Get Into Graduate School by Unknown

Get Into Graduate School by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kaplan Publishing
Published: 2008-10-06T16:00:00+00:00


Source: Summary Report 2004: Doctorate Recipients from United States Universities . National Opinion Research Center, 2005.

Although enrollment of international applicants to American graduate school programs decreased after 9/11, the numbers appear to be on the rebound. International applications are particularly strong in science programs. The number of applicants from India, Korea, and the Middle East has increased, but the number from China is declining.

Graduate education is considerably different from undergraduate education. The first major difference is graduate school is much more competitive. Many undergraduate schools admit many hundreds or even thousands of students every year. Graduate schools, on the other hand, admit much smaller numbers of the most qualified students. Some highly competitive graduate and professional programs in the United States, such as law, medicine, and clinical psychology, might admit no more than 10 applicants per year out of several hundred.

Another unique feature of graduate school is the narrow focus of the curriculum. The undergraduate education is multidisciplinary; in addition to the major subject, the curriculum is composed of courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Graduate education focuses on one subject or a series of closely related subjects. Because of this concentrated focus, it is expected that applicants to a specific graduate program will have a strong background in the field and a demonstrated record of achievement.

Admission to graduate school is usually offered by a single department or program, as opposed to a central admissions committee. Graduate students become closely affiliated with the faculty and administrators in their department. Students are assigned an academic adviser, usually a faculty member who shares a research interest. Graduate students meet regularly with their adviser to discuss progress in courses and research, and to resolve any problems that may arise.

The main focus in graduate school is original research. Part of the curriculum is devoted to courses and lectures, while much of the academic work will involve researching topics related to your primary field of study or assisting faculty members with their research.

Graduate school usually culminates in a major examination or written thesis. Some graduate programs will require a final oral examination covering topics from your primary area of research. Other departments will require a written thesis. Doctoral candidates are required to write a major work of original research (the dissertation) and then orally defend the findings of that research.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRADUATE PROGRAM

Because of the wide diversity of graduate schools in the United States, choosing the best program for you requires considerable thought and a good deal of research. In order to narrow your focus and make the most educated choices, you should consider the following questions.

What Are Your Career Goals?

The answer to this question can help determine the level of graduate education you should seek. It is important to understand how a graduate degree from a U.S. university will create employment opportunities in your home country. If you are seeking employment in a financial field (stock broker, accountant, marketing firm), a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) might be the most appropriate graduate degree for you.



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