2007 Issue

www.utahengineerscouncil.org 20 GRADUATE SCHOOL — continued for you, the next steps are to apply to graduate schools. For most schools, applications are due in December or January. Most schools require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – it is useful to take this exam as close as possible to your BS graduation since you will remember much of the information you may not use on a daily basis in industry. For example, I waited two years after graduation before returning to graduate school and taking the GRE. I had a difficult time remem- bering certain math equations because I had not used them during those two years! From there, you need to put together a Statement of Purpose. It is useful to have this Statement represent a particular school which means effective web-searching for programs which are of interest to you. If you can’t visit all the universities you are applying to, typically 4-5, make sure that you do visit the ones where you are accepted. During your visit, to the best of your ability, determine the style of the professor you will work for, your advisor – are they hands on or not, what do their present graduate students like/dislike about him/her? These questions can help you determine if the environment in the laboratory is one you can work in during the next 3-5 years, remembering a significant portion of your time will be spent there. Find out about financial offers from the schools. Typically, a gradu- ate student will get a stipend (like a salary) and potentially a tuition waiver. Ask questions regarding health insurance requirements for students and other stipulations in the offer. If you are anticipating a move, make sure that you research the area and its cost of living, just like you would for a job offer. If you qualify, seek additional support such as national fellowships. The most important thing to remember when considering graduate school is to have an understanding of why you want to go and gather as much information as possible. Remember that each person has an individual experience and theirs may be different from yours or others. In addition, there are several websites which have informative articles regarding graduate school choices such as: gradschoolabout.com; phds. org. Some schools also have informative sites.