For Undergraduates: The Road to Graduate School.
From Anita Borg Institute Wiki
What are the options for pursuing advanced degrees in computer science and engineering? How do you choose the right graduate school for you? Is there anything you can do during college to improve your chances of being admitted? How do you apply? What is the time line for completing the application process? What are the best kinds of recommendations? Does work experience help? How can you fund graduate school? Find out the answers to these and other questions in this session which will tell you all you need to know to apply successfully to graduate school.
Presenters: Jodi Tims (Baldwin-Wallace College) and Shannon Steinfadt (Kent State University)
Contents |
Reasons to go to Graduate School
"Okay" reasons
- I'm not sure I'm ready to get a job yet
- I don't want to get a job yet
- I really like going to school
- My parents think it's a good idea
Some "really good" reasons
- My career goals are best met if I do
- I really enjoy research
- I really enjoy the discipline and want to learn a lot more about it
Master vs Ph.D.
| Master | Ph.D. |
|---|---|
| 2-3 years | 5-8 years |
| Mainly coursework with a project/thesis at the end. | Some coursework with significant research work. |
| Can make you more attractive for certain industrial/laboratory positions | Minimum requirements for most positions at large institutions |
| Not a lot of exposure to research | Often desirable for highly intensive research in industry/laboratory |
| Not much opportunity to specialization | More flexibility for specialization |
| Often limited funding opportunities | More opportunities to obtain funding |
Choosing a school
What factors should I considered when choosing a school?
- Kind of program
- Ranking of program
- Area of interest
- Availability of financial support
- Location of school
Note: Ranking it's important, but not as much as the program. You should search for a program that satisfies the interest you have.
How do I increase the chances I'll be satisfies with my choice?
- Spend time reseaching programs
- Visit schools (meet the faculty)
- Try to meet the alumni and ask about their experiences
Getting accepted
What can I do to increase my chances of acceptance into a graduate program?
- High GPA
- Seek strong recommendations
- Take as many courses as you can
- Participate in an undergraduate research
- Seek an internship, preferably in your area of interest
- Take entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, etc)
- Apply to several schools
- Consider applying as a doctoral student
Why graduate school?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Want more than a coding/entry level job | Grad school is not my thing |
| Work gets less interesting overtime | Don't get along with advisor (Changing is always an option) |
| I like research | I could be working instead of still studying (In hard times, skills are valued) |
| Full of ideas and want freedom to work | It's too hard (There is many help like studying groups) |
Ask a graduate student
- Why did you do it?
- How was it?
- What did you like?
- What you didn't like?
- What happened in the end?
- What advice would you give?