Getting into graduate school is not something that will be accomplished through procrastination and half-measures, said Jennifer Cason, ASU’s Director of Graduate Support Initiatives.
Hosting the first “Getting into Graduate School” seminar held at the Phoenix Public Library, Cason stressed the importance of standing out among fellow graduate school applicants.
“You don’t want to be just another number,” Cason said.
It is important to get in touch with the admissions department and let them know who you are, Cason said. If possible, students should visit the schools, ask to sit in on classes, talk to students and faculty and ask what students in specific programs did to get admitted. These are avenues for success, Cason said.
Cason, who has been assisting students with the application process for the past 19 years, five of which have been through ASU, also emphasized the importance of applying early and students consistently communicating with undergraduate instructors.
“Nine times out of 10 the graduate program you are going to be applying to is going to want three to four letters of recommendation,” she said.
ASU’s Explore Graduate School Seminar Series, which covers financing, drafting personal statements and free admission test preparation courses, have been designed to aide students with the rigorous application process for getting admitted into graduate programs.
Miguel Silva, a recent ASU graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree in social sciences, works as a neurologist special technician at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center and attended the seminar. Silva said he found the presented information quite useful and has already signed up for the financing seminar.
Silva said it is almost mandatory to have a master’s degree in progress in his occupational field and Cason’s seminar was helpful toward advancing to the next level of his education.
“I have a job right now, but its not what I want to do,” he said, which is why it is important to pursue higher education.
With ASU transcript fees costing $15 each and application fees in the vicinity of $70 each, Cason said it is important to answer the question, “What are you bringing to the table?” since the application process becomes expensive very quickly.
It is important to call the admissions office and ask “What do I need to do to be a successful applicant?” Cason said. “You want them to know that you are serious.”
Daniel Che, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree of civil engineering in water resources, said while an undergraduate’s grade point average should be above a typical student’s, it is not the most crucial aspect of the application process.
“GPA is not the most important factor anymore,” Che said, emphasizing the value in being an active student through student groups, research, community service and completing projects related to your field of study.
Che credits his acceptance to the master’s program to his involvement in education related to math and science, tutoring at a community college and being a part of undergraduate projects related to his field of water resources.
Cason’s monthly seminars are held on both the Downtown and Tempe campuses.
Contact the reporter at dtlee@asu.edu
