Preparing for Graduate School

1. Preparing for Graduate School Sherry F. Queener, Ph.D. Professor of Pharmacology Associate Dean, IU Graduate School Director of the Graduate Office, IUPUI

2. Is Graduate School Right for You? Is your desire for deep knowledge of a field unsatisfied? Is graduate work required for the career you have chosen? Are you thinking more of the road not taken? Is your career stalled?

3. Issues to Confront Academic Issues Academic preparation Matching the program with career goals Personal Issues Financial planning Time management Relationships

4. Academic Qualifications Most graduate programs require a 3.0 GPA Am I academically prepared with the right courses and grades? Advising by program or by Graduate Office Non-traditional students: Can I still do the academic work? Graduate Non-degree program allows you to �test the waters�

5. Academic Qualifications Advanced degrees require you to master a field Acquiring the knowledge base Developing professionalism Becoming a �steward of the discipline� Committing to life-long-learning

6. Matching Program to Career Goals IUPUI offers over 140 advanced degree programs, both Indiana University and Purdue University degrees What if I can�t decide on a program? Advising in the Graduate Office Advising in the programs

7. What Type of Degree Do I Need? Doctoral degrees PhD Research-based degree Programs generally 4 to 7 years long Major research project with dissertation Preparation for College/university faculty career Directing research in industry Research/administration in government laboratories

8. What Type of Degree Do I Need? Master�s Degree Research-based Programs generally take 2 to 3 years Research project with thesis/capstone Preparation for: Entry into PhD program Research career in industry Research career in government laboratories

9. What Type of Degree Do I Need? Professional degrees Traditional professional degrees MD, DDS, JD, DPT, MSW Regulated by disciplinary accreditation Clinical/practitioner training The new professional masters degrees Traditional fields but cross-disciplinary Public history, biology (business), forensic science New fields Museum studies, philanthropic studies, GIS

10. Can I Afford Graduate School? What is the true cost? Tuition and required fees Housing costs/living expenses Loss of current income Undergraduate loans: will they be deferred? What help can I get? Tuition waivers Stipend Loans

11. Time Management Time demands of graduate school Graduate programs are designed as full-time programs; if you are part-time, it will take you longer. Actual class time Research/study time Time demands of life situation Commute time? Child care?

12. Relationships Who will help you get through the emotional demands of graduate school? Parents Spouse Friends Children

13. What Are Graduate Programs Looking For? Evidence of talent Evidence of passion Consistent goals Evidence of good writing Characteristics that distinguish you from the crowd

14. How to Apply Look right now at online application What information/materials do you need to assemble? Start talking to programs now for fall 2008 Graduate admissions decentralized Start thinking about your statement Find your own voice Prepare for and take the GRE

15. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) What is it? Part 1: Verbal Part 2: Quantitative Part 3: Analytical Writing Does every program require it? No; confirm with each program How do I prepare? You have been preparing all along GRE website offers free practice materials Commercial or local prep courses

16. How Do I Choose Among My Offers? Faculty research match to your interests Do these faculty have room for you? Look at student success rate in program National Research Survey of Doctoral Programs Discuss choice with trusted academic advisors Visit each institution Ask to speak to faculty and to students Assess the relative costs

17. Graduate Office Contacts Sherry F. Queener, Ph.D. General advising Graduate Office, Rm 207 Union Building 274-1577 or queenes@iupui.edu Sue Wheeler Graduate Non-degree Coordinator 274-1577