1. Mariheida Córdova Sánchez-
cordovas@purdue.edu
Cecille M. Villanueva-Birriel
cvillanu@purdue.edu
Sascha M. Vega Alvarez
svegaalv@purdue.edu
Office of Graduate Admissions
Janet Beagle, Ph.D. Director
jbeagle@purdue.edu
Grad School at Purdue
2. Where is Purdue?
• Coeducational, state-
assisted system in
Indiana.
• Founded in 1869
• Named after benefactor
John Purdue.
• One of the nation's
leading research
institutions with a
reputation for excellent
and affordable education.
3. Purdue University Ranking
• U.S. News Best Grad School Rankings (<25)
– Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering
– Biological/Agricultural Engineering
– Biomedical Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Computer Engineering (10)
– Electrical Engineering (10)
– Environmental Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Materials Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering (8)
– Nuclear Engineering
– Audiology
– Chemistry (2: Analytical Chemistry, 16: Inorganic Chemistry)
– Computer Science
– Pharmacy (7)
– Speech-Language Pathology (5)
– Statistics
– Veterinary Medicine
• International student population ranks 2nd for public school.
• Purdue's College of Engineering graduate program has been ranked second in the country for
Hispanic students.
• Purdue University is one of the top 50 institutions worldwide with the most articles published in
the prestigious Nature research journals.
9. Hosted every fall at Purdue!
• Workshops, networking, grad school fair & more!
• For students interested in science, technology,
engineering, math & related fields
www.purdue.edu/gradexpo
10. What is Graduate School?
• Provides in-depth, specialized training
• Requires original research and/or
scholarship
• Impacts society in relevant ways
• Develops intellectual relationships
• Requires intense commitment, passion, drive
11. Types of Advanced Degrees
PhD
• Direct Ph.D.
• Master’s first
Master’s
• Thesis
• Non-thesis
Professional Degrees
• DVM/VMD
• JD
• MD
• Etc.
Professional/Terminal
Master’s
• M.B.A
• M.P.H
• Etc.
12. What Grad School is REALLY like…
Grad School is a JOB+
GRADING PAPERS
CONFERENCES
LIBRARY
JOURNAL ARTICLES
WRITING PAPERS
13. How do I pay for Graduate School?
70% of Purdue’s full-time graduate students
receive funding!
• Graduate assistantships are the most common funding
− You receive a stipend and your tuition is waived
− Other benefits may apply
− Include research, teaching, or administrative positions
• Grants (fellowships) are free money, but competitive
• Loans are also available
− federal government and other financial institutions
− complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)
15. Researching Graduate Schools
Talk to:
• professors & advisors
• professionals in your field
• current graduate students
Use a variety of sources:
• professional organizations & conferences
• research publications/professional journals
• career centers
• graduate school guides & major publications
• university websites
16. Questions to Ask
• Who are the best professors & emerging leaders in your
field?
− What projects are they working on?
− What universities do they work at?
− Where did they get their degree from?
• Which professors & schools do others suggest you
consider?
• At what universities do current professionals find their
best employees?
• What graduate programs have the best reputation in
your field?
17. Understand the Application Process
www.gradschool.purdue.edu/admissions
• Admissions committees are made up of professors
• Decisions are typically based on the following factors:
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT)
• TOEFL or IELTS (international students)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Transcripts
• Previous work experience
• Research experience (REU & SRO)
• Curricular activities
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
18. Standardized Tests
• GRE: www.gre.org; www.number2.com
− Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
− Biology - Mathematics*
− Chemistry - Physics*
− Literature in English* - Psychology
• MBA: www.mba.com
• LSAT: www.lsac.org
• MCAT: www.aamc.org
*Subject test required or recommended at Purdue
Application Requirements by Program:
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/gradrequirements/index.cfm
19. Statement of Purpose
• Allow time
• Follow directions
• Use a standard font
• Keep language simple and specific.
• Answer: “Why should I care?”
• Customize
• Show mutual benefit
• Proofread
Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) -
owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/969/01
/
20. Letters of Recommendation
• Give plenty of notice
• Choose recommenders who can talk about
different abilities
• Make their job easy
• Follow up before the deadline
• Send a thank you note
21. Contacting a Professor/Department
• Use your network
• Do your research first!
• Keep your email short, polite
• Look for “graduate contacts”
• Do not e-blast multiple people
22. Timeline
• Most common entry term is “Fall” (August)
• Begin at least one year before you want to enroll
• Identify schools you want to apply to; research their
application requirements & deadlines
• Allow time for test scores, transcripts, letters
www.gradschool.purdue.edu/prep
Many programs begin making
decisions in January - March,
and may ask you to accept an
offer by April 15th.
23. Application Tips
www.gradschool.purdue.edu/admissions
• Begin now
• Get to know your current professors
• Research and network with faculty you may
want to work with later
• Customize your statement of purpose
• Stay organized
• Proofread
• No, really, proofread!
24. Consider Purdue!
Benefit from quality facilities & faculty
• Top 25 U.S. public institution
• Labs, equipment, faculty, & more!
• Centrally located
Enjoy a global connection
• International Enrollment: 2nd in U.S.
• Alumni: 140 countries...and BEYOND!
www.purdue.edu/grad
25. Programs at Purdue:
Agriculture
Consumer Sciences
Education
Engineering
Health Sciences
Interdisciplinary
Programs
Liberal Arts
Management
Nursing
Pharmacy
Science
Technology
Veterinary Medicine
www.purdue.edu/grad
26. How do I Choose a Graduate School?
Make a list of potential schools & compare:
• Campus visit experience
• Research & scholarly opportunities
• Reputation of the school, its programs, & professors
• Program job placement rates & information
• Financial assistance
• Student services
• Location’s cost of living
28. OIGP Programs
• American Studies
• Biomedical Sciences*
• Comparative Literature
• Computational Life
Sciences*#
• Computational Science &
Engineering*#
• Ecological Sciences and
Engineering*#
• Food Science*
• Gerontology
• Information Security*
• Ingestive Behavior*
• PULSe (Life Sciences)*#
• Linguistics
• Nutrition (INP)
• Philosophy and Literature
• Women’s Studies
*Started since OIGP began #Housed in Grad School
29. APPLY THROUGH ELECTRONIC APPLICATION FOR:
American Studies
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/idis/american-studies
Biomedical Sciences
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/bsdt
Comparative Literature
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/complit
Ecological Sciences and Engineering
http://www.purdue.edu/dp/ese
Food Science
http://www.foodsci.purdue.edu/grad
Information Security
http://www.cerias.purdue.edu/education/graduate_program
Life Sciences
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/PULSe
Linguistics
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/idis/linguistics
Philosophy and Literature
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/phil-lit
Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs
30. FIRST APPLY THROUGH ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT:
Then, apply to IGP after admittance for the following:
Computational Life Sciences
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/cls
Computational Science and Engineering
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/cse
Gerontology
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/gerontology
Ingestive Behavior
http://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/ibrc
Nutrition
http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/gradnutrition
Women’s Studies
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/womens-studies
Other Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Opportunities
32. Program Students
American Studies 53
Biomedical Sciences 12
Comparative Literature 24
Computational Life Sciences 35
Computational Science and Engineering 113
Ecological Sciences and Engineering 72
Food Science 68
Gerontology 22
Information Security 21
Ingestive Behavior 22
Life Sciences 155
Linguistics 25
Nutrition 49
Philosophy and Literature 18
Women’s Studies 14
Total student enrollment 703
Student Membership
33. PULSe
• Over 170 faculty members from 27 different departments
• PULSe Stipend for 2013-2014: $24,000.
• Training Groups:
– Biomolecular Structure and Biophysics
– Biotechnology
– Chemical Biology
– Chromatin and Regulation of Gene Expression
– Integrative Neuroscience
– Integrative Plant Sciences
– Membrane Biology
– Microbiology
– Molecular Signaling and Cancer Biology
– Molecular Virology
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/pulse/
34.
35. OIGP Student Activities
• IGP Student Advisory Board
• Nominated representative from each program
• Explores avenues to showcase IGP research on
campus
• Instrumental in planning OIGP’s Annual Spring
Reception
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
• Builds community across IGPs
• Plans events: Graduate Student Seminars, focus
groups, panel sessions
• Science in Schools community outreach program
36. Diversity at Purdue
• LGBTQ Center
• Black Cultural Center
• Native American Educational and Cultural
Center
• Latino Cultural Center
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
(LSAMP)
• Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA)
37. Office of Multicultural Programs
• Dwight E. Lewis, Director of Multicultural
Programs
– delewis@purdue.edu
– (765) 494-3232 or (765) 494-0945
• Historically Black Institution (HBI) Visitation
Program.
• SROP
• SLOAN
http://www.gradschool.purdue.edu/diversity/
38. Purdue Summer Research
Opportunities Program (SROP)
• Application deadline: March 1, 2014.
• Eligibility:
– Undergraduates
– Minimum GPA of 3.0.
– Interest in pursuing graduate education.
• Program Components:
– Round trip transportation
– University housing for 8 weeks
– Research Stipend ($4,000/8 weeks)
– Workshops on preparation for GRE
– Poster and Oral Research Presentations
– Evening meetings
– Access to Recreational Facilities, Libraries, Computers, Research Labs,
& Health Center
– Weekend fieldtrips
Major Professor/Advisor
Different than undergraduate - in undergrad, you learn a little about a lot; graduate digs much deeper in one particular area.
In grad, if you pursue a PhD or Master’s thesis, research becomes key element; you take fewer credits (9 is typical), but it’s very intense.
“Research” not necessarily like chem lab. – historical research, economic research, social research (relationships. Communication, education)
Expected to make contribution to field – your contribution to MBA classes may be your unique work experiences and “real world” perspective.
Whether researching cure for cancer or developing a business plan to help a company become more successful – real world applications. Relevant.
Professor become your colleagues; your career network
2-7 years+
Vocabulary varies by field and by institution.
Basic classifications with “graduate degrees” on the left, “professional degrees” on the right – not hard and fast rule – many terminal Master’s degrees are part of grad school vs. professional school.
PhD – research degree; Master’s may/may not be research degree; it depends on your field.
Terminal master’s – specialized training in an area; the highest degree in that field; some schools will call terminal masters if it is a degree separate from the PhD; could place MBA in here too
Funding for graduate school can be time-consuming, but there is money out there. Consider public and private organizations, government agencies, philanthropic foundations, your department, etc. Many online sources exist.
When weighing funding offers, don’t forget to consider the cost of living for each location. Living expenses can vary drastically and make a big difference in your financial situation.
Learn about professors’ work to determine if there is a fit with your specific goals. By researching professors’ interests, you gain knowledge and will have the ability to demonstrate in your statement of purpose why you would be a good match for the program. There may also be funding opportunities available from some professors who need assistants to help them with their work.
In addition to learning about other institutions’ professors, a valuable source of information about graduate school and specific programs is your current professors at your institution. They can provide excellent recommendations and information about academic reputation and program suitability.
Collect a variety of information from the Internet (gradschools.com, Grad Source, Peterson’s, Facebook, Twitter), graduate school guides, rankings from professional organizations and major publications (US News & World Report, Peterson’s Guide, Business Week, WSJ), professors, current graduate students, professionals in your field, career centers that have individuals who focus on graduate school advising, etc.
Be careful not to put too much weight on any one source; rankings are often controversial, since not everyone always agrees with the methodology behind them. Ultimately, you should look for the trends in the information you collect.
Consider the best professors as well as emerging experts in the field. Advantages and disadvantages to both are:
Experienced experts may have less time, so you may get less personal attention, but they are who others immediately look to for guidance. They’ve worked with lots of grad students and are an experienced mentor, but may be focused on the outputs vs. you.
Emerging experts often can give more personal attention and may be more empathetic, since they’re a relatively recent graduate. However, they may not have worked with many grad students and are learning how to be an effective mentor as they go. They often are enthusiastic, full of energy, and want to collaborate for mutual benefit.
Who you choose to pursue comes down to your individual preference and what you’re most comfortable with.
Your current professors may also suggest others they think will be a good fit based on your personality, learning style, work style, etc.
Consider reputation in the academic world as well as rankings.
Grad School is very decentralized, so applying is more complex than what you’ve experienced as an undergrad. Pay close attention to deadlines and what needs to be sent where.
GRE is being revised. 50% discount for tests taken in August/September 2011
A writing sample, portfolio, or other supplemental materials may also be required. Check the directions.
Relevant achievements, academic background, potential, and the contributions you can make to an institution are emphasized. Grad school is more intense and depending on your discipline, you may be expected to study and work in environments that aren’t familiar (i.e., teams vs independently). Requires self-discipline; while you may have mentors/advisors that can help, ultimately you are expected to do well on your own.
Admission committees are typically comprised of professors. The process varies by institution/department, but the above are factors that committees consider. Publications may also be taken into account.
If someone has a low GRE score with exceptional research experience, letters of recommendation, and a compelling statement of purpose, the program may not place as much emphasis on the score.
Obtain relevant experience through summer research, internships, or co-ops to enhance your competitiveness for grad school or employment.
Allow 1 month before deadline; scores sent 10-15 days after test
The GRE tests three main skills: analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative. There are 7 subject matter tests Subject tests are only offered 3 times a year: September, October, April.
At Purdue, physics requires subject test; math and computational programs require math subject test; literary studies recommends
No GRE req’d for Chem, CS
2013: $185; 4 free scores; $25 add’l scores
On test day, when viewing your scores at the test center, you can choose not to send your scores at this time OR you can select to send most recent or send all from last 5 years.
After test day, can send by date for a fee
Begin now – highest GPA possible, obtain experience
Organize your application – separate folder for each one.
Founded in 1869. Located about 2 hours south of Chicago, Illinois
Large: resources, a lot of things going on here
Ranking: what the ranking indicates is what is important, quality faculty, research environment, interdisciplinary opportunities
World Food Prize and Nobel Prize winning faculty
Location: cost of living, access to cities, middle of US
students from more than 120 countries
Network when you graduate
Neil Armstrong & Gene Cernan; this is Andrew Feustel; 23 astronauts
Immediately following undergrad: some disciplines may expect an advanced degree; once you leave school, there are no guarantees you’ll return. It depends on you – study habits, discipline, you may change your mind or decide you can’t go back to living like a student, what if you get married or start a family, etc. Will you be able to or truly want to go back?
After working or taking time off: You may get a job with an employer that will fund your grad education (ask when you interview), some programs may require or seek certain experience that you don’t currently possess (e.g., MBA strongly prefers full-time work experience; executive programs for people that employers expect to be executives) or you may be able to gain international experience or other experience that would make you more competitive during the admissions process. You may simply be burned out and ready to get out of school, move, etc.
For rankings and reputation, focus on the department/program and faculty. You want to attend the institution that offers the research/activities you are interested in foremost with the best reputation.
When evaluating financial assistance options, consider the cost of living and benefits, such as health insurance, time off, the lowest fees, etc. Cost of living can make a huge difference in your stress level and just how comfortable you are. You want to ensure you know exactly how far any stipend you get will go in the community you’ll be living in.
Other factors to consider can include the length of the program. Ask is how many grad students has the professor had, how many actually completed grad school, what is the average length of time it took those students to complete, and what are they doing now.
