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Insider's Guide to Graduate School: What They Don't Tell You

Unveil the truths about grad school: from surprising realities to preparation tips, application strategies, and the first day on campus. Discover key insights and navigate the journey to achieving your academic goals.

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Insider's Guide to Graduate School: What They Don't Tell You

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  1. Graduate School: (What They Don’t Tell you) Susan S. Standen Stanford University 03/23/04

  2. Contents • Disclaimer • Things that surprised me • The good news… • And the bad • What they want • What YOU want • Preparing to apply • Applying • What to do when you get IN

  3. Things that surprised me • Grad school is not like school • Grades are not important • Be there all day • Work hard for no credit • The professors are not there to teach • They are there to get tenure • Tenure means publishing research • Publishing research depends on grad students • They don’t want the “perfect student” • They want someone who “fits”

  4. The Good News • Getting in is hard; stayingin is easy • No irrelevant classes • Cutting-edge information • “Culture of curiosity”

  5. …And The Bad • Constant, difficult reading • Steep learning curve • Knowing, not passing tests • Rote memorization skills will not help • Recalling Who, When, What and Why • People who will matter for the rest of your life • Mandatory socializing

  6. Preparing to apply – Part 1 • Writing • Statistics • Reading research • Public speaking • Start studying for GRE & Psych GRE • Get recommendations EARLY

  7. Preparing to apply – Part 2 • Schools/people that match your interests • Look at article titles from department • Get catalogs • Narrow down choices • Talk to Grad admin, grad students (advisors) • Read papers by professors • Make appointments • Visit: “You’re first on my list”

  8. Applying • “Good GRE Scores” • “Great recommendations” • “And a smashing personal statement” • GRE: 700-800 = automatic candidate • Recommendations: “Sainthood is next step” • Personal statement • They don’t really care where you were born • Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want published • Mention interests, key issues, NAMES

  9. The Big Question • You got in! • SCREAM A LOT • CALL EVERYONE YOU KNOW • START WORRYING • Or… • You didn’t get in • Cry • Take a deep breath • Remember it’s about fit and not quality • Don’t be afraid to call and ask why

  10. Your First Day at Grad School • Bring an apple • Just kidding! • Ideally, arrive in the summer • Find housing • Find a grocery store and a Starbucks • Hang around the department • Offer your free services

  11. Most of all… • Remember who you are • Remember why you’re there

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