Graduate School Resources

Graduate school is a long term commitment often ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the program and academic field. A great deal of time and effort should go into researching programs within your field of study, as well as the university student environment, faculty, and program to ensure you have the best and most productive experience while in graduate school. Ask professors within your field at Hunter College, mentors, academic forums/ discussion boards, and utilize online resources to see how different programs rank. Make sure you are applying to programs that best fit your specific needs (whether it is academic support, weather conditions, suburban/ urban life, etc. it all plays a part in your overall happiness and success as a graduate student). Because the application process can be a lengthy one find out about each programs deadlines and requirements several months before you plan to apply to allow time to identify recommenders, personal writing samples, and ability to perfect the personal statement.

Evaluating Graduate School Programs

Peterson's- Graduate School Search Engine/ Resource

www.petersons.com/graduate_home.asp?path=gr.home

Gradschools

www.gradschools.com

GradSource

www.gradsource.com

Graduate Guide

www.gradschools.com

Cost of Living Calculator

www.bestplaces.net/col

The Graduate School Application Experience

The Graduate Application Process

Graduate School Application Considerations gradschool.about.com

Writing the Personal Statement

Getting Started- The Personal Statement gradschool.about.com/od/essaywriting/
All_About_the_Graduate_Admissions_Essay.htm

Rensselaer University- Writing Center Handouts

www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/writecenter/web/handouts.html

Sample Personal Statement, UC Berkeley

ls.berkeley.edu/soc/diversity/apply/personalstatement1.html

Graduate Record Examination- Preparation and Registration

The Graduate Record Examination is a computerized examination required by a number of graduate level academic programs, fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships. The exam tests an individual's verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. Because the computerized test is structured in such a way that initial questions weigh heavily on students overall GRE score, testing mechanisms differ from paper-based versions, and students are unable to skip and return to questions therefore, it is highly recommended that students dedicate considerable time working with computerized GRE practice test to gain comfort with the testing method. It is suggested that students give themselves at least 3-4 months to build their vocabulary, learn helpful testing skills and become comfortable with the test.

It is recommended that students practice toward achieving or exceeding the average GRE scores for their respective field on the different aspects of the test. Because graduate schools only accept 5-15 students each year for their graduate programs the GRE may have an impact on whether students are accepted or rejected. Though it should be noted that some graduate programs do not use the GRE scores in their selection of graduate students, it is necessary for students to try to do as well as they can on the GREs.