3. Discussion Points
“From Decision to Enrolling”
•Self-Reflection
•Research/Compare
•Identify your affinity schools
•Become the “whole package”
•Apply
•Follow up
•Whitman Programs
•Q&A
http://whitman.syr.edu
4. Self/Reflection
Identify your interests Where are you now, and
Appropriate Credentials
what is needed to get you to
Identify your abilities where you want to be?
External Validation
Identify your skills
Identify your values YOU Internal Validation
Identify your work
Marketable Acumen
habits
Identify your Goals Your Ideal Career
http://whitman.syr.edu
5. Self-Reflection
Identify your career goals
Research your field or functional area
Is graduate school required/right for you?
When should you do it?
What differentiates you from others? How can
you compete?
Can you identify the “benefits” in pursuing
graduate education?
http://whitman.syr.edu
6. Research/Compare:
Work Backwards
What does your ideal profession look like? Research the profession,
understand the KS&A’s of the career
Understand the industry, and the top companies within that industry
Research various roles within a profession. Where is the growth and
areas of opportunity?
What credentials are necessary for this profession? What are minimum
requirements, ideal requirements, and exemplary areas of opportunity?
Find professional organizations associated with your field and what
their backgrounds are
Conduct informational interviews, learn from alumni in these fields
http://whitman.syr.edu
7. Research/Compare: Graduate
Degree Offerings
What type of program does your chosen professional require? How can
you be competitive in the marketplace?
Determine what makes a good program (from multiple perspectives,
including your own!)
Review graduate program websites, obtain printed literature.
Compare strengths and weaknesses. Make tables and analyze.
Where are alumni? What research has been done in the field by faculty?
How is the school ranked? What is the reputation of the program, and
how has the school done in placing their students?
http://whitman.syr.edu
8. Identify your “Affinity Schools”
• What schools do you identify with? What is
important to you (other than the degree)
• Identify top choice programs to apply for
– Schools you can definitely get in
– Schools you are likely to get in
– Aspiration schools
• Prioritize and Analyze
http://whitman.syr.edu
9. Becoming the Complete Package
Experiential
Academic You:
Marketable
Acumen &
Differentiate
d
Excellence
Interpersonal
http://whitman.syr.edu
10. Building your Profile:
“Becoming the whole package”
• Academics
• Extracurricular/Leadership Involvement
• Work Experience/Internship
• Developing written and verbal expression
• Membership to professional organizations
• Depth: Its what you take, not just what is
on the diploma!
http://whitman.syr.edu
11. Learn what it takes…
• If possible, coordinate visits to each of your
selected programs
– Speak with graduate admissions representatives,
program directors, faculty, current students and
alumni if possible
• Research what graduate programs in your field
look for in an applicant (fast forward to help you
plan for today)
• Ask Questions! It is a two way street
http://whitman.syr.edu
12. The Application (Part II Workshop)
• Find out what is required for each school and the application
deadlines
• Determine which application items need to be sent where:
– Official Transcripts
– Admissions Essays
– Application
– Letters of Recommendation
– Standardized Exam (GMAT)
– Writing Sample
– Interview
– Resume
• Allow for ample time to complete each item
• Discussion of the typical recruiting cycle (deadlines)
http://whitman.syr.edu
13. Application Discussions
• Errors in an application
– Preventable vs. Unpreventable measures
– Case studies
http://whitman.syr.edu
14. Financing your degree
• What loans are available?
• How do I find out what scholarships are
available?
• Assistantships? GA, SA?
• Other options?
http://whitman.syr.edu
15. Follow up
• Thank people for your visit – setting the
stage
• Directly contact assistantship
administrators
• Follow up with other perspectives that you
engaged with and look for “word-of-mouth”
• Post Visit “To-Do’s” for your self – Debrief
• Informational Interviews
http://whitman.syr.edu
16. Remember: When it comes to your
future, use your SMARTS!
S- Searching
M- Masterfully
A- Always
R- Reaps
T- Tremendous
S- Success
http://whitman.syr.edu
17. Contact
Joshua LaFave
Director of Graduate Enrollment
315-443-3497
jjlafave@syr.edu
http://whitman.syr.edu