SUESSEGraduate School

Workshop

SUESSEGraduate School

Workshop

April 8th, 2008April 8th, 2008

Why Graduate School?Why Graduate School?

Do you have desire for innovation, discovery, research and learning?

Are you interested in career advancement, expanded career options and flexibility?

Do you want to be a “creator” rather than a “doer”? Leader in your field?

Do you have desire for innovation, discovery, research and learning?

Are you interested in career advancement, expanded career options and flexibility?

Do you want to be a “creator” rather than a “doer”? Leader in your field?

Benefits of Graduate Education

Benefits of Graduate Education

A graduate degree is quickly becoming the entry-level requirement for many academic & professional positions. Master’s vs Ph.D.

Increases your opportunities for promotions & diverse career experiences.

Develops skills that are useful in many career paths. Expands your career options.

Can substantially increase your earning potential over a lifetime.

A graduate degree is quickly becoming the entry-level requirement for many academic & professional positions. Master’s vs Ph.D.

Increases your opportunities for promotions & diverse career experiences.

Develops skills that are useful in many career paths. Expands your career options.

Can substantially increase your earning potential over a lifetime.

Questions to Ask YourselfQuestions to Ask Yourself

What are my immediate and long term goals? Personal and career?

Is graduate school necessary to accomplish those goals?

Will the time and money invested in a graduate education result in career mobility and the lifestyle that I desire?

What are my immediate and long term goals? Personal and career?

Is graduate school necessary to accomplish those goals?

Will the time and money invested in a graduate education result in career mobility and the lifestyle that I desire?

Masters vs DoctorateMasters vs Doctorate• What is needed for my career?

• Why are you pursuing a post-graduate degree? What do you hope to gain from it? (see “why graduate school”)

• What if you’re not sure?

• How do the educational program and the expectations compare between the two degrees?

• How does financial aid compare between the two degrees?

• Time to degree?

• Job opportunities / Salary?

• What is needed for my career?

• Why are you pursuing a post-graduate degree? What do you hope to gain from it? (see “why graduate school”)

• What if you’re not sure?

• How do the educational program and the expectations compare between the two degrees?

• How does financial aid compare between the two degrees?

• Time to degree?

• Job opportunities / Salary?

What if you’re not sure?What if you’re not sure? Within a single department, are masters students

able to apply to the PhD program?

Is it easier to get into the PhD program if you are already a master’s student in the program as opposed to applying from the outside?

Might you figure this out by working for a year or two between your bachelors degree and entering grad school?

Within a single department, are masters students able to apply to the PhD program?

Is it easier to get into the PhD program if you are already a master’s student in the program as opposed to applying from the outside?

Might you figure this out by working for a year or two between your bachelors degree and entering grad school?

The Masters Candidate The Masters Candidate

• As a master's candidate, you'll spend about two years in graduate school.• courses-only masters degree• courses plus thesis masters degree

• The purpose of this program, in the university's eyes, is to give you a solid education in a specialized field of scholarship.

• You may study part-time at many universities (takes longer), while working to support yourself.

• You'll receive less financial help than declared doctoral candidates do; in many cases, you may receive none at all.

• As a master's candidate, you'll spend about two years in graduate school.• courses-only masters degree• courses plus thesis masters degree

• The purpose of this program, in the university's eyes, is to give you a solid education in a specialized field of scholarship.

• You may study part-time at many universities (takes longer), while working to support yourself.

• You'll receive less financial help than declared doctoral candidates do; in many cases, you may receive none at all.

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/degrees.asp

Your First Year: You'll take courses much as you did in college, fulfilling the coursework requirements of your degree. The workload is heavier, the course topics are more specific, and much more is expected than is in college. You'll either be assigned or choose an advisor at the beginning of your program. With your advisor's help, you'll begin to develop an academic focus. A number of professors will supervise the work you do.

Your Second Year: You may take further courses to complete your degree requirements. Deciding on your research focus, you'll direct more and more energy toward your concentration. Taking one semester or an entire year, depending on the program, you complete your master's thesis. The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate mastery in your field. If you show promise, you may be encouraged to continue toward the doctorate.

Your First Year: You'll take courses much as you did in college, fulfilling the coursework requirements of your degree. The workload is heavier, the course topics are more specific, and much more is expected than is in college. You'll either be assigned or choose an advisor at the beginning of your program. With your advisor's help, you'll begin to develop an academic focus. A number of professors will supervise the work you do.

Your Second Year: You may take further courses to complete your degree requirements. Deciding on your research focus, you'll direct more and more energy toward your concentration. Taking one semester or an entire year, depending on the program, you complete your master's thesis. The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate mastery in your field. If you show promise, you may be encouraged to continue toward the doctorate.

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/degrees.asp

The Masters Candidate The Masters Candidate

• The doctoral candidate spends five or six years in graduate school. Time depends largely on YOU – can take 7 or 8 years…

• The purpose of the program, in the university's eyes is, to give you an extensive knowledge of your field; train you to do original and meaningful research; and prepare you to function as a member of a teaching faculty or an independent researcher.

• In the physical sciences, most students are supported on “50% appointments” as teaching or research assistants.

• It’s an apprenticeship… in which you transition from being a student to becoming a colleague

• The doctoral candidate spends five or six years in graduate school. Time depends largely on YOU – can take 7 or 8 years…

• The purpose of the program, in the university's eyes is, to give you an extensive knowledge of your field; train you to do original and meaningful research; and prepare you to function as a member of a teaching faculty or an independent researcher.

• In the physical sciences, most students are supported on “50% appointments” as teaching or research assistants.

• It’s an apprenticeship… in which you transition from being a student to becoming a colleague

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/degrees.asp

The Doctoral Candidate

• Your First Three Years: You'll take courses to satisfy your degree requirements and gain a broad knowledge of the field.

• If you're fortunate, you'll gain valuable experience by snagging a research or teaching assistantship.

• You'll gradually focus your research interests, working with an advisor usually appointed at the beginning of the program, and you'll develop your working relationships with professors prominent in your areas of interest.

• At the end of your second or third year, you'll complete a thesis or take comprehensive exams, or both. The thesis or exams will help demonstrate your qualification to continue with doctoral work.

• Your First Three Years: You'll take courses to satisfy your degree requirements and gain a broad knowledge of the field.

• If you're fortunate, you'll gain valuable experience by snagging a research or teaching assistantship.

• You'll gradually focus your research interests, working with an advisor usually appointed at the beginning of the program, and you'll develop your working relationships with professors prominent in your areas of interest.

• At the end of your second or third year, you'll complete a thesis or take comprehensive exams, or both. The thesis or exams will help demonstrate your qualification to continue with doctoral work.

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/degrees.asp

The Doctoral Candidate

• The Last Three Years: Coursework becomes a much smaller part of your academic work, and may end altogether as you work at conceptualizing your doctoral dissertation.

• Your dissertation must constitute a new and meaningful contribution to knowledge in your field.

• If supported as a TA, you'll teach more and more classes, and may even teach a course of your own design.

• You'll collaborate increasingly with faculty members, who may rely on you for research and who will inform you of their own work.

• You will probably become closely associated with a single professor who will become your dissertation director.

• You'll devote more and more energy to your own research. Your program culminates in the completion of your dissertation, which typically includes an oral defense of your work before a faculty committee.

• The Last Three Years: Coursework becomes a much smaller part of your academic work, and may end altogether as you work at conceptualizing your doctoral dissertation.

• Your dissertation must constitute a new and meaningful contribution to knowledge in your field.

• If supported as a TA, you'll teach more and more classes, and may even teach a course of your own design.

• You'll collaborate increasingly with faculty members, who may rely on you for research and who will inform you of their own work.

• You will probably become closely associated with a single professor who will become your dissertation director.

• You'll devote more and more energy to your own research. Your program culminates in the completion of your dissertation, which typically includes an oral defense of your work before a faculty committee.

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/degrees.asp

The Doctoral Candidate

Requirements on the road to a PhD Degree

Requirements on the road to a PhD Degree

•A PhD program usually requires students to attend courses on a full-time basis for at least one year…. -in many cases 2 full years.

•In some programs, students take a series of cumulative exams (“cumes”) during the first year and are required to pass a certain number. Often such exams are used to identify gaps in knowledge and to help students decide which additional courses are needed.

•Other programs require that students pass a preliminary exam (“prelim”, usually a written exam followed by an oral exam) after the first 12 or 18 months.

•Typically at the end of the second year, qualifying exams (“quals”, sometimes called “candidacy exams”) are given and may take several days to complete.

• In addition, students are often required to teach undergraduate courses and/or assist with research and complete a language requirement prior to degree completion.

•A thesis/dissertation proposal, paper and defense are also required to obtain a PhD.

•A PhD program usually requires students to attend courses on a full-time basis for at least one year…. -in many cases 2 full years.

•In some programs, students take a series of cumulative exams (“cumes”) during the first year and are required to pass a certain number. Often such exams are used to identify gaps in knowledge and to help students decide which additional courses are needed.

•Other programs require that students pass a preliminary exam (“prelim”, usually a written exam followed by an oral exam) after the first 12 or 18 months.

•Typically at the end of the second year, qualifying exams (“quals”, sometimes called “candidacy exams”) are given and may take several days to complete.

• In addition, students are often required to teach undergraduate courses and/or assist with research and complete a language requirement prior to degree completion.

•A thesis/dissertation proposal, paper and defense are also required to obtain a PhD.

http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf08305/

A great resource that goes into the expectations and realities of being a doctoral student

A great resource that goes into the expectations and realities of being a doctoral student

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/science.asp

http://www.princetonreview.com/grad/research/articles/decide/science.asp

SGUS Application Process

SGUS Application Process

Sequential Graduate/Undergraduate StudiesSGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science

AOSS departmenthttp://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/graduate/sgus

Sequential Graduate/Undergraduate StudiesSGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science

AOSS departmenthttp://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/graduate/sgus

SGUS Application ProcessSGUS Application Process Visit the website and become familiar with

what each program entails Both AOSS and Rackham Each program requires 128 total credits for the

BSE plus 31 credits for the MS degree. Nine credits may be double counted between the BSE and the MS.

Two main options SGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science – MS degree SGUS in Space Engineering – Meng degree

Visit the website and become familiar with what each program entails Both AOSS and Rackham Each program requires 128 total credits for the

BSE plus 31 credits for the MS degree. Nine credits may be double counted between the BSE and the MS.

Two main options SGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science – MS degree SGUS in Space Engineering – Meng degree

SGUS Application ProcessSGUS Application Process Make appointment with respective advisor

SGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science: Jerry Keeler (jkeeler@umich.edu)

SGUS in Space Engineering: Thomas Zurbuchen (thomasz@umich.edu)

They recommend to “Please be sure to speak with an advisor as early as possible.”

Personal recommendation: first meeting, end of junior year

Make appointment with respective advisor SGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science: Jerry Keeler (

jkeeler@umich.edu) SGUS in Space Engineering: Thomas Zurbuchen (

thomasz@umich.edu) They recommend to “Please be sure to speak with

an advisor as early as possible.” Personal recommendation: first meeting, end of

junior year

SGUS in Atmospheric/Space ScienceSGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science Plan out the classes you will take senior year

of undergrad Usually about 3 classes – 9 credits can double count

Beginning of senior year Make appointment with advisor early in the

semester Make sure the classes you plan to take to double count are

acceptable

Plan out the classes you will take senior year of undergrad Usually about 3 classes – 9 credits can double count

Beginning of senior year Make appointment with advisor early in the

semester Make sure the classes you plan to take to double count are

acceptable

SGUS in Atmospheric/Space ScienceSGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science Fill out 2 one-page applications found on the

1. AOSS website http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/graduate/sgus

2. Rackham website http://www.rackham.umich.edu/downloads/oard/forms/SGUS_Election_Form.pdf

These need to be signed by several advisors Personal recommendation: complete these first

semester senior year Minimum of 9 credits required per term for full time

grad student:1. Suggested: 2 course + ~3-credit independent/direct study

class = research (usually AOSS 499)2.Check with advisor!!!

Fill out 2 one-page applications found on the 1. AOSS website http://aoss.engin.umich.

edu/pages/graduate/sgus 2. Rackham website http://www.rackham.umich.

edu/downloads/oard/forms/SGUS_Election_Form.pdf These need to be signed by several advisors Personal recommendation: complete these first

semester senior year Minimum of 9 credits required per term for full time

grad student:1. Suggested: 2 course + ~3-credit independent/direct study

class = research (usually AOSS 499)2.Check with advisor!!!

Application #1

Application #1

Application #2Application #2

Application #2

Application #2

SGUS in Atmospheric/Space ScienceSGUS in Atmospheric/Space Science Check with advisor and Margaret Reid if SGUS

application was approved Once approved by AOSS, complete Rackham

graduate application https://apply.embark.com/Grad/UMich/Rackham/Pr

ogramA/37/ Deadline for AOSS is around February 1 (to begin

fall of grad year) – check http://www.rackham.umich.edu/dig/ for exact, up-to-date deadline

Check with advisor and Margaret Reid if SGUS application was approved

Once approved by AOSS, complete Rackham graduate application https://apply.embark.com/Grad/UMich/Rackham/Pr

ogramA/37/ Deadline for AOSS is around February 1 (to begin

fall of grad year) – check http://www.rackham.umich.edu/dig/ for exact, up-to-date deadline

Rackham Grad ApplicationRackham Grad Application https://apply.embark.com/Grad/UMich/Rackham/Progra

mA/37/ Test scores (GRE): NOT required by SGUS

program Letter of recommendation: NOT required Statement of purpose: required Personal statement: NOT required Transcripts: required but usually Margaret Reid

gets them (check with her) Application fee (~$60): required

https://apply.embark.com/Grad/UMich/Rackham/ProgramA/37/ Test scores (GRE): NOT required by SGUS

program Letter of recommendation: NOT required Statement of purpose: required Personal statement: NOT required Transcripts: required but usually Margaret Reid

gets them (check with her) Application fee (~$60): required

Outside Graduate School Programs

Outside Graduate School Programs

Program Selection Overlapping Research Interests Mentor Compatibility Reputation of Department/Faculty Location Finances Quality of Life

Program Selection Overlapping Research Interests Mentor Compatibility Reputation of Department/Faculty Location Finances Quality of Life

Outside Graduate School Programs

Outside Graduate School Programs

Where to Begin Looking Talk to Graduating Seniors, Recent Graduates, or

AOSS Alumni

Ask Faculty: Meteorology/Forecasting: Frank Marsik Atmospheric Chemistry: Mary Anne Carroll, Allison

Steiner, John Barker Climate/Modeling: Christiane Jablonowski, Richard Rood,

Joyce Penner, Allison Steiner Space Weather: Aaron Ridley, Mike Liemohn

Where to Begin Looking Talk to Graduating Seniors, Recent Graduates, or

AOSS Alumni

Ask Faculty: Meteorology/Forecasting: Frank Marsik Atmospheric Chemistry: Mary Anne Carroll, Allison

Steiner, John Barker Climate/Modeling: Christiane Jablonowski, Richard Rood,

Joyce Penner, Allison Steiner Space Weather: Aaron Ridley, Mike Liemohn

Application ProcessApplication Process Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Standardized Test Scores (ex. GRE) Letters of Recommendation (usually 3) Academic Transcripts Graduate Program Application Personal Statement(s) Optional/Occasionally:

Resume/CV Writing Sample

Requirements Bachelor’s Degree Standardized Test Scores (ex. GRE) Letters of Recommendation (usually 3) Academic Transcripts Graduate Program Application Personal Statement(s) Optional/Occasionally:

Resume/CV Writing Sample

Application ProcessApplication Process Junior Year

Research schools, talk with faculty mentors Summer btw Junior and Senior

Take GRE prep course or study for GRE, take GRE Senior Year (Fall)

Take GRE if you haven’t Ask recommenders for letters of reference Request Transcripts Write personal statements Fill out and send applications (earlier the better)

Senior Year (Winter) Email faculty interested in Visit schools

Junior Year Research schools, talk with faculty mentors

Summer btw Junior and Senior Take GRE prep course or study for GRE, take GRE

Senior Year (Fall) Take GRE if you haven’t Ask recommenders for letters of reference Request Transcripts Write personal statements Fill out and send applications (earlier the better)

Senior Year (Winter) Email faculty interested in Visit schools

Application ProcessApplication Process Things to know:

Application fees vary from $35-$80 Transcripts much be official, and can take up to 3

weeks to get there GRE costs over $100 to take, costs $15 per school

you send it to GRE scores are not available for 3 weeks, and

then take another week to get there Due dates for applications vary from Dec 1st to

Jan 15th

Things to know: Application fees vary from $35-$80 Transcripts much be official, and can take up to 3

weeks to get there GRE costs over $100 to take, costs $15 per school

you send it to GRE scores are not available for 3 weeks, and

then take another week to get there Due dates for applications vary from Dec 1st to

Jan 15th

GREGRE www.gre.org

Verbal Reasoning (38 questions) Quantitative Reasoning (30 questions) Analytical Reasoning (two essays)

Computer Adaptive Exam - Takes almost 4hrs No skipping questions, have to answer all questions Can take it almost every day of week

www.gre.org

Verbal Reasoning (38 questions) Quantitative Reasoning (30 questions) Analytical Reasoning (two essays)

Computer Adaptive Exam - Takes almost 4hrs No skipping questions, have to answer all questions Can take it almost every day of week

Recommendation LettersRecommendation Letters

Need 2-4 (usually 3) 1-2 faculty in major, know you academically 1 faculty know you through research or

internship 1 faculty minor

Contact at least 6 weeks before deadline!

Need 2-4 (usually 3) 1-2 faculty in major, know you academically 1 faculty know you through research or

internship 1 faculty minor

Contact at least 6 weeks before deadline!

For letters, choose…For letters, choose… Someone you have extended history with

At least 2 semesters Someone who can testify to your academic

strengths and best personal attributes Someone who will write favorably for you

NOTE: good to build and maintain relationships with faculty!!

Someone you have extended history with At least 2 semesters

Someone who can testify to your academic strengths and best personal attributes

Someone who will write favorably for you

NOTE: good to build and maintain relationships with faculty!!

Do not choose…Do not choose… Someone you have to persuade Someone who you’ve performed

badly in front of Someone you just met Past/Current employer if work is

not relevant Relatives

Someone you have to persuade Someone who you’ve performed

badly in front of Someone you just met Past/Current employer if work is

not relevant Relatives

Provide Info and MaterialsProvide Info and Materials Table with deadlines for each school,

accompanied by department name.

Copies of applicable forms (signed).

Precise mailing instructions Back to you? Signed across the seal? Straight to

destination? Internet? Provide stamped envelope for straight to

destination.

Copy of resume or personal statement

Table with deadlines for each school, accompanied by department name

.

Copies of applicable forms (signed).

Precise mailing instructions Back to you? Signed across the seal? Straight to

destination? Internet? Provide stamped envelope for straight to

destination.

Copy of resume or personal statement

Personal StatementPersonal Statement

Requirements vary by program General personal statements Responses to directed questions Several short essays vs. one long essay

Make sure you read essay requirements for all programs before you begin them This way you can see what can overlap

Requirements vary by program General personal statements Responses to directed questions Several short essays vs. one long essay

Make sure you read essay requirements for all programs before you begin them This way you can see what can overlap

Personal StatementPersonal Statement

Avoid 3 Biggest Errors: Cookie-cutter openings

Beginning with “Ever since I was a young child” or “For as along as I can remember”… “I’ve always want to be a…”

Failing to answer any and all questions Not having a thesis

Develop a cohesive theme stated early on

Avoid 3 Biggest Errors: Cookie-cutter openings

Beginning with “Ever since I was a young child” or “For as along as I can remember”… “I’ve always want to be a…”

Failing to answer any and all questions Not having a thesis

Develop a cohesive theme stated early on

Personal StatementPersonal Statement Start early - you’ll have many drafts! Use formal rules of writing Mention specific faculty or research

projects that you are interested in “Tailor” essay to program

Take word limits seriously! Have someone proofread

Start early - you’ll have many drafts! Use formal rules of writing Mention specific faculty or research

projects that you are interested in “Tailor” essay to program

Take word limits seriously! Have someone proofread

Funding Your Graduate Education

Funding Your Graduate Education

Types of funding Fellowships and awards

External and internal Grants

Training, Travel Assistanships

Teaching, Research Employment

Types of funding Fellowships and awards

External and internal Grants

Training, Travel Assistanships

Teaching, Research Employment

External FellowshipsExternal Fellowships Are the best, and also hardest to get Give you A LOT of freedom!

Not tied down to teaching or research project Can use them at any institution

Don’t need to be funded by institution Application process similar to graduate

school application Where can you find them?

See handout!

Are the best, and also hardest to get Give you A LOT of freedom!

Not tied down to teaching or research project Can use them at any institution

Don’t need to be funded by institution Application process similar to graduate

school application Where can you find them?

See handout!

AssistantshipsAssistantships Typically included in your admissions offer Research

Pays full tuition plus stipend Requirements:

Practically none for first year Work on professor’s research project (but tailored to

your interests) during summer and second year Teaching

Pays full tuition plus stipend Requirements

Assistant instructor for undergraduate/graduate course

Typically included in your admissions offer Research

Pays full tuition plus stipend Requirements:

Practically none for first year Work on professor’s research project (but tailored to

your interests) during summer and second year Teaching

Pays full tuition plus stipend Requirements

Assistant instructor for undergraduate/graduate course

Graduate School FundingGraduate School Funding

Most STEM fields get full funding for PhD students Funding for Masters students varies

If not told in admissions letter anything about funding, ASK!

Most STEM fields get full funding for PhD students Funding for Masters students varies

If not told in admissions letter anything about funding, ASK!

Graduate School SelectionGraduate School Selection

If you get many offers, it can be very difficult to choose!

Prioritize factors: Department (Reputation and Environment) Location Mentor Research Compatibility

If you get many offers, it can be very difficult to choose!

Prioritize factors: Department (Reputation and Environment) Location Mentor Research Compatibility

What to Expect in Graduate SchoolWhat to Expect in Graduate School

Difficult coursework first year Not the smartest anymore! More independent

Your progress depends on you, not advisor!

Good luck!!

Difficult coursework first year Not the smartest anymore! More independent

Your progress depends on you, not advisor!

Good luck!!

Please keep in mind these are mere suggestions based on a few

student’s experiences. You should consult with an advisor before beginning any of the

application processes.

**Margaret Reid is a good resource for SGUS inquiries.**

Please keep in mind these are mere suggestions based on a few

student’s experiences. You should consult with an advisor before beginning any of the

application processes.

**Margaret Reid is a good resource for SGUS inquiries.**