How to get into grad school
From the ACS website –Education– Undergraduate – Planning for GraduateSchoolhttps://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/students/graduate/gradschool.html
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Preparing as an UndergraduateChoosing a Graduate ProgramApplying for AdmissionEarly Graduate School Life
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Preparing as an UndergraduateCourseworkResearchReadingExtracurricular activities
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
CourseworkBuild your knowledge network on astrong foundationDemonstrate yourpursuit of excellence!Attitude, curiosity, focus, attention to detail, work ethic, etc.The excellent grades will follow automatically!Takeadvanced level coursesThey will prepare you for what is expected of you in graduate schoolTalk to your professors!!Not just if/when you need help!
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
ResearchDevelop aresearch mind-set:Interaction with research mentor, graduate students, pot-docsGain understanding of what graduate study involvesExpand your problem-solving skillsPresentyour workPaper / Poster at ConferencePublishyour resultsMajor feather in your cap!!
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
Extracurricular activitiesProfessional Interest/Focus club(s)ACS, AXE, Forensics Club, etc.Become well-roundedNetworkService Activities: Engage with the broader communityBuild your leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
Planning for graduate work in chemistry
READ!!Educateyourself about current issuesDiscusswhat you find interesting with professors, graduate students, peersChemistryScience in generalGlobal challenges in various fields
Beginning the process
REFLECTION:WHYdo you want to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry?What do you actually know about the world of graduate study?How do you want to contribute to the Chemical Sciences?What do you know about the various career paths available after graduate study?Which of these appeal to you?How will your graduate schoolexperiences help you pursue your long-term aspirations?
Beginning the process
Action Items:Identify several Graduate Programs that appeal to youTake the general GRE:requiredTake the subject GRE :recommended,(even if optional)Visit the programs you are interested in
Where to apply
What to Consider:Research optionsFinancial ConsiderationsGeographical location
Where to apply
Research optionsDoyou know what type of research you wish topursue?It’s OK if you don’t know before you begin to explore thepossibilities!Explore the type of research conducted at theschool(s)thatinterest(s) you
where toapply
Research optionsYouneed to do some homework!Go to thefaculty pages on the department websitestoscrutinize the researchinterests of various faculty membersDo the research interests of different facultymembers seem appealing?Onefaculty member orMOREthanone?
where to apply
Do some MORE homework!READsome recent paperspublished by the faculty members whose work appeals to youIt is perfectly OK if you understand only5-10%of the paper(s) you read!It will still give you some idea of :Techniques, instruments, etc., typically used in conducting the researchJournals in which this type of work is publishedFunding agencies that support this type of research, etc.
where to apply
Financial ConsiderationsWhat financial support is available?Teaching Assistantships / Research Assistantships / Scholarships:Responsibilities?Typical work-load?Dollar amount?Tuition waiver?Cost of living?
WHERE to apply
Geographical locationImportant!You will spend~ 5 yearsto earn aPh.D.Thegeographic locationof the school should not make youmiserable!!E.g.,You really don’t like cold weather……..You like to go hiking in the mountains………
Where Toapply
Finalize your selections:Assess your competitiveness:berealistic, but positiveGPA, GRE, other experiencesAt leastSIX schools1-2 “dream” schools2-4 schools where you believe you would be competitive1-2 “safe” schools
WHERE TO APPLY
Finalize your selections:Consider the costApplication fees for each program you apply toDo you want to visit?Will the school cover the cost of your visit?
how TO APPLY
Components of the application:Online application formOfficial TranscriptsStatement of PurposeRecommendation lettersOther supporting documents, as relevant
how TO APPLY
Online application formWhen does it become available?When is thedeadlinefor submission?How many letters of recommendation are needed?What other documents must accompany the application?
how TO APPLY
Official TranscriptsFind out :How to request transcripts from the Registrar’s officeHow long it typically takesCheck the transcripts for errorsDoNOTwait till the last minute!!
how TO APPLY
Statement of PurposeWhy is this important?What should be included in the essay ?Attend the workshop arranged by HPAC onOct 28, GAB 104The focus is on the health professions, but much of it will apply for graduate school too
how TO APPLY
Recommendation lettersWho to ask?When to ask?How to ask?What information should you provide to your recommender?Other supporting documents, as relevant
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