This document provides an overview of factors to consider when deciding whether to pursue graduate school, how to choose a graduate program, and tips for applying. It recommends determining if graduate school aligns with career goals and interests, researching programs based on faculty, curriculum, location and cost, and starting the application process early by preparing materials like letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and taking standardized tests. Strong applications consider fit between the applicant and program as well as academic qualifications like GPA and test scores.

1. Thinking About Going to Graduate School? Things you ought to know, but might not have thought to ask Xiao Qin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering Auburn University, AL, USA 3101 Shelby Engineering Technology Center Auburn University, AL 36849-5347 http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~xqin (334) 844-6327 [email_address] Adapted from Graduate Admissions Essays by Donald Asher (Ten Speed Press)

2. Where is Auburn University? Ph.D.’04, U. of Nebraska-Lincoln 04-07, New Mexico Tech 07-09, Auburn University

6. Average Annual Earnings by Workers 25-64 year olds by Educational Attainment 1997-1999 Cited in CGS Communicator based on US Census Bureau Data 1998-2000

29. Activity Log and Timeline

31. Opportunities at Auburn http://www.grad.auburn.edu/

35. Download the presentation slides http://www.slideshare.net/xqin74 Google: slideshare Xiao Qin

36. Questions http://www. eng. auburn.edu/~xq in 02/28/11