the graduate school talk saacs meeting 09/09/09 when an undergrad and chemistry love each other very...
TRANSCRIPT
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