A.R. DAVIES
Alex Davies
Air-Sea Interaction Laboratory
College of Earth, Ocean & Environment
OUTLINE
Outline
• What is the Process!?
• Is Graduate School right for me!?
• Surviving the first year
Thanks to phdcomics.com
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OUTLINE
Outline
• What is the Process!?
• Is Graduate School right for me!?
• Surviving the first year
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THE PROCESS
What is the Process?
• The process already began
• The Dating Game: choosing an advisor
• The application process
• Visitation Day(s)
• Making the right choice for you!
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THE PROCESS
The process already
began!
• What does the F in freshman stand for?
• Friends?
• Fun?
• Friday Nights?
• Football?
• Freedom?
• First day of your FUTURE!?
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THE PROCESS
Please, do not panic…
Freshman: Hit the ground running
Sophomore: Discover your interests
Junior: Life gets tough
Senior(s): Enjoy, learn, do research
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THE PROCESS
THE DATING GAME
How to pick an advisor?
Advisors to watch out for...
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THE PROCESS
THE DATING GAME
• How to choose:
• Research Interest
• Personality
• Funding
• Credentials
• Experience/Age
• Former Students
• Ask around
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THE PROCESS
The Application Packet
• What is typically needed?
• GRE
• Transcripts
• Experiences, Publications/Presentations,
Research, Honors
• Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
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THE PROCESS
GRE
• Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
» PS: I got 1090.
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THE PROCESS
Personal Statement
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THE PROCESS
Requesting a Letter
• Ask people you know and trust
• Always give them an easy “no”
• Reminders, reminders, reminders!
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THE PROCESS
Visitation Day
• They should cater to YOU!
• It is HARD being talked at
• Act interested
• Bring CVs
• Do your research!
• Talk to the grad students!!!
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THE PROCESS
Visitation Questions:
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THE PROCESS
Which is Right for Me?
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THE PROCESS
Which is Right for Me?
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THE PROCESS
Which is Right for Me?
• Advisor/Lab Group are KEY!!
• Research Opportunities
• Ask around…
• Personal Reasons
• Location? Funding? Other?
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THE PROCESS
Why did I choose UD?
• I could combine my research interests
• I liked the work my advisor was doing
• I left comfortable with the faculty and students
• It worked out personally
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OUTLINE
Outline
• What is the Process!?
• Is Graduate School right for me!?
• Surviving the first year
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Just an FYI:
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Just an FYI:
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Money aside, I’ll learn A
LOT!?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
You will learn a lot!
• Yes, you will learn a lot! Really!
• Masters: Broader focus
• PhD: Narrow focus
• None-science skills:
•
•
•
•
Data analysis
Computer programming
Technical writing
Lab experience
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it easier to find a job?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it easier to find a job?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it easier to find a job?
BS
MS
Bachelor’s Degree
• PROS: Work Experience Early; Money Now!
• CONS: Market is tough; Career cap!?
Master’s Degree
• PROS: More options; Some lab experience
• CONS: Tough market; cap!?; independence?
Doctorate of Philosophy
PhD
• PROS: A lot of experience; Independence
• CONS: Limiting!?; Time
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Causation or Correlation!?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it worth it?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it worth it?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it worth it?
• What exactly do you want to do?
• Maybe a Master’s is perfect
• Enhance your science and research skills
• Independent critical thinking
• Do you want to challange yourself?
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IS GRAD SCHOOL FOR
ME?
Is it worth it?
• For me?
YES!
• Why?
• I like challenging research questions
• I want to teach
• I hope to make a real difference
• It worked for my personal life
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OUTLINE
Outline
• What is the Process!?
• Is Graduate School right for me!?
• Surviving the first year
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SURVIVAL
Welcome to Grad School…
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SURVIVAL
First Semester Keys:
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SURVIVAL
First Semester Keys:
• Find a study group
• And actually study!
• Make a schedule or “To Do List”
• Have one evening/night dedicated to YOU!
• Learn but also get good grades
• Try to avoid research or teaching!
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SURVIVAL
Typical Timeline:
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SURVIVAL
Typical Week:
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SURVIVAL
Typical Day:
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SURVIVAL
You’re a Dork:
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SURVIVAL
The Elevator Talk:
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SURVIVAL
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SURVIVAL
Survival:
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SURVIVAL
Newton’s Keys to Survival
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SURVIVAL
Thank you!
Questions?
[email protected]
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