| In
recent senior surveys, more than 80% of Rutgers students have
indicated that they intend to pursue future graduate study.
As more students think about graduate school and the competition
to gain admission increases, Rutgers students and graduates
must become increasingly sophisticated about the admissions
process to attain the best results. Here are four key questions
to ask: |
|
1.
Why Should You Consider Graduate Study?
You're
probably thinking about a graduate degree because your
chosen profession demands one or you are committed to
further study in your chosen discipline.
|
2.
When Should You Begin Graduate Study?
If your goals are clear and financial resources are available,
consider studying for a master's or doctoral degree shortly
after graduation from college. However, if your career goals
are not yet well established and resources are insufficient,
you should probably wait for several years.
|
3.
Where Should You Go to Graduate School?
Eight key criteria are useful in choosing the right graduate
or professional school program: |
 Interest
in the Field. Your interest in and commitment to your
field of study are probably the most important factors.
If you're uncertain about what to study, maybe that's a
clue to wait.
|
Availability
of a Degree Program. Do some research to see which universities
offer the degree programs that meet your interests. Look
beyond the catalog to determine if a program is right for
you.
|
Career
Opportunities. Look down the road a few years. What
are the current job prospects in the field? What are future
projections? Remember that job markets are bound to change--for
better or worse--during any four to five year period.
|
Quality.
Four key factors in assessing quality are faculty, facilities,
student body and reputation. To assess the quality of a
program, talk to professors, read between the lines of catalogs
and other literature, and talk to professionals in the field.
|
Cost. Cost is one of the simplest and best ways of
choosing a graduate program. First, determine how much money
you have available for graduate education (savings, regular
income, tuition support programs, loans, financial aid,
parental support). Then seek programs that are affordable.
|
Location. Do you prefer urban, suburban or rural
locations? Also consider the accessibility of mass transit,
commutation time and costs (if you're a commuter) and proximity
to museums, other educational institutions, research institutes,
and libraries.
|
Size.
Institutional size provides clues to the overall environment,
character, academic resources, class size, and student-faculty
ratios and relationships.
|
Credit
Vs. Non-Credit. A formal program leading toward a particular
degree is often not the best route to follow. An increasing
number of non-credit, non-matriculated, and extension-type
programs at the post-baccalaureate level might be more appropriate
than the traditional programs.
|
4.
How Do You Get Admitted?
There are five key aspects to the admissions process for
graduate and professional schools: |
Undergraduate
Preparation. The trend in graduate admissions is away
from requiring specific undergraduate courses and toward
more liberalized course requirements. However, be sure you
know the specific requirements of the program in which you
are interested. For example, in the sciences, calculus,
organic chemistry, biology and physics are routinely required.
Beyond meeting specific quantitative requirements, it is
highly desirable to show some qualitative strengths in your
undergraduate major.
|
The
Application. This form is usually your only contact
with an admissions committee and the impression you make
is critical. If essays or personal statements are required,
make sure you write in a clear, concise, grammatically correct
style. Have your statement critiqued by a professor or career
counselor.
|
Credentials.
Graduate and professional schools require three items in
support of the application: transcripts of your college
work, recommendations and, in some cases, standardized test
scores. Transcripts are obtained from the Registrar, who
will forward your official transcript to the school to which
you are applying. Recommendations should be from professors
or professionals in the field who know you and your work
well; letters from well known individuals are a plus. Be
sure to set up your personal online credentials file through
Interfolio. Go to www.interfolio.com
.
|
Standardized
Tests. Standardized tests will not "make or break" your
candidacy, and there are ways to prepare for them. Go to
Internet Resources
and GRE Test Prep Seminars for
further information.
|
Interviews.
Interviews are rarely required today in the graduate
and professional admissions process. However, if an interview
can be arranged, you can learn more about the program and
provide a clear impression of who you are.
|
Deadlines.
All schools have deadlines, and they are there for a good
reason. Apply as early as possible. Early applications demonstrate
your interest and timeliness. Note other deadlines such
as portfolio submissions (for studio programs), interviews
(if required), and standardized tests.
|
| Written
by: Richard L. White, Director of Career Services |
