Getting Into Grad School

Increased Earings

Those with a bachelor's degree earn, on average, 66% more than those with a high school diploma. Those with a master's degree earn an additional 23% over those with a bachelor's degree.

MBA vs. MS

1. Both are valuable 2. MBA-more focus on the sciences of management theory and business finance(pre reqs) 3. MS-more general unless this is a specialized program Florida Atlantic University, George Washington University, Franklin Pierce University, University of Central Florida, University of Oregon (MBA in SPMT)

Best MBA Programs

1. Carnegie Mellon 2. Indiana University 3. Arizona State University 4. University of Florida 5. University of Wisconsin-Madison 6. North Carolina State University 7. Temple University 8. Penn State 9. University of Virginia 10. University of Maryland

What is in Applications to Grad School?

1. GPA Graduate schools take GPA seriously Competitive programs may look for GPA's at 3.2 or Higher. Maintain a good GPA, including retaking courses(particularly courses in SPMT/COB that you may have earned a low grade in)

What is Grad School Like?

1. Hard work 2. Exposure to new and challenging ideas 3. Interesting and varied colleagues 4. Detailed and honest feedback from expert mentors 5. Productive community of high achievers: Can be competitive and stressful. Very stimulating. 6. Your introduction to a professional career in SPMT.

Best Graduate Programs in SPMT

1. University of South Carolina 2. University of Louisville 3. Penn State 4. University of Tennessee 5. University of Florida 6. University of Michigan 7. University of Minnesota 8. University of North Carolina 9. University of Texas 10. Temple University 11. University of Connecticut

What are Schools Looking For?

Academic/research potential 1. Analytical skills 2. Creativity 3. Organizational Skills 4. Communication Skills (oral & written) Interest, enthusiasm, commitment. Ability to fit with their learning community.

Your Personal Statement

Answer: Why did you initially pursue SPMT. Address any shortcomings-low GPA, low GRE scores If you received poor grades for the first couple semesters/years emphasize the recent work you've done Explain what you did to remedy the situation. If you have a high GPA for your last two years or for your SPMT classes, be sure to mention this. Describe your computer experience. Include something in each statement regarding the faculty that you are interested in working with.

Last Semester of Your Senior Year

Ask your adviser/faculty members about the graduate programs of interest to you. Make your list of schools you will apply to. Take the GRE/GMAT/LSAT's Request that transcripts be mailed to all schools-allow ample time. Near the end of the semester or before deadlines, ask professors to write letters of recommendation Check before internship to be certain all materials, especially recommendations, have been sent.

Your Undergraduate Education

Considered by most Universities as an education that prepares the individual for greater success in life. Broad goals of an undergraduate education focus on producing better "citizens"-i.e., produce a well -rounded individual who specializes in one area of study, but is broadly prepared to take on a variety of tasks in life.

LSAT's

Consists of 35 minute sections (6 sections-5/6 scored) Resasoning, Analytical reasoning, logical reasoning questions. Writing sample Low 120 High 180 (Median 150)

So.... Research

Does your career require a graduate degree? Check LinkedIn profiles. Will you need a graduate degree for promotion? Median debt for master's degree is $42,898. Can you afford it (can be offset by a G.A. or T.A. or G.A. or employers offering tuition reimbursement)?

Graduate Schools Are Unique

For example, some departments: Offer expert training in many areas of management/SPMT & provide breadth of opportunities. Others are more niche schools offering depth in a few areas but less breadth. All have some similarities but also important differences. Look for the best fit for you!

Letters of Recommendation

Graduate schools weigh letters very highly. Strong letters of recommendations can compensate for weak GPA's and GRE/GMAT's Talk to the faculty. The better they know you, the more likely they can write a good letter. Only ask for letters from people who will write a positive letter. Usually need 2-3 letters. Give professors at least 1 month before the deadline to complete the letter. Follow up one week before each deadline with a thank you note (a friendly reminder to ensure that your information has been sent)

Thoughts About Grad School

I'm tired of being pauper, I want to go out in the real world and make money! I'm tired of going to school! I'm going to get a job where I don't have to go to class. I owe my parents/others a lot of money! I'm going to get a nice paying job so that i can pay them back. I want to go out in the real world and work on some interesting problems. These focus on the short-term. Your life is a long term opportunity.

Going for a Visit and Interviewing

Many programs may also ask you for a pre-admission interview. Here you both get a chance to look each other over. Ask them about their program-How do faculty support students? How many students make it through? What special benefits do students gain during their stay? What is the intellectual community like? Talk with current students. They will ask about: your interests, experiences, influences, your research interests, your goals

Money

Many programs may offer you some financial support -Some programs will support students with "stipends" -For a teaching/graduate assistantship, you would help a professor teach a course, or perhaps teach a section yourself. -Graduate assistant-help out in the athletic office with compliance, sports information, campus recreation, operations etc. Some universities may waive tuition. Find out as much as you can before you decide to go to a program.

What are Graduate Degrees?

Master's Program: Usually require 2 years to complete (30-36 credits) M.S or M.B.A Admission standards generally lower than Ph.D. programs/prerequisites. You can sometimes get a master's degree and then transfer to a Ph.D program. J.D. degree-generally three year degree-also have to sit for the "bar" exam to practice law.

GMAT's

Maximum scale score for each test is 800 (verbal and quantitative). Final score is an average of these two scores (writing score/6.0 is not tallied into final score) Highest score 800 Average score 570 Good score >620 A very good score is >700

Most Graduate Schools Will Require

Most graduate schools will require you to take the Graduate Record Exam (some require Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or LSAT's-check before you take) The GRE's consist of three sections:verbal, quantitative, and writing. A new numerical/scoring system was implemented in Fall 2007. Scored on a 130-170 scale in erbal/quantitative and score of 6.0 in wiriting. It is essential that you do well-at least 155 on verbal and quantitative and 4.0 in writing will be good enough to get you into many grad schools (look at their requirements-they may be higher) Take a class to prepare.

Increased Lifetime Earnings

Over a lifetime, those with a bachelor's degree or higher will earn, on average, twice as much as those with a high school diploma. That equates to earning over $1.5 million more a lifetime.

Your Personal Statement Cont

Prepare a well thought out letter that articulates your interests. Avoid general statements like "I'm really interested in sport" "I'm a people person" Keep it professional Tailor your letter for each program you apply to. Keep the letter short-maybe two pages typed Ask professors for comments on what you have written.

What Does Industry Want?

Problem solving ability. Critical thinking. Interpersonal Communication Skills. Group-Based Interaction Skills. Master's Programs focus on developing these skills in more depth.

Online Versus Traditional

Proliferation of online degrees-why? If you choose an online degree then make sure of the following: Must be regionally accredited. Have a traditional campus. Encompass a reputable academic brand.

Should I Go To Industry First?

Pros: 1. Remove your training wheels. 2. Get industry experience. 3. Mature a little. Cons: 1. You forget how to be a student. 2. Momentum breaks! 3. Avoiding the job hunt.

Graduate Assistant

Salaried student employment opportunity for graduate students. (GA, TA, or GRA) Work 20-30 hours per week-receive tuition waiver and monthly stipend. Win-Win-experience plus a degree. Contact the graduate coordinator for the master's degree you are interested in to see what opportunities are available.

Last Semester of Senior Year Cont.

Send your application(online usually) -A vita, transcripts and test scores, and names of those sending recommendations. Deadlines may be in Jan, Feb, March If possible, visit schools. Obtain info on fellowships, scholarships, assistant-ships, loans Check with all schools before the deadline to make sure your file is complete. Expect first choice offers to be made by April 1. Notify other colleges that you will not be attending so they may admit students on their waiting list. Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters.

Tips

Start early. Do your own research to find the programs and professors that are right for you-NASSM web page is a great place to start. Apply to at least several programs-be selective Talk with SRU faculty and advisers about your interests and consider their suggestions. Try to make contact with potential professors you are interested in working with as a graduate student. Request more information about their research and if they will be taking graduate students in the upcoming year. Attend a professional conference in which they are presenting and introduce yourself.

Resume

Summarizes your academic and employment history as it pertains to your career in SPMT. Topics include: 1. Educational history 2. Relevant coursework 3. Research & teaching experience 4. Honors and awards 5. Memberships in professional organizations, publications & presentations. GPA or GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores Make it look professional. Include this with your applications.

So......

The undergraduate curriculum focuses on the learning of fundamentals, with assignments to enable practice or for evaluation purposes. Problem solving, critical thinking, ability to work collaboratively. These skills are not developed well. Grad school helps to develop theses skills.

Reality Check

Those of you going into athletic Administration (NCAA), campus recreation or any university related job will have to complete a masters. Graduate study is now a necessity for anyone wanting to reach executive level. May also make a difference in being promoted to middle level management positions.

Questions

What are the pros and cons of getting a job before going to grad school? What are the pros and cons of going to grad school before getting a job? Should you complete an MBA or an MS? Online or traditional?

What Can You Expect As A Result of Going to Grad School?

You will get better job opportunities! You will make more money! You will get to work on the most exciting problems available from your employer.