University of Arkansas Graduate School - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

1 / 21
About This Presentation
Title:

University of Arkansas Graduate School

Description:

Compare Schools. Faculty. Size of Department. Size of the Institution. Time Commitment ... Investigate financial aid options: fellowships, assistantships, and loans. ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

Number of Views:50
Avg rating:3.0/5.0
Slides: 22
Provided by: caree78
Category:

less

Transcript and Presenter's Notes

Title: University of Arkansas Graduate School


1
University of ArkansasGraduate School
  • Making the Right Choices
  • about Graduate School
  • Kendra Smith
  • Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives Outreach
  • Graduate School
  • The University of Arkansas is a nationally
    competitive, student-centered,
  • research university serving Arkansas and the
    world.

2
Overview
  • What is like in Graduate School?
  • Advantages to Obtaining a Graduate Degree
  • Two Reasons Why You Shouldnt Seek A Graduate
    Degree
  • Finding the Best Fit for your Career Goals
  • The Admissions Process
  • Tips For Applying to Graduate School
  • Common Myths about Graduate School
  • Put Your Best Foot Forward
  • The Arkansas Advantage

3
What is like in Graduate School?
  • Masters Degree
  • Typically 1-2 years.
  • Usually more readings and intense learning.
  • Classes usually meet once/week for 3 hours.
  • Classes are often seminar style with 10-20
    students. This will depend on field of study.
  • Many have Internships in the field of study.
  • Many have Thesis individual research project
  • Usually an Advisor is assigned to individuals
  • Some have cohorts

4
What is like in Graduate School?
  • Doctoral Degrees
  • Typically 4-7 years
  • Increased readings from masters degree
  • Research component in coursework
  • Dissertation required Independent research
    taking at least 1 year to complete
  • Usually an Advisory Committee chooses
    individualized coursework
  • Dissertation Advisor and Committee determine
    dissertation research and completion

5
Advantages to Obtaining a Post-Graduate Degree
  • Develop your interests and skills into a career
  • Influence how fast and how far you advance in
    your career
  • Increase earning potential
  • Enhance amount of responsibility
  • Flexibility to change careers
  • Self-satisfaction
  • Gain teaching / research experience

6
Two Reasons Not To Pursue A Graduate Degree
  • To escape an unsatisfying job
  • 2. Still searching for your personal goals

7
Finding the Best Fit in a graduate program
  • Research Graduate Schools
  • Compare Schools
  • Faculty
  • Size of Department
  • Size of the Institution
  • Time Commitment
  • Reputation
  • Facilities
  • Cost
  • Rank and Narrow Your List
  • Schedule College Visits

8
Graduate Admissions Timeline
  • Fall of your Junior Year
  • Compile a list of your top ten schools based on
    your areas of interest.
  • Investigate financial aid options fellowships,
    assistantships, and loans.
  • Become familiar with admissions requirements they
    vary by school.
  • Narrow your list to top five schools for your
    area of interest.
  • Visit campus of top five schools, and meet
    faculty and students.

9
  • Spring  Junior Year
  • Send for application materials.
  • Register for graduate tests required for your
    area of study.
  • Begin preparing for graduate tests.
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Write draft statement of purpose.
  • Summer
  • Obtain letters of recommendation.
  • Request official transcripts send directly to
    schools.
  • Finalize statement of purpose.

10
  • Fall  Senior Year
  • Check application deadlines for schools to which
    you will apply.
  • Take graduate admission tests.
  • Apply for national fellowships.
  • Submit application materials to schools.
  • SpringSenior Year
  • Schedule confirmation visits to schools.
  • Notify chosen college of your acceptance.
  • Notify other colleges and financial aid providers
    if you are declining their offers.
  • Make plans to move to new schoolhousing,
    banking, etc.

11
The Arkansas Admissions Process
  • Initial Screening by Graduate School
  • Materials forwarded to department
  • Selection for Interviews
  • Campus Interview
  • Admissions Decision

12
Tips for Applying to Graduate School
  • Develop relationships with your professors.
  • Read all application materials carefully.
  • Ask early about funding opportunities.
  • Carefully write and re-write your essays.
  • Establish a professional e-mail account and
    voice mail message.
  • Re-read and Spell check all e-mails.

13
(Tips, continued)
  • Update departments/Graduate School if you change
    address or email.
  • Keep a file of all relevant materials.
  • Be polite but persistent.

14
Myths about Graduate School
  • MYTH They have rolling admissions so I can
    wait to the last minute to be admitted.
  • REALITY Most slots and assistantships will be
    filled early in the year (January March)

15
Myths (continued)
  • MYTH I have a 3.5 or 4.0 so I will
    automatically be admitted.
  • REALITY Faculty will take into account the
    rigor or perceived rigor of your undergraduate
    institution they will also look for trends on
    your transcripts history of dropping classes.

16
Put Your Best Foot Forward During Graduate School
Visits
  • Be prepared to discuss your academic goals and
    plans for the future.
  • Research the campus before you arrive.
  • Wear professional attire, and comfortable walking
    shoes.
  • Be gracious and go with the flow. Be agreeable.
  • Learn the appropriate titles for your hosts.
  • Send thank you notes to your hosts at each
    school.

17
The Arkansas Advantage
  • Wide variety of graduate programs
  • 35 doctoral programs
  • 120 masters programs
  • Interdisciplinary programs
  • A bright future for students and graduates
  • Research centers build partnerships with private
    companies
  • UA pursues national ranking for research

18
The Arkansas Advantage
  • Location, location, location!
  • Fayetteville68,331 population
  • NW Arkansas 395,592 population
  • Fastest growing economy in US2003, Milken
    Institute
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Moderate climate, safe environment
  • Variety of activities availableindoors and
    outdoors
  • Razorbacks!
  • Career Placement
  • Departmental assistance
  • Career Development Center

19
Funding your degree
  • Fellowships
  • Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships
  • 20,000 fellowship stipend/4 years,
    PLUS 10,000 (minimum stipend) 12 month GA
    position/4 years, PLUS Tuition waiver/4years
  • Doctoral Academy Fellowships
  • 10,000 fellowship stipend/4 years, PLUS
  • 12-month GA position/4 years, PLUS
  • Tuition waiver/4years

20
Funding your degree
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Stipend amount and duties vary
  • Teaching, research, or other
  • Full/partial tuition waiver
  • 60 of student health insurance is paid for
  • GA positions of 50 (half time) student
  • health insurance is paid.

21
University of Arkansas
  • Good Luck!
  • Office of Graduate International Recruitment
    Admissions
  • www.uark.edu/grad
  • Toll free 866-234-3957
Write a Comment
User Comments (0)
About PowerShow.com