University of Arkansas Graduate School

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Two Reasons Not To Pursue A Graduate Degree

• To escape an unsatisfying job
• 2. Still searching for your personal goals

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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

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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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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The Arkansas Admissions Process

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

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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.

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(Tips, continued)

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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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University of Arkansas

• Good Luck!
• Office of Graduate International Recruitment
  Admissions
• www.uark.edu/grad
• Toll free 866-234-3957