees are lking fr in candidates. They are arranged in alphabetical rder, nt rder f imprtance. A resume/cv, persnal statement, and letters f recmmendatin are als part f the applicatin package, but they will be addressed separately in the guide. Cursewrk Have yu cmpleted the required degree and/r cursewrk fr admittance? This infrmatin shuld be available frm the graduate schl s website. Hwever, sme prgrams, like law schl, d nt have a specific degree requirement. Althugh law schl admissins cmmittees tend t lk favrably upn highly rigrus prgrams (math, sciences, ecnmics, engineering), thse that require a significant amunt f writing (English and histry), r thse that develp analytical skills (philsphy.) Cmmunity Service Sme degree prgrams, like law schls, ften have an advcacy element t their missin. Cnsequently, they want students wh believe in the imprtance f vlunteering and giving back. Spread yur cmmunity service ver all fur years f yur bachelrs degree dn t cram it all int yur senir year r admissins cmmittee will assume yu vlunteered t enhance yur admissins prspects. Curriculum Vitae (CV) see separate sectin devted t this tpic later n in guide. Extracurricular Activities While graduate schls want t attract students wh are invlved n campus, are well-runded, and have demnstrated leadership skills, it is nt always a majr factr in the acceptance decisin. Being a member f numerus clubs and rganizatins withut evidence f Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 6

7 substantial invlvement isn t t helpful. Yu are prbably better ff being an active participant and leader in a few key rganizatins than simply being a member f a plethra f them. Grades Sme prgrams have a minimum GPA, belw which yu typically will nt make the "cut" unless yu have sme utstanding cmpensating factr. Sme prgrams d nt have a minimum GPA requirement, but they may prvide the average GPA f their students t give yu an idea as t hw selective the schl is (and what yur chances are.) It is imprtant t finish strng in yur bachelrs degree since mst prgrams lk at yur last 60 hurs f upper divisin cursewrk. Academic hnrs and awards are als imprtant. The Interview Once yu are a finalist fr admissin t a prgram, sme graduate prgrams may ask yu t interview with them, either in persn r by telephne. The interview is a way fr a prgram t meet yu and t see hw well yu "fit" with their prgram. It is an imprtant way fr yu t shwcase yur qualities, passin, and prfessinalism. Treat this like a jb interview. Be prepared, dress prfessinally, and sell yurself! Letters f Recmmendatin see separate sectin devted t this tpic later n in guide. Persnal Statement see separate sectin devted t this tpic later n in guide. Related Experience Smetimes related experience is required, smetimes it is preferred, and smetimes it is nt necessary. If yu d nt have prfessinal experience in the field, prir t graduatin pursue pprtunities such as internships (even unpaid), part-time jbs, r cmmunity service. Experience is valuable and this will shw yu dedicatin t the field. Research experience Degree prgrams can vary widely in the amunt and intensity f the research expected. Sme prgrams even require a statement f research gals. Fr these types f prgrams, ensure that yur resume includes all the research prjects yu have been invlved with. Yu may even want t create a prtfli shwcasing yur effrts. Resume see separate sectin devted t this tpic later n in guide. Test Scres Mst graduate schls require that yu take a standardized test fr admissin. The test needed will depend n the field yu plan t enter. The mst widely used are the GRE, GMAT, MAT, LSAT, MCAT, and DAT. The time needed t study and prepare can be substantial. Fr example, mst law schl applicants will study in excess f 9 mnths fr the LSAT. Yu may als want t build in time in case yu chse t retake the test. These factrs shuld be accunted fr in yur planning timeline. Determine whether yu want r need a test prep class. It is a highly individual chice and can ften depend n yur learning style and level f discipline. Transcripts Graduate schls require that yu send an fficial recrd, r transcript, f all undergraduate cursewrk frm all schls that yu attended. The fficial transcript bears the institutins seal and will be sent directly t the graduate schl s admissins ffice. If yu are applying t graduate schl while still finishing yur undergraduate degree, have the registrar send yur current incmplete transcript, and arrange fr a final transcript t be sent after yu finish the degree. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 7

8 Writing Yur Persnal Statement Persnal statements are smetimes called an applicatin essay r statement f gals. Admissin cmmittees use these t help further assess yur qualificatins and yur fit with the prgram. Sme schls may prvide guidelines fr the statement r ask yu t answer a specific questin, while thers leave the cntent up t yur discretin. Hwever, it is nt intended t be a review f yur resume. Persnal statements are very persnal, s yurs shuld be different frm ther candidates since yu have yur wn stry t tell. Here are sme f the elements yu may cnsider including n a persnal statement: Interest and mtivatin in the ccupatin, prgram, field, and institutin. Discuss hw yu became interested in the field and yur career gals Why yu want t attend that particular schl/prgram Reasns why yu believe yu will be successful in this particular academic prgram r the field Include persnal characteristics (i.e. integrity, perseverance), special skills, r related experiences Any unique qualificatins that may differentiate yu frm ther applicants If apprpriate and relevant, discuss any bstacles/hardships yu have vercme Make sure yur persnal statement leaves an impressin that is cnsistent with yur qualificatins. Fr example, in yur law schl essay, if yu state that yu are cmmitted t advcacy and scial welfare, there had better be sme evidence f that in yur resume, perhaps as part f yur service learning. In terms f writing style, there is n ne crrect way. Hwever, here are sme style suggestins: Write naturally, but cncisely, withut using large verly-pretentius wrds. Avid using gimmicky r meaningful qutatins unless they perfectly fit the tne and cntent f yur statement. Otherwise they cme acrss as cliché s r unimaginative. Be specific and fcused. Students ften try t cver t much material. Yu are better ff prviding full, detailed descriptins that enable yu t persnalize yur essay better. Use the active vice, nt the passive vice. (Active: The student jumped ver the bx. Passive: The bx was jumped ver by the student. ) D nt try explaining why yu may have had a pr GPA yur freshman year r ther issues in yur qualificatins. Sme prgrams allw yu t submit an addendum t yur applicatin where yu can address them. Be sure t seek feedback frm thers befre submitting the dcument. It must be perfect in terms f grammar and spelling. This dcument is als a demnstratin f yur ability t write clearly and effectively, which is critical fr mst graduate prgrams. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 8

9 Writing Yur Resume In terms f verall frmat, the resume that yu wuld use fr a graduate schl applicatin is nt that different frm ne yu wuld use in the jb search. The main difference is that yu shuld include as much infrmatin as pssible abut yur academic achievements and experiences. (By the way, smetimes graduate schls will ask yu t submit a CV, r curriculum vitae. Refer t that sectin in this guide.) Yur graduate schl resume can include the fllwing items - These are arranged in alphabetical rder, nt rder f imprtance r rder n the resume itself. Academic awards, schlarships, and recgnitin Certificates and licensure Campus invlvement Cmmunity service Educatin (with mst recent institutin n tp) Emplyment experience Freign study and travel abrad Internships r field experience Language cmpetencies Leadership experience Prfessinal assciatin membership Publicatins r prfessinal presentatins Research experience and interests and/r class prjects cmpleted Special training Technical and cmputer skills (if mre than just MS Office) Sme creative prgrams, like art r graphic design, may require yu t submit a prtfli f wrk samples. Sme writing intensive prgrams, like English r jurnalism, may require writing samples. Sample resumes are available n the Career Develpment Services website. Cntact the staff if yu need assistance r wuld like yur resume reviewed. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 9

10 Writing Yur Curriculum Vitae (CV) A curriculum vita, r CV, is a cmprehensive statement f yur educatin, research, teaching, and wrk experiences. (The term curriculum vitae is rughly translated frm Latin as curse f yur life. ) It is mst cmmnly used fr applying t emplyment psitins in higher educatin. Hwever, sme graduate schl prgrams will ask prspective students t submit a CV as part f the applicatin prcess. Resumes and CV s lk similar, and smetimes the terms are used interchangeably. The primary difference between a resume and CV is the amunt f cntent. Think f it this way resumes are a selectin f yur experiences and skills that relate highly t a particular field f jb, while a CV tends t read like a cllectin f yur qualificatins. Cnsequently, resumes tend t be shrter, typically ne page fr recent cllege graduates, s they can be scanned rather quickly. CV s d nt have a page limit since they are intended t reflect the range f yur interests and depth f yur knwledge. CV s are ften read quite thrughly. An advisr frm Career Develpment Services can help yu write yur CV. Hwever, prir t making an appintment, cllect all the infrmatin listed belw int a Wrd dcument. A sample CV is psted n ur website, under Students & Alumni, then Career Center Handuts. Als, we strngly suggest that yu btain feedback frm faculty, especially thse in yur field f study. Fr students creating a CV fr applicatin t a graduate schl prgram, here are sme elements that are typically included. Hwever, the cntent f yur wn CV will depend highly n the type f prgram yu are applying t and yur backgrund/qualificatins. Yu can fllw the rder in which they sectins are listed belw, althugh it is nt required. Cntent within sectins shuld be in reverse-chrnlgical rder: EDUCATION List all institutins frm which yu earned a degree in reverse-chrnlgical rder Yu can include institutins yu attended but did nt earn a degree if it was a substantial amunt f time (mre than a year) r it is highly regarded schl Specific cursewrk cmpleted if it helps describe yur academic preparatin Membership in the Hnrs prgram ACADEMIC HONORS & AWARDS Yur GPA if it is abve 3.0; Dean s List, President s List Schlarships yu received nly if they were highly cmpetitive this des nt include Bright Futures RESEARCH Include any substantial research prjects; especially thse that were cmpleted under the supervisin f a faculty member are mst valuable. Prvide details - what was the purpse f the research, and what did yu learn Yu may als include a separate statement f yur research interests FGCU Research Day participatins Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 10

11 Writing Yur Curriculum Vitae (CV), cnt. RELATED EXPERIENCE Example: Yu are applying t a M.S in Envirnmental Science prgram include yur internship with the Rkery Bay Restratin Prject and yur part-time jb at The Nature Cnservancy RELATED SKILLS May include cmputer skills, knwledge f anther language, experience with certain lab equipment r research sftware, r anything directly related t the field RELATED CERTIFICATIONS PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Membership in the prfessinal assciated related t yur field indicate level f invlvement LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Examples may include the fllwing psitins: Orientatin Leader, Husing RA, Student Gvernment, Srrity/Fraternity fficer, student club/rganizatin fficer, Intercllegiate athletics captain, r a psitin f high respnsibility in a fundraising endeavr. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Cnferences and wrkshps attended CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Participatin in student clubs/rganizatins and vlunteer experiences in the cmmunity OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE Any jbs yu have held. Dn t need t include ALL f them (such as the tw weeks spent cutting lawns in the summer) Dn t need lng jb descriptins, especially fr basic psitins (such as retail clerk r restaurant server) REFERENCES Prvide persn s name, title, university (r emplyer), and cntact infrmatin, and identify yur prfessinal relatinship with that persn. Fr students that have cmpleted a Master s Level prgram and are applying t a Dctral level prgram, here are sme additinal elements t include (if applicable t yur backgrund.) Dissertatin Fellwships/Grants Publicatins and Published Wrk Culd be jurnal articles and research reprts, r, fr example, an English majr may have pems r shrt stries that have been published Wrk Submitted/Wrk in Prgress Presentatins Teaching Experience/Curses Taught Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 11

12 Letters f Recmmendatin As part f the graduate schl applicatin prcess, yu will likely be required t prvide letters f recmmendatin (smetimes called letters f reference.) These are imprtant t graduate schl selectin cmmittees as the letters prvide an pprtunity fr peple wh knw yu well t describe yur skills, persnality, and ptential fr success smething that cannt always be gleaned by grades and scres. Sme schls want the letters frm faculty, while thers may want them frm prfessinals in the field. Fllw the guidelines fr each schl. Here are suggestins fr asking faculty members fr letters f recmmendatin: If pssible, ask fr yur reference frm the faculty member in persn. This way the faculty can put a face with yur name. Mst faculty members knw their students pretty well, but it is best nt t make assumptins. Sample verbiage: Dr. Smith, I plan t attend law schl in the fall and must prvide a letter f recmmendatin with my applicatin package. D yu feel yu knw me well enugh t prvide a reference that will describe my skills and ptential fr success in law schl? If they agree, fllw the directins belw: Send the faculty member an cnfirming yur discussin. Include in the A cpy f yur persnal statement and resume, and tell them which schls and academic prgrams t which yu are applying. (Fr example: FSU M.S. f Library Science.) It is acceptable t ask (nicely) the faculty member t fcus n a particular area. Fr example, yur leadership qualities r yur research skills. Hw the references are t be submitted: Sme graduate schls require the faculty t lg n t a website and submit the reference electrnically. Sme graduate schls require the reference t be mailed directly t the schl. In this case, prvide the faculty member with a stamped, addressed envelpe. Send a thank yu nte t all yur references, and let them knw which prgram yu decided t attend. IMPORTANT: Make sure yu give faculty members plenty f time t write the reference letter - at the very least fur weeks prir t the deadline. And tell them exactly when the deadline date is! Even if yur current plans d nt include ging t graduate schl, it is advisable t btain the letters frm the faculty NOW while their cnnectin t yu is strngest nt five years frm nw when they may nt remember yu as well. Fr these letters, let the faculty knw that yu are undecided abut yur immediate graduate schls plans, s they can write the letter in mre general terms. If the letters are in hard cpy frm, scan them int a PDF dcument t ensure their safe strage, and keep them n file. If yu are asking current/ frmer emplyers fr letters f recmmendatin fr either graduate schl r future emplyment, fllw the same guidelines as described abve. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 12

13 Campus Visits When researching graduate schls, brchures and websites are helpful. But when yu really want t see and experience what a schl is like, cnsider visiting the campus. Here are sme helpful tips fr planning yur trip. Build a travel agenda fr yur visit that includes an fficial campus tur, yur wn tur f campus, and a trip arund twn (especially if yu are cnsidering ff-campus husing) The schl yu chse will be yur hme fr at least the next 2-3 years. Cnsider the campus atmsphere and the surrunding envirnment. Keep in mind that many graduates accept jbs within the regin where they attended schl. Thus, yu may want t cnsider where yu eventually wuld like t wrk as yu evaluate schls. If yu are mre cmfrtable traveling with smene, that s fine, but make sure it is clear that yur pririty is gathering as much infrmatin as yu can. Graduate schl is a huge investment, and yu want t make the mst infrmed chice. Make a list f questins befre yur visit and have questins ready t ask yur tur guide/admissins cunselr. What is the culture f the prgram? (Fr example, is there a high degree f cllegiality amng and between students and faculty?) Gain insight int yur acceptance chances. Are there any summer prgrams? Des the schl have certain specialties? Des the schl have cnnectins t emplyment and internship pprtunities? Where are the graduates emplyed? Hw difficult is it t get n-campus husing? What are the financial aid ptins? Dress prfessinally but cmfrtably. Yu want t make a psitive impressin pssible n the admissins representatives that may help when it cmes time fr them t review applicatins. But, since yu may be spending a cnsiderable part f yur day walking arund campus, make the utfit functinal and cmfrtable. Talk t current students n campus. Find ut their likes and dislikes f the schl. (Being dressed prfessinally helps.) After yu have cmpleted yur schl visit(s), cmpare yur ntes against yur decisin criteria. Graduate Schl Planning Guide FGCU Career Develpment Services Page 13