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Applying for Graduate School !!

Applying for Graduate School !!. March 26, 2012. What to Expect. Ph.D. usually takes 5-6 years to complete Many programs have a rotation system, a couple years of coursework, and a heavy emphasis on research Preliminary exams Dissertation Long hours and a large degree of independence.

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Applying for Graduate School !!

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  1. Applying for Graduate School!! March 26, 2012

  2. What to Expect... • Ph.D. usually takes 5-6 years to complete • Many programs have a rotation system, a couple years of coursework, and a heavy emphasis on research • Preliminary exams • Dissertation • Long hours and a large degree of independence

  3. The Application 1. Web-Based Application 2. Personal Statement 3. Resume/CV 4. Letters of Recommendation 5. GRE Test Scores 6. Official Transcript Deadlines range from early November to late January!

  4. How to Prepare... • http://biology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/research/graduate-school-resources/ • Acquire substantial lab experience • Take the GRE • Investigate grad programs • Contact potential faculty advisors • Write (and edit!) personal statement • Compile CV • Not the same as a resume! • Talk to recommenders • Usually need three

  5. Lab Experience • Get into a lab before senior year • Investment in a project will lead to good discussions during interviews • Understand the goals of your project! • Summer Experience/Full-Time Position • Shows dedication and that you know what to expect during your grad school experience • Conference Presentations and Publications • Not absolutely necessary, but impressive • Presentations at ND count too! (COS-JAM, etc)

  6. Where to apply? • Research • Find people you want to work with • Find research you are really passionate about • Ask profs in the field you want to enter for advice • Program • Rotations, size, etc • Funding --> TA, RA, Fellowships • Research facilities (mass spec, genomics core, etc) • Location • You will be living there for 5 - 7 years • Apply to 6 - 10 schools • Safeties and reaches!

  7. GRE • Study and take it in the summer before applying • Visit the ETS website (http://www.ets.org) • Sign up for the test • Practice exams and questions • General GRE • Computer Based Test • Quantitative, Verbal, and Essay Sections • South Bend Site: • Prometric Test Center 3005 Grape RD

  8. GRE (continued) • General GRE • Emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking • Can skip and change answers • Required by all programs • Offered often in many locations • Subject GRE • Paper Based Test • Not required by many schools • Take the Biology Test if needed • PLAN AHEAD! It's offered a few times a year

  9. Letters of Recommendation • Usually three per school • Ask early • No less than a month before the application is due • Send reminders a week before • Pick recommenders who know you well • Another reason you should start working in a lab early • PI, mentors, professors; make contacts early • No grad students or techs • It will look weird if you work in someone's lab and then they don't write you a letter

  10. Recommendations (continued) • Recommenders often appreciate if you give them your personal statement, resume, transcript, and a list of the schools with application due dates. • Most recommendations are submitted online, but include envelopes if necessary • Spreadsheets are nice! • Remember to thank your recommenders and keep them updated A good recommendation can go a long way!

  11. The Personal Statement ... • Start early! • Intro: Why you are interested in grad school • Body: • research experiences • why you're awesome (in research, working in groups, thinking and writing scientifically) • examples • research/career goals • presentations or awards • Why that particular school/program is a good fit for you

  12. Personal Statement... (continued) • Be professional but show your passion for research • Edit before each submission • Have others read it (friends, advisor, etc) • 800 - 1000 words usually, each school is different • Be honest • Mention professors of the school that you have corresponded with • No "when I was little stories..." • 90% about your research and goals

  13. The Interview... • They will email or call you • School should pay for it, make sure you understand and follow their instructions • Often you pay first and then get reimbursed • Things to bring: • comfy shoes • appropriate attire (business, but not necessarily suits) • depends on the program • ask your contact person if you're unsure • Bring clothes for other activities (casual, but appropriate)

  14. Interview: Preparation • Print out resume, application materials, personal statement to review • Look at papers or summaries of your interviewers • Usually available through the school's website • Research the school/program • Umbrella vs department • Size • Have questions for them • Know potential questions they may ask • Be over-prepared!

  15. Interview: Potential questions • Tell me about your research. • What are your research interests and why? • What are your future career plans (after grad school)? • Why this school/program? • May ask questions about your resume. • May also ask you about your character development. • Be prepared to think on your feet.

  16. Ask Questionsofprofessors and grad students! • Tell me more about YOUR research • Lab dynamics: how big, lab meetings, mentoring style ... • Do you like living in this city/area? • Department collaborative vs. competitive • What facilities are available? • Average graduation time? • Where do your graduates go next? • Rotations necessary? • TAing necessary?

  17. Get to know the current grad students! • Talk to them away from their advisor • What is it like to work for Dr. X? Are they a good advisor? • What is it like working in the lab? • How much free time do they have? • What are their living arrangements like? • What is TAing like at this school? • What is their least favorite thing about the town or program? This will be you next year!!

  18. After the Interview • E-mail or call grad students/faculty if you have questions • Write down pros/cons • Reimbursement paperwork • Thank-you e-mails if necessary • Fellowships are usually decided in late February or March • Decision day is April 15th!

  19. Reminders! • Be confident and friendly • Be observant and learn as much as you can • Be polite, but not robotic • Shake hands when you meet people, etc • Talk to current students • Talk to other recruits • They want to impress you as much as you want to impress them, so stay calm! • Relax and have fun! Just be yourself!

  20. If you have any questions... Feel free to email us! • Caitlin Arens • carens@nd.edu • Matthew Esparza • maesparza324@gmail.com • Katie Pieper • kathleen.e.pieper@gmail.com Additional resources at biology.nd.edu

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