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Graduate School Resources |
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Are you considering graduate school? If
so, allow us to assist you in selecting and
applying to a program. The
following is a suggested timetable.
As you can see, it is never too early to
begin planning ahead for graduate
study.
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Freshman
Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year |
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Freshman Year:
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Take college seriously.
Grades that you earn now will have ramifications
throughout your
undergraduate career.
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Begin to think about graduate school and where you
would like to apply.
Sophomore Year:
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Begin to research different graduate
programs. Write to schools you are interested in, requesting copies
of their admissions criteria and graduate catalogues.
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Begin establishing relationships
with faculty members within your department.
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Get involved in faculty research
projects within your department.
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Discuss your interest in graduate school
with faculty members and follow their suggestions.
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Talk to graduate students you
might know (or seek them out). Ask them about what it is like to be a graduate
student.
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Join professional organizations
related to your field. Many professional organizations allow students to join
in some capacity at a reduced fee.
Junior Year:
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Determine which graduate entrance exam(s)
you will need to take. Some schools may require subject tests in
addition to a general test. Begin studying for these exam(s) early in your
junior year.
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Determine the application deadlines and
entrance requirements for the graduate schools that interest you.
Plan your schedule so that you can fulfill these requirements before you
graduate.
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Get involved with a research project.
Begin to devise a research project on your own with the support and guidance
of a faculty member. Locate organizations which allow student participation
and plan on submitting your paper to these organizations for presentation
consideration.
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Continue cultivating relationships
with faculty members within your department and professionals within your
field.
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If you are working part-time, consider
obtaining a co-op or internship position which will give you hands-on
experience in your field of study.
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Find out about the research interests of
the faculty at the schools you would like to attend. Write to those
faculty whose interests are similar to your own. Request copies of their
research papers and indicate your interest in their research.
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Try to attend at least one professional
conference in your field of study. This will help you get a "feel"
for what goes on at these conferences.
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At the end of your junior year take the
GRE, MAT, or other required entrance exams.
Senior Year:
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Plan to present your student research to
a professional organization.
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Retake your graduate entrance
examinations if you did not do your best the first time.
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Plan to visit those schools you have the
greatest interest in. Learn all you can about their programs and
faculty.
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Make a final decision on which graduate
programs you would like to apply to. Use a stratified approach and
always have a backup plan (i.e. "Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket").
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Prepare your application materials,
including application forms, personal statements, transcripts, entrance exam
results, etc.
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Select several faculty (and/or
professionals) who you believe could write you a strong letter of
recommendation. Contact these people in person (making an
appointment) and ask them if they could write you a good letter. Talk to them
about your professional goals, grades and accomplishments before they start
your letter. Allow sufficient time to write the letters. Also provide a
stamped, addressed envelope for each of the letters you would like them to
mail.
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Apply to those graduate schools you would
like to attend. Be sure to submit application materials on time and
to keep a copy of all materials you submit.
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Verify that your application materials
were received (including letters of recommendation).
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Practice your interviewing skills
and prepare for invitations for on-campus interviews.
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Be prepared to accept and/or reject
offers as they arrive. As you accept and/or reject offers, be sure to
inform those faculty who wrote your letters of recommendation.
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Weber State University, Career Services, Ogden, Utah 84408-1105,
(801) 626-6393, careerservices@weber.edu
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