2008 Woodie Awards
Beyond Graduation
Key to success is to 'stay informed' and track progress
Jessica Saggio
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: News
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As she sat in the comfort of her over-fluffed bed, she stared blankly saying, "I don't even know if I want to do this anymore."
With only a semester left before she graduates with her bachelor's degree in psychology, Ranieri has come face-to-face with the challenges that accompany furthering her education. Gazing at a long list of criteria needed to apply for UCF's clinical psychology program, her mood went from chipper to overwhelmed in a matter of seconds.
"When I think about grad school, I think about numerous years, innumerable expenses and how can I manage to get an admission letter instead of a dreaded 'we regret to inform you' letter," Ranieri said.
Ranieri isn't alone in her panic. Many students are reaching graduation and having to make life-changing decisions. But grad school doesn't have to be the burden Ranieri constantly loses sleep over, said Max Poole, senior associate dean of graduate studies.
The key to success is to stay informed, he explained. Students can do that by keeping track of progress and seeking help through programs such as the SGA-sponsored graduate panel discussion "What's the Deal with Grad School?" held on April 1.
That's easier said than done, Poole said, but it can be broken down into a few steps:
Step 1:
Preferably during their sophomore or junior undergraduate year, students should pick a course of study they wish to pursue and start school shopping.
They should contact schools to see which are the most responsive. Poole said that if schools are responsive now, they will be even more responsive in the future.
Step 2:
After choosing a few programs, students should find out which standardized tests are required. Usually, programs will require either the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Students should prepare and take these tests but remember that this test is only one facet of the application process.
"Test scores are only one criteria reviewed out of many," said Nicole Marsh, assistant director of graduate recruiting.
Step 3:
Students should seek out letters of references. Poole said students should find relevant sources who know them well enough to clearly explain their scholastic achievements and qualifications.