So You’re Considering Graduate School…
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Benefits of Graduate School
Your Timeline
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Research Schools
Compile Materials
Apply
Wait & Compare Offers
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Figure out which colleges and programs appeal to you and make a list
Compare requirements to determine what you need for each school
Note the deadlines and make sure to apply for each
Decide based on your list of factors that you already made
Program
Location
Cost
Selectivity
Mode of Delivery
Practicality
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Compile a List of Potential Schools*
*When making your list of schools, treat it the same way you did your undergraduate search and consider many factors
Deadlines 101
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DEC
NOV
OCT
SEP
AUG
JUL
JUN
MAY
APR
MAR
FEB
JAN
Application deadline: Temple University MA Criminal Justice (Fall start)
Application deadline: Rutgers University MA Criminal Justice (Fall start)
Application deadline: Rowan University MA Criminal Justice (Fall start)
Application deadline: Boston University MS Criminal Justice (Fall start)
Every school you apply to will have different deadlines
Consider starting your search early, around October or November, and make a spreadsheet to keep track of your submissions
Admissions Requirements
Every university will have different requirements, but you may see some of these things…
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*Requirements taken from Rutgers’ PhD in Pyschology
Key Things to Keep
in Mind
Request Your Transcript*
Take Your GRE*
Prepare a Writing Sample*
*Available from National Student Clearinghouse
*Only if your school asks for it
*Some programs may request a recent paper
You’ll need at least two of these
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Letters of Recommendation
Begin building relationships at Rowan early, especially in labs and core courses
Contact your Community college professors: you only need one class to make an impression
Did you take part in an internship? Consider asking a trusted supervisor
Writing your Personal Statement
DO
DON’T
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Polishing your Resume
If you do not have relevant work experience/internships, emphasize skills based on the program description
Some schools may want a copy of your resume, especially if you are applying to Education programs or MBAs
You should tailor your resume to include relevant career experience as well as scholastic achievements
Some terms you may encounter
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The Language of Grad School
Terminal degrees: The last degree you earn, whether that’s a Master’s or a Doctorate
Thesis-Track: A degree designed for you to produce a lengthy (75 or more pages) piece of research in order to graduate.
Fellowship: A merit-based scholarship that typically covers either part or all of your program expenses
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Consider Your Options
Considering Local Options?
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University | Program | For More Information |
Rowan University | M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | |
Rowan University | M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis | |
Rowan University | M.A. in School Psychology | |
Rutgers University | M.S. in Social Work (MSW) | |
Stockton University | M.S. in Communication Disorders | |
Stockton University | M.S. in Occupational Therapy | |
Jefferson University | M.S. Programs in Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Biology, Genetics and More |
Who Can Help?
To schedule with a career counselor visit
Questions?
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