Hard work, planning pay off for grad-school applicants
Published Saturday November 22nd, 2008
For many people, four years of non-stop studying is happily concluded with a framed degree on a cubicle wall; for a handful of ambitious grads, it's only the beginning.
But even for keeners, applying for graduate school can be a confusing process. Fortunately, a little planning and networking can minimize the stress of moving up the ivory tower.
Todd Reid knows a few things about the process, having applied for both a master's (at Newfoundland's Memorial University) and a PhD (at the University of Alberta). These days, the PhD candidate is living in Nova Scotia as he finishes up the last chapter of his dissertation on wheat breeding.
From the very start, it's crucial for would-be students to find a project they want to work on, rather than simply a university that appeals. "If you're not working on something you love, you're not going to be able to finish (the master's degree)," says Reid.
This would waste your time and, if you're in a thesis-based program (as opposed to a course-based program), wreak havoc on a researcher's project. "All research costs money, so oftentimes the researcher will be putting their own funding into projects in the hopes of collecting data to help with the larger scheme of their own work. If a grad student doesn't finish the work they've started, it can often leave a hole in the lab itself."
When Reid investigated master's programs, he did Internet research to track down a few research projects that matched his interests, before e-mailing the professors to find out if they were accepting graduate students. Generally, most are interested in working with students, but they don't always have funding available to pay students for their contributions.
Reid suggests initiating contact with a personal e-mail (with a catchy subject line), rather than cold calling or sending out form letters to university departments. "There's no need to beat around the bush. You're basically asking to create a job for you - that's what it boils down to. Always be polite, introduce yourself, and tell the researcher about your research interests."
Request a time to chat over the phone, Reid suggests, and then go from there.
He adds that many researchers prefer to be called by their first name - but some prefer 'Dr.' Start off by being very formal, then follow the professor's lead if she asks you to call her by her first name.
From the beginning, make sure you ask about funding opportunities, says Reid. You'll need money to sustain you during your degree and graduate students provide an important service to a university. "You need to treat it like a job - because it is."
Finding a supervisor is crucial for people applying for research-based programs. But even those avoiding a thesis via a course-based route may need a supervisor to act as a mentor, says career adviser Michael Bodnar, with the U of A's careers centre, CAPS.
As soon as they decide to apply, prospective students should plan out every aspect of the application and schedule time accordingly. "It's important to start early and break down the whole process from the day you (decide to apply) to the day you submit your application." Know if and when you need to do a graduate records examination test, and allow for time to get the results.
Bodnar says polite assertiveness is key to every step. When it comes to communicating with a prospective supervisor, for instance, wait two weeks after an e-mail before sending another - but don't give up.
"I'd be more direct, rather than passively sitting and wondering, 'I haven't heard back - what's happening?' "
Because having a reference letter from a professor is usually needed for an application, get in touch with professors well in advance of your application deadline.
If you're currently an undergraduate student, get involved with as many research projects as you can - whether as a paid assistant or happy volunteer - to get experience and make connections.
Disabled
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
