A Stand-Alone Instructional Resource (STAIR) for students to learn more about the process to apply to graduate school, intended for undergraduate students.

1. So, You Want to Go to Grad
School?
A Stand-Alone Instructional
Resource
By
Andrew Murray

2. Purpose
 This resource will acquaint you with
the five main pieces of information that
most graduate schools use when
admitting students
 When prompted, choose the option
that best matches you!

3. The “Fab Five”
 In order to be competitive on your graduate
school applications, it is essential to
consider the following factors:
1. GPA (grade point average)
2. GRE (Graduate Records exam)
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Personal Statement
5. Internship/Research Experience

4. Grade Point Average
 Grades are important, as they are a long term
indicator of how well you perform as a student
 They reflect your motivation and your ability to do
consistent and successful academic work
 Admissions committees not only look at your GPA,
but also at your major GPA as well as your
cumulative (overall) score
 Many grad schools will expect a 3.0 or better GPA
for admission, although the specific requirements
often differ

5. Grade Point Average
“My GPA is where it “I think I can make my
should be to be GPA better before I
competitive” apply to grad school”

6. How do I make my GPA
better?
 Success on your transcript is all about
working hard IN and OUT of the classroom
 Tips:
 In class: Take notes, ask questions, talk to your
professor before/after class
 Out of class: Form study groups, visit your
professor during office hours, use academic
resources on campus (Writing Center, Academic
Learning Center, Academic Advisors, etc.)

7. Graduate Records Exam
(GRE)
 Prospective graduate school applicants from all
around the world take the GRE
 GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship
panels to supplement your undergraduate records,
recommendation letters and other qualifications for
graduate-level study
 The GRE assesses the kinds of thinking (verbal
reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing)
you’ll do in graduate school to show you are ready
for the rigors of a professional education

8. Graduate Records Exam
(GRE)
 “I am prepared for  “I need more
the GRE and don’t information on the
have any questions” GRE… what’s my
next step?”

9. More Info on the GRE
 http://www.ets.org/gre
 GRE home page, a great place to start!
 http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general
/prepare
 Free test prep materials!

10. Letters of Recommendation
 A well-written recommendation letter provides admissions
committees with information that isn't found elsewhere in the
application
 A recommendation letter is a detailed discussion, from a
faculty member, of the personal qualities, accomplishments,
and experiences that make you unique and perfect for the
programs to which you've applied
 It’s important to consider your letter writers carefully and give
them plenty of time to write, as these letters are essential to
entrance into your graduate program
 You’ll need at least three (3) letters!

11. Letters of Recommendation
 “I already know three  “I have no idea who
great faculty could write my letters.
members / job How do I choose a
supervisors that can letter writer?”
write effective letters
on my behalf”

12. What You Need to Know About:
Letters of Recommendation
 How do I choose my letter writers?
 Choose faculty members or job supervisors with whom
you have lots of productive and positive experience
 Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you feel you can write me a
strong letter of reference?
 Make writing the letter “easy”
 Provide all necessary information and materials
 Resume
 Questions or topics to discuss
 Addressed envelopes with stamps
 Timeline for completion
 Give your letter writers time
 Your writers are busy… give them at least a month to craft
and send your letters

13. Personal Statement
 Graduate programs will often assign specific
topics that applicants must address in
writing their personal statement
 The graduate admissions essay is a critical
part of the graduate application because it is
through this essay that applicants speak
directly to the committee and demonstrate
their unique fit to the program

14. Personal Statement
 “I’ve already written  “I would like to
my statement and learn more about
consulted with how to write the
writing best personal
professionals… I’m statement I can…
good to go!” who can I talk to?”

15. More Info on: Personal
Statement
 Use your resources on campus:
 Talk to faculty members / academic
advisors
 Writing “professionals”
 The Writing Center
 Faculty with credentials in writing/language

16. Research / Internship
Experience
 Internships and research experiences allow
you to express your passion and learn more
about issues in your chosen field that
interest you!
 Internships and research experience bolster
your resume for grad school and future
employers, and allow you to gain practical
knowledge that textbooks cannot provide

17. Research / Internship
Experience
 “I already have two or  “I have less than two
more years of work years experience.
experience in the field Where can I pursue
related to my this experience? What
program… I’m all set!” resources might be
available to me?”

18. Research / Internships:
Resources!
 Research:
 Typically, your professors are scholars in your
major and are conducting research… consult
them, or the academic department, to become a
research assistant
 Internships:
 Career Services or Service Learning are great
places to start
 Both:
 Your academic advisor can connect you a lot of
these resources!

19. Beginning the Journey
 At this point, you now have the knowledge
needed to begin the application process
 Be sure to refer to the school’s website for
specific requirements
 Give yourself time to apply! Don’t rush!
 Finally, utilize your academic advisor and
favorite faculty members… they’d love to
help you!

20. For a Refresher…
 GPA
 GRE
 Letters of Recommendation
 Personal Statement
 Research / Internship Experience
 Back to the Beginning
 How do I contact the author of this presentation?

21. Thank You!
 For more information on this
presentation, please contact:
Andrew Murray
Andrew.Leon.Murray@gmail.com
Michigan State University