The graduate school admission interview, though it is not the sole basis of your graduate school application, is something you have to excel in. You have to present yourself properly and politely to give the interviewer an impression that you’re somebody who deserves to be a part of their academic institution. Here are some tips to help you survive a graduate school admission interview:
Tips before the interview
* Do an online research.
Browse through the school’s website and read about its course offerings, academic history, and degree programs. So, when the interviewer asks you what makes the school special, you will be ready with a credible answer.
* Visit the school campus.
Visit the campus and hold informal interviews with the school’s current students or professors to get some tips and advice to help you do well in your interview.
* Stage a mock interview.
Practice your verbal skills by staging mock interviews with your family or friends. Ask for their feedback to learn which areas you still need to improve on.
Tips during the interview
* Choose an appropriate outfit.
Dress appropriately during the interview. Make sure that you look professional enough to be entrusted with a slot in graduate school.
* Follow the interview rules.
Apply all the tips and advice you got earlier: make eye contact, display self-confidence, and maintain good composure.
* Give consistent answers.
Make sure that your interview answers are not different from what you have written in your graduate admission essay.
Tips after the interview
* Send a “thank you” letter.
After the interview, send a follow-up thank you letter or email immediately. This is one way of showing how much you appreciate the opportunity given to you and the interviewer’s time.
* Ask for an update.
After a week or so, contact the admissions department of the school you applied for to get updates on the status of your application. Do this as politely as possible.
Aside from the interview, you also need to prepare your graduate school admission essay. Look for websites that have sample graduate school essay. You can use these samples as a guide.
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A college internship is more than a school requirement; it is also one of the most effective tools in supporting your graduate school application. Completing an internship in college says a lot of good things about you. Here are the benefits of completing a college internship:
For an impressive graduate school essay
When applying for graduate school, your objective is to convince the evaluators that you are genuinely interested in pursuing the particular field you applied for. One good way of supporting your claim is to include a college internship entry in your graduate school essay. Having a college internship experience will give the evaluators the impression that you are determined to do everything just to succeed in whatever you aspire to be. It just proves that you have what it takes to turn your dreams into reality.
For an admirable personal reputation
Juggling time between school work and college internship is not an easy task. When done properly, however, it will provide you sweet rewards. First of all, mentioning your college internship in your application form or graduate admission essay will give the evaluators an impression that you are the type of person who knows how to set priorities. It shows a great deal of determination and a great level of responsibility to endure the stress and pressure that comes from both school work and college internship. You’ll definitely get thumbs up for that.
For an impressive curriculum vitae
A college internship will make your resume even more valuable. Successfully managing your time between school work and college internship is one good sign that you have what it takes to survive in the real world. You are both responsible and dependable – these traits are what most human resource officers are looking for in an employee.
For a relevant working experience
Aside from being a great resume entry, college internship is also a good preparation for life after graduation. Jobs and careers are inevitable and getting a college internship is one good way of getting used to applying what you learned in school. A college internship will teach you how it’s like to work in the real world – something that you will never learn inside a classroom.
Although a college internship may appear like another activity to squeeze into your already tight schedule, you will surely enjoy its benefits afterwards. Pursuing a college internship will not only improve your professionalism, but will also increase your chances of getting accepted in the graduate school of your choice.
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Having trouble deciding which graduate school to apply to? Worry no more. Here are some of the factors you need to consider when choosing a graduate school:
Graduate degrees offered
The first thing you have to look for when browsing through your graduate school options is the list of graduate studies offered. What specific field are you interested in? Do you want to pursue graduate studies in history or in social sciences? Whatever your preferences are, make sure that the graduate school you choose actually offers the specific field you have in mind. Besides, what’s the use of applying to this graduate school if it doesn’t offer the degree you want to earn?
Teaching system used
Another important factor that you have to consider when choosing a graduate school is the teaching system used. How do they conduct lessons there? What is the main focus of the lessons: theory or application? The main reason you want to pursue your graduate studies is to learn more. How can you learn if the teaching system employed in your graduate school is not suitable to your learning style? Research first on the teaching system used in different graduate schools before deciding on which one would be best for you.
Academic reputation maintained
One way of increasing your chances to have a great career is to get a diploma from a reputable school. Popular schools are not only popular for their prestigious football championship trophies or their expensive graduate school tuition. Reputable graduate schools are known for their excellent academic curriculum, brilliant faculty members, and outstanding alumni roster. Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?
Tuition fee asked
Another important factor to consider when choosing a graduate school is, of course, the cost. Your dream of completing your graduate studies in that Ivy League university may remain only a dream if you don’t have enough funds to pay for the tuition. If you are determined to study in the graduate school of your choice, however, you can still find ways to find financial support for your education. You can apply for scholarships, grants, or student loans.
The location of the graduate school must also be considered when it comes to selecting a graduate school. Because the school work associated with graduate school is overwhelming, you need all the convenience you can get. Choose a graduate school that’s located near your home or your office. Spending several hours driving from one place to another will not only lessen your study hours but will also increase your physical stress.
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Academic excellence is still possible even if you have a part-time job to worry about. Time management, after all, is the secret to getting all your tasks done. You have to remember, though, that proper time management is not the only thing you need to find success both in your job and your studies. Here are the other things you have to remember to survive the stress and pressure of juggling graduate school work and part-time jobs:
* Don’t suffer from disorganization
The key to juggling graduate school work and part-time jobs is proper organization. If your priorities and schedule are carefully organized, you will have less difficult time in getting everything done. Organization should start with your stuff: arrange your textbooks and clear up your study area. With part-time jobs and school work to worry about, you should not waste too much of your time looking for textbooks and handouts. Make sure that you also have a calendar where you can write on your schedules and a notebook where you can list down your tasks.
* Don’t give in to procrastination
Sure, cramming everything into your head a few minutes before the test works occasionally, but that should not be a good reason to procrastinate every chance you get. Remember that you are not only a graduate school student, but also a part-time employee. Instead of doing non-substantial things during your free time, try to make yourself more useful by reading textbooks or reviewing notes. It is hard to focus on your job if you have a test to think about; it is also difficult to concentrate on your test if you have a task to worry about. Don’t make things harder for yourself.
* Don’t be too hard on yourself
Excellent time management skills may help you get through everything, but there is still one thing that proper time management cannot handle– work overload. Don’t push yourself too much. Accepting lots of work may give you enough money for your tuition after a couple of days, but may also give you more stress than your body can handle. Health is wealth, remember? Think about yourself from time to time. Get some time off to relax and unwind.
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If you have any plans of pursuing graduate studies, then by all means do so. Graduate school, after all, is for everybody. If the only thing that stops you from applying for a slot in graduate school is money, then you should start looking for financial aid now. Here are some tips on where you can get that much-needed funds to support your graduate studies:
Get a student loan
The most common option when it comes to getting financial support is to apply for a student loan. Repaying a student loan, however, is not as easy as applying for it. A student loan is still a loan, and you have to accomplish your obligations to the lender by repaying him or her sometime after graduation. To avoid a rapidly ballooning debt, try looking for student loans that offer low interest rates and flexible payment terms.
Pay for it yourself
You can also support your graduate studies by spending your own money. The first thing you have to do is to check your accounts. If you think you have enough money to pay for your tuition and other expenses, then you’re in luck. But if your funds are just about enough to buy lunch, then you might want to start looking for a part-time job. Juggling graduate school work and part-time jobs is definitely not the easiest thing to do, but is certainly one of the most rewarding. Getting a part-time job will not only help you pay for your tuition, but it will also provide you with relevant working experience. If juggling part-time jobs and school work is too much for you, then you can always take an entire year off from school. You can get a full-time job and save more money for next year’s tuition.
Look for scholarships or grants
If the salary you receive from your job is not enough to cover all your expenses, you can always try applying for a scholarship or a grant. Visit your university’s financial support office and inquire about the scholarships and grants they offer to students like you. Getting financial assistance from a reliable lender will not only help you finish your education, but will also help you focus on your studies. Taking your mind off financial matters will give you more time to concentrate on your lessons and projects.
Whatever option you choose, be sure that you can totally commit to it. If you decide to work first, then do your job well. If you manage to get financial assistance, then repay your lender sooner. Financial issues should never get in the way of your dreams.
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Admission evaluators are not only interested in knowing how satisfactory your grades. Some of them are would rather learn what kind of person you are. You may have straight As in your school subjects, but may also have straight Fs in your social life. Interpersonal skills, aside from academic aptitude, is very important. Good letters of recommendation will show that you are a good student, but great letters of recommendation will also show that you are a good team member or colleague. Letters of recommendation, in their own way, support and validate whatever information you mentioned in your admission essay.
How to choose your references
The selection of references for letters of recommendation should not only be based on the professor’s teaching reputation. You also have to choose references based on familiarity. Which of your professors know you well? Who noticed your potential? Another tip in choosing references? Choose a professor or instructor who actually gave you a good grade.
How to narrow your selection
Choose a reference who has seen you at your best. Your reference can the professor who noticed your determination or a colleague who experienced your reliability first-hand. You have to make sure that your reference knows you well enough to adequately answer whatever questions admissions evaluators may pose to them. It is also wise to choose an articulate reference to avoid any confusion on the message of the letter.
How to finalize your list
It is important to choose a reference who really knows you well. Your reference must know you well enough to write a positive yet honest recommendation letter for you. It is also important that you actually have a good professional relationship with your reference so you can anticipate what your reference will write in the recommendation letter. Trust plays a big role in recommendation letters. You have to remember that by asking people to write letters of recommendation for you, you are also entrusting your chance of getting admitted to them.
Letters of recommendation are only one element of the application process. You still have to do good on your admission. For an well-crafted personal statement, use sample graduate school essay as a guide. Learn how the dos and donts when reading a sample graduate school essay. Get tips from a sample graduate school essay. Instead of writing a mere summary of your resume, include personal traits and experiences that make you a good candidate for grad school.
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Getting a graduate degree can provide you with more employment options and opportunities. However, graduate studies don’t come cheap. It would take a lot of financial planning for you to afford graduate school education in case you earn just a meager income and haven’t saved up for this. Don’t lose hope, though, because there are various organizations that provide financial aid and grant loans as well as scholarships for those looking to pursue graduate school education.
FAFSA
Check whether the graduate school you’re applying to is a member of federal student aid programs. If it is, check the requirements that will make you eligible for federal student aid. You can then start filling up the application form through FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
In-house financial aid and scholarship programs
There are many graduate schools offering in-house scholarship and financial aid programs. Schools that are participating members of the federal student aid use the FAFSA to get information regarding a student’s eligibility and financial status.
If you plan on pursuing graduate studies in private schools, you must inquire about the requirements these schools ask from students looking for financial aid. These requirements typically include the graduate school essay, in which you can write about your financial status and why the school should grant you a scholarship or provide you with financial aid with the help of a sample graduate school essay.
There are also graduate schools that do not have in-house scholarships and financial aid programs but are affiliated with various funding organizations. Below are just some organizations that provide funding for graduate school students in need of financial aid.
NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program
If you plan to get a graduate degree in fields such as Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Aeronautics, or Computer Science, then you should try applying for scholarships from the NASA Aeronautics Scholarship Program. This program gives grants of up to $11,000 per school year and you can even get an annual stipend of $35,000.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
You can get a scholarship worth $30,000 from Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation if you want to get a graduate degree in the field of public service.
The Ford Foundation
If you plan to pursue a doctorate degree in academic disciplines such as Computer Science, Engineering, Earth Sciences, History, and other related fields, then you should check whether you’re eligible for a scholarship from Ford Foundation.
American Association for University Women
The American Association for University Women (AAUW) foundation offers grants to women pursuing graduate studies, regardless of socio-economic background, religion, or race.
Gates Millennium Scholars
An offshoot of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates Millenium Scholars GMS has been offering financial aid to more than 12,000 deserving students ever since 1999. The goal of this program is to provide financially challenged students with access to quality education. Increasing the representation of certain groups in different academic fields such as health sciences, engineering, mathematics, etc. is also a goal of this program.
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Until now, there is no single organization that is authorized to rank graduate school programs in the US. This is why the rankings of various graduate school programs vary. Different institutions use different methodologies when it comes to gathering and analyzing data about graduate school programs, producing dissimilar results.
Ranking results are also made complicated by the fact that the results published by organizations and magazines are often categorized into different academic fields. For example, the school that offers the best business and medical school programs may rank low in their engineering and computer graduate school programs. This is why this compilation lists five often cited top graduate school programs that are categorized according to different fields of study.
Top five law school programs
* Harvard University Law School
* Yale University Law School
* Columbia University Law School
* New York University School of Law
* Stanford University Law School
Top five graduate business and administration programs
* Harvard University – Harvard Business School (HBS)
* Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University
* The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
* Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management
* Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Top five medical school programs
* Harvard University Medical School
* University of California – San Francisco School of Medicine
* Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
* The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
* University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
The rankings of medical schools made by World Report and US News were done by weighing the merits of schools according to the primary care and research facilities and programs of medical schools. Business school rankings, on the other hand, are usually categorized based on the types of MBA programs available such as executive, full-time, part-time, dual, and online.
Based on the lists, Harvard University and Stanford University are often cited as two of the top universities offering excellent graduate programs. Harvard and Stanford are both renowned for their highly selective admission criteria and procedures, including them in the roster of the most prestigious universities in the US. The alumni of these two schools include politicians, CEOs, Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and various individuals who are widely recognized in their chosen fields.
When applying to any graduate program in any school, it’s important that you create an excellent graduate admission essay. Writing an impressive graduate admission essay with the help of a sample graduate school essay can help you get accepted into the school of your choice even if your college grades are not exceptionally high.
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There are many requirements that you have to submit when you apply for graduate studies, and these include your graduate admission essay. Unlike other documents that you need to pass such as test scores and transcripts, your graduate admission essay can be subjectively interpreted. This is why it’s important for you to allot adequate time to write and edit your essay to make sure that it’s concise, interesting, and engaging. Reading a sample graduate school essay can help you come up with a well-written admission essay.
There are many articles written to provide you with tips on how to write your graduate admission essay. Most of these writing tips put emphasis on the necessity of writing a graduate admission essay that is sincere, concise, and has an organized structure. One of the ways to show your sincerity when writing your graduate admission essay is to write about why a certain program is the best one for you. You can cite your experiences and personal background and relate these to your decision to pursue graduate studies.
Typical information you have to include in your graduate admission essay
Your graduate admission essay must contain information about various aspects such as your greatest achievements and long-term career goals. You can pick a certain topic for your graduate admission essay and then expound on that. You can focus on your reasons for going to graduate school and how your life experiences influenced you to make that decision. You can also write about why you chose that particular graduate school or graduate program.
You can pick from the abovementioned topics and write about them. You can, for example, write about your career goals and then explain why you chose the program and what your concrete plans are. Write about how the degree will benefit you and what you intend to bring to the school if they choose you. Your graduate admission essay should be able to convince admission officers that you’re an excellent addition to their student body.
Making your graduate admission essay a personal essay
Keep in mind that you must not expound on your academic achievements without relating these to your reasons for wanting to go into graduate school. If you do this, you’re just translating into words what your transcripts and test scores can already provide. Your graduate admission essay is not meant to be a resume that’s in essay form. Your graduate admission essay must be personal; it must contain your insights, your inspirations and aspirations. You must write about life experiences that led you to pursuing the path you now want to take. Your graduate admission essay must give admission officers a glimpse of your life and how you are as a person because these are the things that your transcript, resume, and test scores won’t be able to show.
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Graduating from college may mean different things to different people; it can end your stay in the campus and have you looking for jobs; or, it can mean that you’re now eligible for getting an advanced degree. You may feel lost after graduation and not know what to do next. This is a good time for you to consider if you’re going to pursue graduate studies or not.
Individuals pursue graduate studies for different reasons. Others do it simply because they’re not ready to enter the workforce yet and would like to buy themselves some time before they go out there and get a job, while others want a graduate degree to increase their marketability. Below are other reasons why you should consider going into graduate school.
Getting a graduate degree will give you more options and employment opportunities.
Companies consider a graduate degree as a valuable commodity, which means that when you pursue graduate studies and get your degree, more doors will be opened to you that will otherwise remain inaccessible. Many employers choose applicants who have advanced degrees over those who have only relevant work experience. This doesn’t just occur in the academe, but also in other fields such as computing and technology, as well as psychology.
Pursuing graduate studies increases the knowledge you acquired in college.
If you feel that your college education provided you with knowledge on broad topics and was inadequate, then enrolling in a graduate program can help you gain more information about the specific field you wish to pursue. Graduate school can give you training in the specialization of your choice. You also have the chance to choose which classes to take.
Enrolling in a graduate program improves your research skills.
Research is essential for any field and industry. In college, you were taught many theories regarding research, but there may have been only a few opportunities for you to apply this theoretical knowledge. When you take part in a graduate program, you will be given the chance to hone your research skills. There are many opportunities for you to put your knowledge to use. Many graduate schools combine classroom sessions with field work. This kind of method is called experiential learning and through this, you’re going to be more equipped when it comes to responding and dealing with various real situations in your chosen field.
Once you’ve decided to pursue graduate studies, you then have to prepare for various tests and make sure that you have the requirements asked by various schools. These include your transcripts, graduate admission essay, resume, and letters of recommendation. Make sure that you read a sample graduate school essay to help you create an interesting and well-written graduate admission essay. Doing so can increase your chances of getting into your dream graduate school.
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