Jun
16
Gain Experience and Insight: Part Time Assistantships in Graduate School
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Amber Smith asked:
When you’re in graduate school, you may discover that it’s hard to find a job that relates to your field of study. In some circumstances, you can’t get a job directly related until you have your degree because you must have the proper certification. In order to not waste your time, you should look for a part-time job within your masters program.
Every university and almost every department will offer several graduate assistantships. In exchange for working for the department, you may receive tuition deductions, minimum wage pay, and other miscellaneous benefits.
The greatest benefit to working within your program, though, is that you’ll constantly be learning about your program even when you’re not in class. Knowing how teachers test, what they think about certain issues, and the pitfalls of previous students can be a great advantage as you attempt to maneuver your way through graduate school.
If you want to get a grad assistantship while in a Master’s program, you may need to carefully choose which department you are officially connected with. Many times these jobs go directly to Ph.D students if it’s a situation where they could not have a better job outside the school. So, try to focus on programs that are run independently of the Ph.D. program or whose professors do not completely overlap.
Before starting a job within your Masters program, be sure that the position will really help you. Are there other types of jobs that may be related to your field of study that would pay more? What are the stipulations of the assistantship? Can you lose the assistantship because of your grades or because another student is considered more needy?
Have all the facts before you say “Yes” to any job. Make sure you get your role and benefits in writing so that you will have a record of the agreement. If possible, talk to the previous job holder to get their opinion of the job - sometimes the person you’ll be working for or the types of work given to you will make the job more of a hassle than a help.
Keys to Finding an Assistantship:
Choose Program Carefully
Get All the Facts
Talk to Previous Worker
Make Sure Everything is in Writing
Kathleen
When you’re in graduate school, you may discover that it’s hard to find a job that relates to your field of study. In some circumstances, you can’t get a job directly related until you have your degree because you must have the proper certification. In order to not waste your time, you should look for a part-time job within your masters program.
Every university and almost every department will offer several graduate assistantships. In exchange for working for the department, you may receive tuition deductions, minimum wage pay, and other miscellaneous benefits.
The greatest benefit to working within your program, though, is that you’ll constantly be learning about your program even when you’re not in class. Knowing how teachers test, what they think about certain issues, and the pitfalls of previous students can be a great advantage as you attempt to maneuver your way through graduate school.
If you want to get a grad assistantship while in a Master’s program, you may need to carefully choose which department you are officially connected with. Many times these jobs go directly to Ph.D students if it’s a situation where they could not have a better job outside the school. So, try to focus on programs that are run independently of the Ph.D. program or whose professors do not completely overlap.
Before starting a job within your Masters program, be sure that the position will really help you. Are there other types of jobs that may be related to your field of study that would pay more? What are the stipulations of the assistantship? Can you lose the assistantship because of your grades or because another student is considered more needy?
Have all the facts before you say “Yes” to any job. Make sure you get your role and benefits in writing so that you will have a record of the agreement. If possible, talk to the previous job holder to get their opinion of the job - sometimes the person you’ll be working for or the types of work given to you will make the job more of a hassle than a help.
Keys to Finding an Assistantship:
Choose Program Carefully
Get All the Facts
Talk to Previous Worker
Make Sure Everything is in Writing
Kathleen
Jun
12
Graduate School Admissions
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
John Daye asked:
In order to gain acceptance into Graduate School, several requirements or educational items must be met. These items vary from school to school; however, the main ones needed are listed below, with a brief overview of each.
- Transcript –
Colleges need a copy of a student’s permanent academic records, otherwise known as a transcript. This transcript details the student’s academic background by listing the courses taken along with the grades achieved in each. So that security measures are enforced and transcripts not altered, these documents need to come from the registrar’s office of the college or university attended. Some colleges and universities accept telephone orders for transcripts, charging a few dollars each to process the requests and mailing. Others honor online or postal mail requests.
When a student has an original transcript copy with a raised seal on hand, a copy of this may be substituted, depending upon the graduate school’s requirements. Interested parties should check ahead first to see which type is needed. Do allow plenty of time for orders to reach destinations, as the process can take many weeks. And do follow up to make sure your transcripts arrive. (Many do not and must be resent!)
- Standardized Test Scores –
The results of standardized tests such as the GRE are required. Depending upon the major area of study, other scores may be needed such as: the LSAT for law school; the MCAT for medical school; the GMAT for business school.
- Recommendations – -
Letters of recommendation are required to help show your good traits and personality, etc. to new prospective school administrators. So choose professors from your past undergraduate years who can write positive letters for your file. Include any from persons with whom research and volunteer work was performed as well.
- Essay –
Most graduate programs seek a personal statement and/or admissions essay to be submitted along with the application. Put a lot of thought and planning into this, using books form the public library to help as needed; creating an outline, draft and final revision copy. Include volunteer and research work you’ve done and plan to do, any career work, etc. Ask the Graduate School for guidelines and samples.
- MISC –
Some schools require an interview. Seek job application books for tips in this area for what to wear, speaking tips, questions and answer tips, etc.
Lawrence
In order to gain acceptance into Graduate School, several requirements or educational items must be met. These items vary from school to school; however, the main ones needed are listed below, with a brief overview of each.
- Transcript –
Colleges need a copy of a student’s permanent academic records, otherwise known as a transcript. This transcript details the student’s academic background by listing the courses taken along with the grades achieved in each. So that security measures are enforced and transcripts not altered, these documents need to come from the registrar’s office of the college or university attended. Some colleges and universities accept telephone orders for transcripts, charging a few dollars each to process the requests and mailing. Others honor online or postal mail requests.
When a student has an original transcript copy with a raised seal on hand, a copy of this may be substituted, depending upon the graduate school’s requirements. Interested parties should check ahead first to see which type is needed. Do allow plenty of time for orders to reach destinations, as the process can take many weeks. And do follow up to make sure your transcripts arrive. (Many do not and must be resent!)
- Standardized Test Scores –
The results of standardized tests such as the GRE are required. Depending upon the major area of study, other scores may be needed such as: the LSAT for law school; the MCAT for medical school; the GMAT for business school.
- Recommendations – -
Letters of recommendation are required to help show your good traits and personality, etc. to new prospective school administrators. So choose professors from your past undergraduate years who can write positive letters for your file. Include any from persons with whom research and volunteer work was performed as well.
- Essay –
Most graduate programs seek a personal statement and/or admissions essay to be submitted along with the application. Put a lot of thought and planning into this, using books form the public library to help as needed; creating an outline, draft and final revision copy. Include volunteer and research work you’ve done and plan to do, any career work, etc. Ask the Graduate School for guidelines and samples.
- MISC –
Some schools require an interview. Seek job application books for tips in this area for what to wear, speaking tips, questions and answer tips, etc.
Lawrence
Jun
11
Ways to Adjust to Graduate School - in 5 Easy Ways
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Kristie Lorette asked:
The transition from undergraduate to graduate student can be an enormous one. Many things change during the transition that pretty much entirely change you life. There are things that you should know about before you enter graduate school, so that you will be prepared to deal with them. Once you deal with them, them you will be able to become adjusted to graduate school and the newness that it brings.
Have Confidence in Yourself and Your Abilities
Probably the number one thing that you will hear graduate students say is that when they first started their graduate program they started to question whether or not their college had made a mistake by accepting them. They became so overwhelmed by the enormity of their new responsibilities that they started to question their abilities to handle them. It is extremely important to your success that you maintain your confidence. You are good enough and smart enough to be there, and you can handle what graduate school throws your way or you never would have been accepted in the first place.
Tackle Your Adjustment Period
Embrace your new surroundings and your new experiences when you start your graduate program. Instead of focusing on all of the changes as being negative, turn them into a positive light. Find out as much as you can about the community that the college is located in and the student activities that the school has to offer. By planning to participate in a few activities it will be easier to acclimate yourself to your new environment. It will not always be easy to deal with the changes of living in a new city, dealing with a new program, and meeting new people, but it will get easier over time. And the more ways you proactively attack your adjustment period the less ways your adjustment period will have to tackle you!
Time Management
Being a graduate student brings a very overflowing plate of responsibility to your table. The best way to handle all of your responsibilities is to set your priorities from the beginning and then organize your schedule to carry out your responsibilities in order of importance. This will allow you to manage your time by spending more time on the important tasks and less time on the not so important tasks.
Set Specific Goals
Set specific goals to accomplish. Write them down. Don’t just come up with them in your head. After you have your goals established make a step-by-step plan on what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Schedule and manage your time in an efficient manner so that you create opportunities that will allow you to achieve your goals. Almost all graduate students go into graduate school with general goals, but they get so bogged down by their new responsibilities that they don’t really end up accomplishing any of them. By setting specific goals and writing a plan of attack you will find yourself well on the way to success.
Eat Healthy & Take Care of Yourself
Graduate school can take a mental and physical toll on your health if you let it. In order to sustain the long hours and multiple responsibilities it is important that you take care of yourself and your body. Eating healthy food instead of fast food and getting enough rest to relax your mind and body will make your adjustment to graduate much easier than if you are dragging around like a zombie.
While these are a few suggestions on how you can adjust and cope with graduate school, there are many other ways to adjust as well. You have to find the ways that best fit you. By following these suggestions it will help to make your transition from undergrad to grad school a lot easier.
Jerome
The transition from undergraduate to graduate student can be an enormous one. Many things change during the transition that pretty much entirely change you life. There are things that you should know about before you enter graduate school, so that you will be prepared to deal with them. Once you deal with them, them you will be able to become adjusted to graduate school and the newness that it brings.
Have Confidence in Yourself and Your Abilities
Probably the number one thing that you will hear graduate students say is that when they first started their graduate program they started to question whether or not their college had made a mistake by accepting them. They became so overwhelmed by the enormity of their new responsibilities that they started to question their abilities to handle them. It is extremely important to your success that you maintain your confidence. You are good enough and smart enough to be there, and you can handle what graduate school throws your way or you never would have been accepted in the first place.
Tackle Your Adjustment Period
Embrace your new surroundings and your new experiences when you start your graduate program. Instead of focusing on all of the changes as being negative, turn them into a positive light. Find out as much as you can about the community that the college is located in and the student activities that the school has to offer. By planning to participate in a few activities it will be easier to acclimate yourself to your new environment. It will not always be easy to deal with the changes of living in a new city, dealing with a new program, and meeting new people, but it will get easier over time. And the more ways you proactively attack your adjustment period the less ways your adjustment period will have to tackle you!
Time Management
Being a graduate student brings a very overflowing plate of responsibility to your table. The best way to handle all of your responsibilities is to set your priorities from the beginning and then organize your schedule to carry out your responsibilities in order of importance. This will allow you to manage your time by spending more time on the important tasks and less time on the not so important tasks.
Set Specific Goals
Set specific goals to accomplish. Write them down. Don’t just come up with them in your head. After you have your goals established make a step-by-step plan on what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Schedule and manage your time in an efficient manner so that you create opportunities that will allow you to achieve your goals. Almost all graduate students go into graduate school with general goals, but they get so bogged down by their new responsibilities that they don’t really end up accomplishing any of them. By setting specific goals and writing a plan of attack you will find yourself well on the way to success.
Eat Healthy & Take Care of Yourself
Graduate school can take a mental and physical toll on your health if you let it. In order to sustain the long hours and multiple responsibilities it is important that you take care of yourself and your body. Eating healthy food instead of fast food and getting enough rest to relax your mind and body will make your adjustment to graduate much easier than if you are dragging around like a zombie.
While these are a few suggestions on how you can adjust and cope with graduate school, there are many other ways to adjust as well. You have to find the ways that best fit you. By following these suggestions it will help to make your transition from undergrad to grad school a lot easier.
Jerome
Jun
8
Graduate School Bargains: Do They Exist?
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Amber Smith asked:
Graduate school really has no bargains, at least not the type you’d normally think about. No one is going to give you a coupon for school or send you a discount in the mail, but there are definitely ways to save money while you’re in graduate school.
Scholarships and Grants
First of all, always look for scholarships and grants that may be available either through your school or through a professional organization related to your future career. Many of these are overlooked by other students, so you may have a pretty good chance at getting this money.
Special Loans
Sometimes you can find special loans that are available for people entering your profession. These may have lower interest rates, different types of payments plans, or other perks. Search around for these, but only sign up if the company is reputable and the terms are guaranteed not to change.
Used Books
Here’s a more practical way to save some money in graduate school. Only buy used books, and never buy books before a class begins. Many returning students think that a class will actually require all the books, but most of the time this isn’t true. Where possible, wait the first few days of class to see if you will actually be using the book. If you are, then try to find it used on Half.com or another discount site. The great part about used books is that you’ll probably find lots of great notes in the margins, just waiting to help you.
Student Discounts
The final way to get a bargain in graduate school is to take advantage of the student discounts. The best discounts are those on computers and software. You will discover that these discounts can actually save you hundreds, even thousands, on important supplies. Local businesses including restaurants and hairdressers may also offer discounts to students at your university, so always ask.
Not the Norm
Saving money and finding discounts in graduate school isn’t like going grocery shopping with coupons, but you can find some really amazing deals. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next time that you can save money as a student.
Annie
Graduate school really has no bargains, at least not the type you’d normally think about. No one is going to give you a coupon for school or send you a discount in the mail, but there are definitely ways to save money while you’re in graduate school.
Scholarships and Grants
First of all, always look for scholarships and grants that may be available either through your school or through a professional organization related to your future career. Many of these are overlooked by other students, so you may have a pretty good chance at getting this money.
Special Loans
Sometimes you can find special loans that are available for people entering your profession. These may have lower interest rates, different types of payments plans, or other perks. Search around for these, but only sign up if the company is reputable and the terms are guaranteed not to change.
Used Books
Here’s a more practical way to save some money in graduate school. Only buy used books, and never buy books before a class begins. Many returning students think that a class will actually require all the books, but most of the time this isn’t true. Where possible, wait the first few days of class to see if you will actually be using the book. If you are, then try to find it used on Half.com or another discount site. The great part about used books is that you’ll probably find lots of great notes in the margins, just waiting to help you.
Student Discounts
The final way to get a bargain in graduate school is to take advantage of the student discounts. The best discounts are those on computers and software. You will discover that these discounts can actually save you hundreds, even thousands, on important supplies. Local businesses including restaurants and hairdressers may also offer discounts to students at your university, so always ask.
Not the Norm
Saving money and finding discounts in graduate school isn’t like going grocery shopping with coupons, but you can find some really amazing deals. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next time that you can save money as a student.
Annie
Jun
6
I plan on majoring in communications, but am also interested in going to graduate school for directing?
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
s! asked:
I want to direct films or possibly direct documentaries. What can I do to prepare myself for graduate school to get an MFA in directing?
Should I switch my major?
I was planning to transfer to UCLA in a year and a half for communications.
Walter
I want to direct films or possibly direct documentaries. What can I do to prepare myself for graduate school to get an MFA in directing?
Should I switch my major?
I was planning to transfer to UCLA in a year and a half for communications.
Walter
Jun
6
Commencement Invitation and Graduation Invitations for Graduate
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Sarah Porter asked:
Commencement Invitation and Graduation Invitations for Graduate
When May rolls around, the stores start filling up with decorations and graduation invitations, http://www.graduationcardsshop.com. If you’ve got a teenager leaving high school or a young adult preparing to finish college, then it might time for you to start focusing on the commencement invitation and thinking not only about planning a great party but also on choosing the right present to show how proud you are of their accomplishments. Below are some gift ideas you might want to consider and might be good to pass on to people who receive your invitations for graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com.
High School Graduation Invite & Gifts
When teenagers finish high school, they usually already have some idea of what they will be doing next. If your graduate is planning to head for college, then you might want to look for gifts that will be practical for them. For example, a laptop computer can be an excellent choice. Your son or daughter will definitely need one while attending college. Other traditional ideas, such as a car or money, may also be a good idea.
For people who have received your graduation invitations, http://www.express-invitations.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.php you might want to recommend gift cards to stores where your son or daughter can purchase items for their dorm. Gift cards to the college bookstore are a nice idea as well. If those invitations graduation reach people who want to purchase something practical and personal, then they might want to get some type of engraved item, such as a pen or key chain. Digital photo frames can also be a nice gift.
If your high school graduate isn’t planning on heading to college, then money is always going to be a useful gift. For a student who already has plans to move out on his or her own, having everyone who receives graduation stationary pitch in cash to cover the first and last month’s rent will provide the former student with a great start to an independent life.
College Graduation Invitations & Gifts
Although high school graduation is an important day, finishing college is truly an important milestone. Your son or daughter had to put forth a great deal of work to achieve this goal and it should definitely be rewarded with a nice gift. Most college students finish their degrees in debt so money is definitely one of the best gifts. If you don’t feel comfortable just handing over money, offer to pay off one of your student’s credit cards. That’s something that would definitely be appreciated.
If you want to have everyone who receives discount graduation invitations, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.htm pitch in, you could put together enough money to send your son or daughter on a great trip that will give him or her a chance to relax before starting a career or heading off for graduate school. You could also reward the graduate with a day at the spa, a shopping spree for a new professional wardrobe, or anything else that will help him or her start off in the right direction. Just remember not to pass on these suggestions on the commencement invitation, http://www.graduationcardsshop.com
As you are shopping for online printing stationery, invitations and announcements cards, look for those shoppes that offer these advantages:
* One-of-a-Kind and Exclusive Designs * Print and Ship Your Order the SAME DAY it is Approved * Add a Photo, Picture or Logo to Any Cards on Their Site * Will Modify Any Card Design or Color on Their Site * Will Create a Design Just For You * Proof Emailed within One hour AND make unlimited changes at NO extra cost * Receive Free 10 Cards and Free Shipping * See Your Personalized Commencement Invitation, http://www.express-invitations.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.php BEFORE You Buy
Nicole
Commencement Invitation and Graduation Invitations for Graduate
When May rolls around, the stores start filling up with decorations and graduation invitations, http://www.graduationcardsshop.com. If you’ve got a teenager leaving high school or a young adult preparing to finish college, then it might time for you to start focusing on the commencement invitation and thinking not only about planning a great party but also on choosing the right present to show how proud you are of their accomplishments. Below are some gift ideas you might want to consider and might be good to pass on to people who receive your invitations for graduation, http://www.cardsshoppe.com.
High School Graduation Invite & Gifts
When teenagers finish high school, they usually already have some idea of what they will be doing next. If your graduate is planning to head for college, then you might want to look for gifts that will be practical for them. For example, a laptop computer can be an excellent choice. Your son or daughter will definitely need one while attending college. Other traditional ideas, such as a car or money, may also be a good idea.
For people who have received your graduation invitations, http://www.express-invitations.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.php you might want to recommend gift cards to stores where your son or daughter can purchase items for their dorm. Gift cards to the college bookstore are a nice idea as well. If those invitations graduation reach people who want to purchase something practical and personal, then they might want to get some type of engraved item, such as a pen or key chain. Digital photo frames can also be a nice gift.
If your high school graduate isn’t planning on heading to college, then money is always going to be a useful gift. For a student who already has plans to move out on his or her own, having everyone who receives graduation stationary pitch in cash to cover the first and last month’s rent will provide the former student with a great start to an independent life.
College Graduation Invitations & Gifts
Although high school graduation is an important day, finishing college is truly an important milestone. Your son or daughter had to put forth a great deal of work to achieve this goal and it should definitely be rewarded with a nice gift. Most college students finish their degrees in debt so money is definitely one of the best gifts. If you don’t feel comfortable just handing over money, offer to pay off one of your student’s credit cards. That’s something that would definitely be appreciated.
If you want to have everyone who receives discount graduation invitations, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.htm pitch in, you could put together enough money to send your son or daughter on a great trip that will give him or her a chance to relax before starting a career or heading off for graduate school. You could also reward the graduate with a day at the spa, a shopping spree for a new professional wardrobe, or anything else that will help him or her start off in the right direction. Just remember not to pass on these suggestions on the commencement invitation, http://www.graduationcardsshop.com
As you are shopping for online printing stationery, invitations and announcements cards, look for those shoppes that offer these advantages:
* One-of-a-Kind and Exclusive Designs * Print and Ship Your Order the SAME DAY it is Approved * Add a Photo, Picture or Logo to Any Cards on Their Site * Will Modify Any Card Design or Color on Their Site * Will Create a Design Just For You * Proof Emailed within One hour AND make unlimited changes at NO extra cost * Receive Free 10 Cards and Free Shipping * See Your Personalized Commencement Invitation, http://www.express-invitations.com/graduation-announcements/graduation-invitations.php BEFORE You Buy
Nicole
Jun
1
Is it hard to make friends in graduate school? Suggestions about graduate school?
Filed Under grad school | Comments Off
Shy girl asked:
I’m looking at going to graduate school, and I want to get my master’s degree, but I’m a little nervous. I will be coming straight out of my undergraduate degree, and I was just wondering if it’s easy to make friends in graduate school. What is the overall atmosphere/lifestyle of a graduate student? Suggestions?
Josephine
I’m looking at going to graduate school, and I want to get my master’s degree, but I’m a little nervous. I will be coming straight out of my undergraduate degree, and I was just wondering if it’s easy to make friends in graduate school. What is the overall atmosphere/lifestyle of a graduate student? Suggestions?
Josephine
May
27
Surviving Graduate School: Three Reasons to Get a Mentor
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Amber Smith asked:
Let’s admit it right here - grad school is tough. Although some schools let you off easy, there are always going to be tough classes and major challenges while you’re in grad school. Having a mentor can help you successfully navigate the sometimes tricky waters of graduate school and keep you on the road toward success.
Reason #1: Mentors Can Help You Make Class Choices
Some graduate programs give you a lot of room for choosing extra classes. These are usually the ones that will someday help you, but you may have trouble determining which would be best right now. Mentors are great at giving you guidance, particularly if they work in the profession which you’re going to enter or went through the same program.
Reason #2: Mentors Have Experience
Whether your mentor has experience in the field or in your specific program, their advice and understanding will be just what you need to keep you going through the hard times. If they have experience in the field, they can help you see the roadblocks to studies you might conduct or challenges you’ll face after school. If they’ve actually been in your program as well, they can tell you which teachers to watch out for and which classes should or should not be taken during the same semester. A mentor’s experience can save you time, money, and stress, whether you’re designing a study or planning your semester.
Reason #3: Mentors Can Help You Focus on the Goal
After a semester or two in graduate school, you may start feeling a little burned out - okay, maybe a lot burned out. Having a mentor can help you focus on the ultimate goal. If you are in school to be a dentist, then your mentor might be a local dentist whose office you could visit sometimes. Your visits will remind you that you love the profession and the prospect of being your own boss.
Reason #4: Mentors Can Keep You Sane
When you’re angry at a professor’s bad decision or another student’s lazy attitude, a mentor can help you remain calm. They will be there to let you talk through your problems and come to conclusions instead of just getting angry. Your mentor may be the one person during graduate school, particularly if you’re in a Ph.D program, who will be rooting for you and helping keep you sane.
Everyone needs a friend during graduate school - an objective person to help them make the hard choices and walk through the difficult problems. A mentor can help you deal with all those things that you’ll face in graduate school so that you’ll come out successful when the time finally comes to graduate.
Patrick
Let’s admit it right here - grad school is tough. Although some schools let you off easy, there are always going to be tough classes and major challenges while you’re in grad school. Having a mentor can help you successfully navigate the sometimes tricky waters of graduate school and keep you on the road toward success.
Reason #1: Mentors Can Help You Make Class Choices
Some graduate programs give you a lot of room for choosing extra classes. These are usually the ones that will someday help you, but you may have trouble determining which would be best right now. Mentors are great at giving you guidance, particularly if they work in the profession which you’re going to enter or went through the same program.
Reason #2: Mentors Have Experience
Whether your mentor has experience in the field or in your specific program, their advice and understanding will be just what you need to keep you going through the hard times. If they have experience in the field, they can help you see the roadblocks to studies you might conduct or challenges you’ll face after school. If they’ve actually been in your program as well, they can tell you which teachers to watch out for and which classes should or should not be taken during the same semester. A mentor’s experience can save you time, money, and stress, whether you’re designing a study or planning your semester.
Reason #3: Mentors Can Help You Focus on the Goal
After a semester or two in graduate school, you may start feeling a little burned out - okay, maybe a lot burned out. Having a mentor can help you focus on the ultimate goal. If you are in school to be a dentist, then your mentor might be a local dentist whose office you could visit sometimes. Your visits will remind you that you love the profession and the prospect of being your own boss.
Reason #4: Mentors Can Keep You Sane
When you’re angry at a professor’s bad decision or another student’s lazy attitude, a mentor can help you remain calm. They will be there to let you talk through your problems and come to conclusions instead of just getting angry. Your mentor may be the one person during graduate school, particularly if you’re in a Ph.D program, who will be rooting for you and helping keep you sane.
Everyone needs a friend during graduate school - an objective person to help them make the hard choices and walk through the difficult problems. A mentor can help you deal with all those things that you’ll face in graduate school so that you’ll come out successful when the time finally comes to graduate.
Patrick
May
26
Completing the Graduate School Essay
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Michael Fleischner asked:
When you are working on your application for graduate school, you will inevitably reach this area: the Graduate School Personal Essay. This summary is an influential and powerful statement that may hold more influence than test scores or previous education.
A concise and eloquent statement tells the admissions staff many things about you. This is your opportunity to highlight all your positive qualities. Are you attempting to further your career to help others? To open opportunities for communities or other areas that are currently in need? Are you determined? Ambitious? Would your drive match the demands of graduate school?
When you have developed your strongest points, briefly elaborate on them using real-life examples. Be certain to include any information on experience as it relates to this goal. The essay can also be used to explain difficulties found in your transcripts.
You should approach this essay in drafts. Pre-write and brain storm on creative ways to set yourself apart through the essay. There are several standard areas you should discuss in your paper. Why does the school fit you? What does their program offer that no other programs do? Where do you want your career to go? What is your previous experience in the field? Do you have any research or dedicated experience?
What is your history of career related experience? Have you taken coursework already related to the field? What was it?
Ideally, you want a well-written and clear essay. You want to prove your aptitude and ability to communicate with the faculty and your peers. Don’t fill up the pages with half-negatives (i.e. might, possibly, would like to, have thought of, etc). Be determined and deliberate on your goals. This does not set your future in stone so you shouldn’t tell the faculty you may want to do this today, and possibly change to that tomorrow. Indecision does not appear professional on paper.
The accepted essay lengths vary by institution, but you should expect a length between one and two pages. This will give you ample room to make your statement and elaborate, without going overboard. A length restriction ensures that your work will be concise and poignant without being wordy and long-winded.
One good element to really elaborate is how you first gained an interest in the field you are pursuing. Your essay will be autobiographical and you should expect to promote yourself. Give an insight into what inspires you and what you believe are the rewards of your efforts.
When you complete your essay, you will need to edit and polish. You may consult with any standard grammar guide for assistance. Watch your punctuation and usage throughout the essay. Can you shorten a phrase? Would the sentence appear with more action instead of adverbs? Are your modifiers limited or are they scattered through your work? There are also reference books devoted solely to the process of writing the Graduate School Essay. They can provide much greater aide and offer insight you may not find online.
Your graduate school essay will be a challenge to write. You will have a predetermined length, your essay will require focus, and your material must show both your ability as well as your determination. If you utilize the advice of others, study relevant articles and books, and learn when you should give yourself a break, the chore of authoring this essay doesn’t have to be grueling. Pace yourself and your graduate essay will far simpler than you expect.
Herman
When you are working on your application for graduate school, you will inevitably reach this area: the Graduate School Personal Essay. This summary is an influential and powerful statement that may hold more influence than test scores or previous education.
A concise and eloquent statement tells the admissions staff many things about you. This is your opportunity to highlight all your positive qualities. Are you attempting to further your career to help others? To open opportunities for communities or other areas that are currently in need? Are you determined? Ambitious? Would your drive match the demands of graduate school?
When you have developed your strongest points, briefly elaborate on them using real-life examples. Be certain to include any information on experience as it relates to this goal. The essay can also be used to explain difficulties found in your transcripts.
You should approach this essay in drafts. Pre-write and brain storm on creative ways to set yourself apart through the essay. There are several standard areas you should discuss in your paper. Why does the school fit you? What does their program offer that no other programs do? Where do you want your career to go? What is your previous experience in the field? Do you have any research or dedicated experience?
What is your history of career related experience? Have you taken coursework already related to the field? What was it?
Ideally, you want a well-written and clear essay. You want to prove your aptitude and ability to communicate with the faculty and your peers. Don’t fill up the pages with half-negatives (i.e. might, possibly, would like to, have thought of, etc). Be determined and deliberate on your goals. This does not set your future in stone so you shouldn’t tell the faculty you may want to do this today, and possibly change to that tomorrow. Indecision does not appear professional on paper.
The accepted essay lengths vary by institution, but you should expect a length between one and two pages. This will give you ample room to make your statement and elaborate, without going overboard. A length restriction ensures that your work will be concise and poignant without being wordy and long-winded.
One good element to really elaborate is how you first gained an interest in the field you are pursuing. Your essay will be autobiographical and you should expect to promote yourself. Give an insight into what inspires you and what you believe are the rewards of your efforts.
When you complete your essay, you will need to edit and polish. You may consult with any standard grammar guide for assistance. Watch your punctuation and usage throughout the essay. Can you shorten a phrase? Would the sentence appear with more action instead of adverbs? Are your modifiers limited or are they scattered through your work? There are also reference books devoted solely to the process of writing the Graduate School Essay. They can provide much greater aide and offer insight you may not find online.
Your graduate school essay will be a challenge to write. You will have a predetermined length, your essay will require focus, and your material must show both your ability as well as your determination. If you utilize the advice of others, study relevant articles and books, and learn when you should give yourself a break, the chore of authoring this essay doesn’t have to be grueling. Pace yourself and your graduate essay will far simpler than you expect.
Herman
May
15
What is Graduate School like and how time-consuming is it?
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Angel asked:
I’m thinking of going to graduate school to become a therapist after I finish my first 4 years of college. I would go for two years to get my Master’s Degree. About how long a day or how many days a week would it take? Would I have a lot more free time than college or not? I’m probably going to minor in acting or theater in college, too, and if I go to graduate school would it be possible to at the same time to have acting jobs? Thanks.
Ron
I’m thinking of going to graduate school to become a therapist after I finish my first 4 years of college. I would go for two years to get my Master’s Degree. About how long a day or how many days a week would it take? Would I have a lot more free time than college or not? I’m probably going to minor in acting or theater in college, too, and if I go to graduate school would it be possible to at the same time to have acting jobs? Thanks.
Ron