The Graduate School Talk

SAACS meeting09/09/09

When an undergrad and chemistry love each other very much…

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Questions for you1. Why do I want to go to graduate school in Chemistry?

2. What are my career plans?

3. Do I like doing research?

4. Will I enjoy being a graduate student?

Why go to graduate school in chemistry

Your career choice requires an advanced degree- professor (Research/Teaching)- researcher (industry/government)- policy/outreach

You enjoy doing research

Why you shouldn’t go to graduate school- Don’t know what else to do- Didn’t get into professional school

ACS 2008 salary survey

Graduate school in chemistryIt’s Different! (than undergrad and professional schools)

You are paid to go. Teaching assistantship (~$23k/year)Research assistantshipFellowship

~1 year of classes.Rest of the time you do research with 1 – 2 professors. Your research project is largely dictated by your advisor. You are there year-round. Typically ~2 weeks of vacation (officially- varies by advisor).Time to degree is 4 – 6 years.You may have to work on weekends (varies by advisor).

Timeline≤ Summer before you graduate

Pick out schoolsFall of your graduating year

GRE (s) (computer based are given often.)ApplicationsLetters of RecommendationTranscriptsCV/ResumeStatement of Purpose

Usually around Dec. – Feb. your graduating yearSend in applications (varies by school)

Jan. – Apr. Acceptance letters go outVisit schools (usually paid)Make your decision (by Apr. 15, usually)

May Graduate

June – Aug.Move.Summer programs?Start school

CHEMISTRY10/10/0911/07/0904/10/10

How to pick a graduate school

1. Reputation and Ranking2. Location3. Time to Degree 4. Attrition Rate5. Graduate Placement6. Requirements

1. Classes2. Cumes3. Teaching4. Candidacy

7. Funding (money)8. Atmosphere9. Faculty

Do numbers count? Does the name matter?

PhD and AARP?Far from home?

Driving them away in drovesTeaching, Research, Industry, or McDonalds?

TA/RA/fellowship/grantsCleveland or S.F.? Stipends ~$23kUniversity, playground, prison, or party?

How many could I see myself working for?

Talk to:your advisorresearch advisorother professorsalumniseminar speakersemail students at the school

Read the literatureCheck out department websites

Historically, schools are organized by division:AnalyticalBiologicalInorganicOrganicPhysical

Some schools do well at all divisions,others are known for specific divisions.Support for interdisciplinary projects/programs is growing.

How to pick a graduate school

RequirementsClasses~1 years worthMostly ‘core’ classes, several electivesTypically 2 – 3 courses per term.

CumesBegin in spring of first yearWrittenOn literature, topics from literature, seminars, classes

Teaching1 year requirementAs needed to provide support (TA)

ResearchRotations with several faculty starting in the fallOr interviews in the fall, start with your thesis advisor in the spring/summerYears 2 – N are all research

Proficiency exams

Requirements

SeminarDepartmental

Thesis4-5 yearsWrittenUsually after several papers have been publishedDefended in front of faculty and/or department

Candidacy2nd-3rd yearWrite an (original) thesis, defend it in front of faculty

Mission/Professional Development

-Grant writing/Funding-Teacher training -Research project design-Mentoring students/Running a lab-Writing/Presentation skills-Contact with industry-Placement

Questions: Advisor/Mentor1. Selection Process2. How Many3. Personality4. Projects5. Funding 6. Status7. Advising Style8. Group

When do I choose? 1 and/or a committee?Jekyl or Hyde?

How cool is what they’re doing?Can they pay for me and what I need to do research?

Tenured? Leaving soon?

How many could I work for?

Hands on? Virtual advisor?Great, tolerable, or obnoxious?

Application

-Sent to department, they will send it to the school-Sometimes a feeRequires

-transcripts-letters of recommendation (2 – 3)-statement of purpose-GRE-chemistry GRE?

What they’re looking for:-Grades: at least a GPA of 3, sometimes special requirements for chemistry vs. overall--Research experience (not required but helps)-Articulate writing (statement of purpose)-Good letters of recommendation-Anything else?

On the SAACS site:Faculty experiences choosing schools.Useful links.

Questions?

What do I have to do – view 1a.

Proficiencyexams classes cumes teaching

candidacy

researchThesis defense

What do I have to do – view 2.

Understand The Literature

Master Advanced Topics

Learn to Pass on Your knowledgeTo others

Apply yourLearning toNew topics, learn to askquestions

DetermineWhat you Don’t know

DevelopCritical skills

Learn to Write effectively