So You Want to Go to Graduate School? 3 tips for Navigating the Process.
|
Posted By: How May I Help You NC on June 21, 2016 This is a guest blog post written by Valencia Seuell, a recent graduate from the University of Missouri Columbia. The tassels are turned and your undergraduate experience is officially over! Congratulations are in order, but the number one question everyone has for you is, “What’s next?” For many the answer to that question is graduate school. Applying to a graduate program is a really big step towards the future and the process can sometimes become overwhelming. Here are three tips to help you navigate your graduate school process with ease. g Investigate Each Institution- Choosing the perfect graduate program for your individual needs is so important and requires some serious research and investigation. It’s important to look beyond the Internet when gathering information on your programs. Try reaching out to each of the schools you’re interested in to schedule a campus visit. During these visits, be sure to meet with not only administration but also current students as they would most likely have the best insight. It’s also important to know not only what they require for admission but also what they expect of actual students! You don’t want to enroll in a program and find out that it’s nothing like what you expected. Before you apply, make a list of the pros and cons of each program. This should help you decide which program is best and make it easier to understand what you hope to gain from the program. gGive Yourself A Reality Check- Sometimes, as eager college graduates, we are so excited to move on to the next opportunity that we forget to check in with ourselves to make sure we’re actually doing what makes us happy. Before you decide that graduate school is right for you, be sure to take some time to do some soul searching. Figure out what it is that you really want out of life and make sure that graduate school aligns with your true desires. Everyone is different and while graduate school is an amazing choice, it may not be the best choice for you! Once you’ve decided that graduate school is what you really want, be sure that you’re fully committed and ready for the journey that lies ahead. g Customize And Perfect Your Application- With thousands of applicants each year, programs are really looking for candidates who stand out from the crowd. When putting together your application, it’s important to go above and beyond to make sure you make the top of the list. Try incorporating specific goals of the program into your personal statement. Graduate schools are looking for candidates that can fit right into the program effortlessly. If your goals and desires perfectly align with those of the program, they’re more likely to consider you for admission. Also, make sure your application is easy to read and showcases your best attributes. This includes making sure all grammar is correct, essays are an appropriate length, and the fonts and visuals all flow. I am entering a creative field, so I formatted my resume in a creative and visually appealing way in efforts to showcase my creativity and design skills. Finally, make sure your recommendations are written by people that you trust to speak highly of you. Rushing back to your teacher who can’t remember your name may not be the best idea. Find someone who can easily speak on your accomplishments and your suitability for the program. Graduate school is an excellent choice and I wish you all the best in your search! Source: http://www.laurenbergerinc.com/so-you-want... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Graduate School Info
|
|
Inspiring Event Tailored to Students and Alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities to Explore Graduate Programs |
|
|
Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity!We, at www.stemuscenter.org, just completed our first two informational sessions on Research Fellowship opportunity for STEM and Social Science doctoral students.
The mission of our center is to te ...more
Manisha Maurya • 1,393 Views • October 23rd, 2024 |
|
|
4 Habits for Success in Online SchoolOnline education has become an increasingly popular option for students over the years, especially due to the current global pandemic. However, succeeding in online school takes more than just a good ...more
Anica Oaks • 1,677 Views • February 1st, 2024 |
Popular Graduate School Info
|
|
People Judge Your Intelligence Based on the Tone of Your Voice and How Fast You Speak
Do you want people to think you are intelligent? Has someone ever told you “You’re much smarter than you look.”?
No doubt it can sting to be perceived as less intelligent, particularly when you ...more
How May I Help You NC • 30,559 Views • June 12th, 2017 |
|
|
How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension If youd like to improve your reading comprehension, try the SQ3R method. This is an acronym that means: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.
Heres how it works:
Survey Your Text
Prior t ...more
How May I Help You NC • 24,096 Views • June 12th, 2017 |
|
|
Never procrastinate and always free time…..One blog I read regularly is by Leo Babauta, called zen habits. Essentially, he writes all about simplifying your life. A while ago, Scott Young was a guest blogger for Babuata’s website and wrote a p ...more
How May I Help You NC • 13,823 Views • April 19th, 2018 |
|
|
MVSU to host Graduate Expo March 1Why should you consider an advanced degree? How will you finance your graduate education? What program of study is the best fit for you?
For the answer to these questions and many more, attend Mis ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,741 Views • February 27th, 2018 |
|
|
How Academic Parents Can Find Time to ExerciseA question that often comes up when I do campus workshops on work/life balance is how and when busy academic parents can find time to exercise. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important for u ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,403 Views • April 19th, 2018 |


