The graduate school application process may seem overwhelming, but with some planning, you can position yourself for success. Whether you're applying this upcoming cycle or a year or two away, this post offers guidance on how to make the most of your time, especially this summer, and prepare for the journey ahead.
GRE: A First Look (No Pressure!)
While the GRE might not be your top priority right now, familiarizing yourself with the exam can be beneficial. A free practice test is available for download on the ETS website, allowing you to experience the test format and identify areas where you might want to focus your studies. This low-pressure strategy offers important insights and can assist you in figuring out the amount of study time required and the resources you'll need, such as a tutor, a GRE class, or a test-prep coach.
Summer Planning: Make the Most of Your Time
Summer is the perfect time to explore your interests and strengthen your application profile. Here are some ideas to start exploring:
Internships
Gain practical experience by securing an internship. Start by creating profiles on popular job boards like Handshake, LinkedIn, Idealist, and Indeed. Don't forget to check with your school's career services office for career fairs and internship listings. Directly exploring the career pages of companies you're interested in is also a smart move. Don't limit yourself to big-named companies - look for start-ups where there are opportunities to work alongside someone with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovative thinking. Start-ups often provide a unique environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing you to engage directly with founders and key team members passionate about their vision.
Research Research experience is invaluable for graduate school applications, especially those applying to PhD programs. Consider applying for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, which provide exceptional opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research experiences while working closely with professors and researchers in their fields. These programs are specifically designed to immerse students in the world of academic research, allowing them to collaborate on projects with professors.
Extracurriculars & Volunteer Opportunities Quality over quantity! Focus on a few extracurricular activities that genuinely interest you and allow for deeper engagement. Look for student groups and associations related to your field of study and volunteer opportunities on and off-campus related to your intended field of study.
School List: Exploring Your Options
Explore graduate programs at different schools and focus on understanding the different areas of specialization offered within each program and the specific classes and program requirements. This exploration will not only help you refine your school list later but also inform your course selection for the upcoming academic year (or semester). As you build your school list, subscribe to relevant email lists at those institutions to stay updated on research, academic updates, and events.
Resume: A Work in Progress
A strong resume is essential for graduate school applications. If you don't have one, now's the time to create it. If you already have a resume, make sure it's up-to-date and reflects your latest experiences and accomplishments.
By taking these steps now, you'll be well-prepared for the graduate school application process, whether you're applying this year or in the near future. Remember, I'm here to support you throughout this journey, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
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