How to apply and succeed in graduate school

Black Collegian, Oct 2002 by Rovaris, Dereck J Sr

GRADUATE STUDY GUIDE

Many of you have already decided whether to pursue graduate studies. Either you are currently enrolled in a graduate program or you have decided to do so soon. (Note: If you fall into the latter group, do not allow soon to become a long time from now.) If you have not yet decided to enroll, you should be reminded that regardless of your post-baccalaureate dream, today's equation for success requires training and education beyond the bachelor's degree. The following article will not only explain the graduate school application process, it will explore the political nature of successfully navigating the graduate school experience. Prospective graduate students will gain insights from the entire article while current and former graduate students will certainly recognize, relate, and learn from the latter half of this article. Read on.

If you have decided to go to graduate school, you have made a wise decision. If you have not already done so, you are at least interested in graduate study since you are reading this article. Contact your favorite faculty member to discuss the graduate school process. It is not a process that can be taken lightly and, like anything else that is worth having, it will require a great deal of work. Nevertheless, it is not an impossible task, especially if you plan. Starting early is crucial, and consulting good resources (like the one you are currently reading) also will be helpful. Several additional resources include: Educational Testing Service's GRE/CGS Directory of Graduate Programs; the Council of Graduate School's Graduate School and You: A Guide for Prospective Graduate Students; and Daniel Cassidy's The Graduate Scholarship Book. These are all quite good, but perhaps the most comprehensive source of graduate school opportunities exists in the multi-volume set of books commonly referred to as "The Peterson's Guides." Peterson's Guide to Graduate and Professional Programs can be found in most college library reference rooms as well as on-line. These materials will prove invaluable.

Upon completing your initial investigation about graduate school opportunities, you may yet be confused about application and admission. Although the process includes an assortment of tasks, it is fairly standard from school to school. It does require diligence and dedication; therefore it cannot be approached cavalierly. It also requires that you begin the process early! Do not procrastinate!

The Application Process

Once you have decided to pursue a graduate degree and have figured out which specific field you will study, the steps in the application process are as follows:

1. Create a list of potential schools - In order to maximize your opportunities you will need to apply to several schools. The more schools to which you apply, the more chances you have for admission. By consulting a guidebook such as Peterson's Guides, you will uncover a comprehensive listing of graduate opportunities in your respective area. The listings include descriptions of each discipline and their sub-fields. It also includes a wealth of data about the various institutions with programs in those disciplines (location, entrance requirements, acceptance rates, tuition costs, funding options, enrollment demographics, etc.).

To create your list of schools you should first consider factors like quality of the program, strength of the university, reputation of faculty in your area, availability of funding, institutional support, and commitment to minority students. Other factors that may play a part include geographic region, size of enrollment, racial make-up of student body, community in which the school is located, and campus facilities and activities. After weighing these factors, you should compile a list of ten or more institutions.

Start by asking faculty members to recommend institutions. (Be careful; they almost always will think their alma mater is the best choice for you. This may, or may not be the case.) Check to see who are the leading experts in your chosen field, then find out what schools they attended and where they are currently working. You might also check to see where recent graduates from your current academic department have gone to graduate school. If they have had positive experiences, that institution might also be good for you.

After creating your list of choices you should contact each school. Wherever possible you should make a personal visit to the campus. Campus visits can sometimes make all the difference. In any case, you should request application materials and any other information that will help you with the admissions process. Ultimately, you want to be able to select the university that will give you your best opportunity for success.

2. Register, practice, and then take the GRE - The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is the entrance exam most often required for graduate admission. It has assumed a greater role of importance in the admissions process than was ever intended. The GRE has assumed this role of importance primarily because most applicants will have good GPA's, decent statements of purpose, and glowing letters of recommendation. What usually distinguishes one applicant from another is the score received on this nationally standardized test, therefore making performing well on this test of major importance. Make sure you practice by using a review course or study manual and that you register early (since the test is computerized, you may register at your convenience for a test site near you). Also, schedule your exam nine to eighteen months before you start graduate school. Finally, take precautions to do well on the test.