by, for, and about women in science, technology, engineering, & math

Since this is my first blog post here, I wanted to briefly introduce myself. I’m a first year graduate student at UC Davis studying applied mathematics. I’ve become very interested in mathematical biology over the last few years and have some research under my belt. I hope to become a professor someday, but that day is a long way off. Some of my other loves include writing and reading all kinds of media. One of my goals for writing blogs here would be to better develop skills in communicating science and mathematics, along with my enthusiasm for these subjects.

Like I said before, I’m a first year graduate student. This means I have very little free time. But I really wanted to start my blog with something. So I thought I would publish (republish?) something I wrote for my old school’s newspaper about applying to graduate school. I say republish(?) because it may have been published, but I just don’t know. I asked for a copy or weblink, but never got any information about it. Suffice it to say the article is certainly not online anywhere. Please note that this was written for last fall, and so the timeline may be a bit different from where applicants should be right now.

So without further ado, applying to graduate school.

Applying to Graduate School

With the jobless rate for college graduates at a disturbing high, it may be tempting to remain in school for another few years. For students who are serious about continuing their education, attending graduate school can be a promising option. Because getting into graduate school at all can be a struggle, it is important to begin the application process as soon as you can. What should you be doing right now? Here are a few suggestions:

• Decide whether to attend graduate school next year or take a year off. Taking a year off before graduate school is a very popular option. Those who take a year off usually have more time to complete their application. Some things to do on your year off include getting a job or internship related to your intended field of study, traveling, or doing community service. Any of these can enhance an application.

• Decide where to apply and put the application due dates on your calendar. Some applications may be due this semester or immediately after finals! Sometimes schools have different dates depending on whether you want to be considered for funding. Be sure to apply in time to qualify, since graduate school can be expensive without a fellowship or assistantship.

• Know what you need to do for each application. Print out the application requirements for each school and check them off as you complete them. Completing part of the process will make you feel better.

• Take the entrance exams: If you are applying to graduate school next year, you will need to take any required entrance exams immediately! Check the application requirements for each program and take each required test. Recommended exams are also a good idea. If you have missed your opportunity to take a test this semester, contact someone at your programs and ask them if they will still accept your application. They may recommend taking the exam next semester. Also, be sure to report your scores to each school.

• Send your transcripts now. This is probably the easiest part of the application, but if you do not send your transcript in time it can break your application. Some programs may require this semester’s grades. If so, be sure to tell the registrar to wait for this semester’s grades before sending your transcript to that school.

• Talk to your professors. They are a great resource for the application process and many will be excited to hear that you are considering studying their field. Professors went to graduate school and have an understanding of at least their own graduate program. They may also know people at the schools to which you are applying. Be sure to ask them to write a recommendation letter for you.

• You can also get advice from Career Services, especially if you are applying to a professional school.

• Show your application, especially your essays, to several people. Ask professors, friends, parents, and to read your essays and comment on them. You do not have to do everything that they suggest, but you will be able to improve your application. Read your essays aloud to yourself as well.

• Do not worry about visiting schools before you apply. In general, graduate schools prefer that you visit after you are accepted. Many will pay for you to visit in the spring!

• Join a supportive community. Online, you can find other graduate applicants at The Grad Cafe, but you can also find other students on campus who are applying.

Good luck with your applications.