GETTING INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL
Professional Development
Program
Nazarbayev University
AGENDA
Choosing a university that will fit
 Application package
 Standardized testing
 Financing your studies
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1. CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT
CRITERIA
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Geographical location
Rankings
Program/Major
Type of school
Cost and financial aid
Acceptance rate
Requirements
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Research emphasis
Size of department
Qualifications of the faculty
Length of time required for
degree
Course and thesis
requirements
International Students Office
services
CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY THAT WILL FIT
SEARCH ENGINES
 www.gradschools.com
 www.petersons.com
 www.usnews.com
 www.mba.com
SUGGESTED FORMULA
3 reaches - dream schools
 5 solid choices
 The more selective schools have more financial aid
to offer
 Plan B- What are your other alternatives if this
does not work out?
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TABLE
TABLE: EXAMPLE
2. APPLICATION PACKAGE
Application
 Essays and writing samples
 Standardized tests
 Reference letters
 Resume
 Transcripts
 Bank statements
 Application fee
 Deadlines!
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ESSAYS
 Read
the essay question and answer it
 Share your story
 Thoroughly proofread
REFERENCE LETTERS
Start as soon as possible
 Approach the right people
 Give each reference explicit instructions
 Share with references information about your
program
 Thank your references
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TRANSCRIPTS
The best indicator of future behavior is past
performance
 Request transcripts well ahead of deadlines
 Follow the instructions
 Translation, notarizing
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BANK STATEMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
What for?
How much?
University templates
Local bank statements
3.STANDARDIZED TESTS
1.
2.
3.
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6.
7.
TOEFL/IELTS
GRE
GMAT
Registration
Cost
Availability
Useful resources
TOEFL
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iBT vs. PBT
sections, time, online profile
Registration
Cost: $160
Test dates
Rescheduling, canceling the test
Useful resources
Receiving the scores
Additional score reports
Test Expiration
IELTS
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Sections, time, online profile
Registration
Cost: varies
Test dates
Rescheduling, canceling the test
Useful resources
Receiving the scores
Additional score reports
Test Expiration
GRE
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GREI, GREII
Scoring
Registration
Test dates
Cost
Canceling your scores
Additional score reports
Useful resources
Test Expiration
GMAT
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Registration
Test dates
Cost
Canceling your scores
Additional score reports
Useful resources
Test Expiration
WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS
Fellowships
 Academic merit
 From covering tuition and fees to full
grants
o Assistantships
 Teaching assistantships
 Research assistantships
 Graduate/administrative assistantships
o Grants
o
www.nu.edu.kz
GRANTS
EducationUSA
 Fulbright
 Erasmus Mundus
 Bilim Educational Center
 UGRAD
 CIP programs
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CONTACT US
Career and Advising Center
 Room #1114
 7 7172 709064
[email protected]
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www.nu.edu.kz