MASTER S, PHD OR BOTH? HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

MASTER S, PHD OR BOTH? HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

PRE-GRADUATE ADVISING Visit our website for drop-in hours and contact information! http://success.ucdavis.edu/grad-prof/pregrad/index.html

IS GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR ME? PROFESSIONAL GOALS Graduate School is NOT a plan B In what field do you want to pursue graduate work? What are your long-term professional goals? How might a graduate degree in this field help you achieve your professional goals? Career Counseling: Internship and Career Center Schedule an appointment

MASTER S VS. DOCTORATE Master s 1-2 years Course-based; Thesis or Comprehensive Exam Limited funding Doctorate 5-7 years Course- and research-based; Thesis Typically funded

MASTER S VS. DOCTORATE Master s Shorter commitment Focus on courses Possible funding Open doors to jobs, $ Foundation of your field (breadth) PhD Longer commitment Focus on research Typically funded Open doors to academia Expert in your field (depth)

MASTER S VS. DOCTORATE What doors would a Master s open up for you? What doors would a Doctorate open up for you? Consult job descriptions, job postings, individuals working in the field, Occupational Outlook Handbook, etc. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

SPECIALIZATION OPTIONS Beyond the general degree (MA, MS, PhD, etc.), programs may offer specialized tracks or a designated emphasis. You want the best fit! Consider your research or professional interests within your field. Look for programs that allow you to pursue those specializations.

RESEARCHING PROGRAMS www. Petersons.com www.phds.org Department websites (faculty, curriculum, requirements, current grad students, funding) UC Davis professors, grad students Academic journals Campus and department visits

IS THE PROGRAM A GOOD FIT? Faculty interests Specialization Curriculum Facilities (Labs) Resources/Funding Normative time to degree Grad student level satisfaction

GRAD SCHOOL APPLICATION Online application Statement of purpose (Personal history statement) Letters of recommendation Official transcript (GPA) GRE (General and/or Subject) Experience/CV

DISCLAIMER The following requirements are addressed in general terms. Be sure to consult your program(s) for specific application requirements.

ONLINE APPLICATION Online application must be submitted on time; fee associated with submission. You will upload various materials to your online account/application. Work in progress can be saved.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Typically 2-3 pages, typed and doublespaced Well organized, concise, sincere (not cliché) Questions: Why grad school? How are you prepared? What do you hope to gain? Professional goals? Why this grad program?

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Start this early! Build on it as you gain experiences in your undergrad.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Pre-Graduate Advising: Review Service Comments on content Two drafts Drop-off at front desk, South Hall 111: Draft (types, double-spaced) Stapled to CV/resume

PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT Not required by all programs. Background, experiences outside of academics Educational, cultural, economic and/or social experiences, challenges, and opportunities Contributing to social/cultural diversity Serving underrepresented segments of society

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION 3-5 letters (typically 3 required) Professors (research, class) Internship supervisors Employers (paid, volunteer) Electronic submission Online applications (e-mails) Interfolio.com

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Internships, volunteer work, research experience Clubs, organizations, community service Professors: Attend office hours regularly Take small seminar classes Participate in class!

ASKING FOR A LETTER Ask in person. Would you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation? Bring a packet of supporting materials Statement of purpose draft Resume/CV Final paper from course Cover letter Transcript List of programs

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT/GPA Cumulative Major Upper Division Order official transcripts from the Registrar s Office early Fall Quarter grades will not be included Order extra copies in case you need them down the road

GRE (GENERAL AND/OR SUBJECT) General Computer-based, $195 Offered year-around Three sections: verbal, quantitative, analytical writing Subject Paper-based, $150 Offered 3 times a year Eight disciplines

GRE (GENERAL AND/OR SUBJECT) Register early; make sure you give yourself at least a 2 week window for scores to be reported Study well, test once test prep books/classes.

EXPERIENCE/CV Research Labs 198/199 units (indep. study) Presentations (Conferences) Publications Internships Work experience Relevant to your field

CV VS. RESUME Resume Work, internships, and academic experiences Experiences outside of academia. Professional experiences relevant to your field Can include experiences where you gained transferable skills CV Academically focused (PhD applicants) Internships/research experience, independent research projects, senior thesis and paper/poster presentations, publications

CV REVIEW The Internship and Career Center (ICC) ICC counselors CV assistance Review appointments Note that if you intend to pursue a career in academia, the CV will be the document that best details your experiences.

TIPS Be organized. Your materials MUST be turned in on time Prioritize your time and think critically about what area(s) of your experience/background deserve priority for the degree you re seeking. Strategize. Use the various areas of the graduate application wisely.

TIMELINE

PRE-GRAD PLANNING FORM

QUESTIONS???