Nearing the end of their college experience, students at Otterbein and universities across the nation will be faced with numerous answers to the question, "What now?" There are paths that lead to full-time jobs and traveling abroad or the most fearful path--graduate school.
How prepared are students to decide whether or not to immediately continue their education or to begin their first career?
The process of applying for grad school can be a long and winding road if one is not prepared. Here are some tips for those brave students getting ready to take the plunge.
The first step in any path to grad school is an entrance exam. Most applications require that each student take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
According to GRE.org, "The Graduate Record Examinations General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The GRE Subject Tests gauge undergraduate achievement in eight specific fields of study." At first glance, some students may be nervous as to how they score this exam or when they'll be able to take it. Luckily, there are numerous reliable sites that contain valuable information regarding these tests. They offer everything from practice tests, test locations, how often they are offered and what students can expect. Now that the exam is over, it is time to start picking out schools, programs and gathering additional materials one needs for the application. According to about.com, "Regardless of discipline, virtually all graduate school applications entail the same basic components: transcript, GRE, letters of recommendation and personal statement."
They go on to say "Some, though not all, programs interview finalists. Ensure that your application contains all the required elements because incomplete applications are not considered and result in automatic rejections."
Another question that might arise amongst students filling out applications is who to ask for letters of recommendation. Some good possibilities for letters of recommendation are professors, coaches and advisors that have grown to know you and will give a good description of your overall character.
Other possibilities are employers or organizations that you have volunteered work for and from any out of classroom extracurricular activities.
Megan Grote, senior psychology and organizational communications major, said this about her experience. "The grad school application process can be a little overwhelming at times, as most schools require different things. It's really important to plan ahead."
Megan went on to say, "The application process can seem like a full-time job, but it's worth it once all is said and done." She will be going on to attend George Washington University in Washington D.C. to earn her master's degree in school counseling.
Applying for grad school can be a friend to your future career goals. For those students still questioning their options, don't be afraid to take advantage of the materials and counselors that Otterbein offers in the Career Center and research online.
Important GRE Information Testing Centers in Columbus:Prometric Testing Center933 High StreetSuite 130 BPhone: (614) 431-2083
The Ohio State University1800 Cannon Drive820 Lincoln TowerPhone: (614) 292-2241
*Cost: $140 per test
*Identification required such as a passport or driver's license
*Computer-based test or paper-based test
*Analytical Writing section can be taken up to five times during the calendar year
Compiled by Peter Behr
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