For my second installment, I want to finish discussing the steps in applying to graduate school. But before I get to that, I’d like to share a little bit about my present career path and what I am working on.
I am currently a graduate research assistant in the Mechanical Science and Engineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am part of a team working on creating physics-based models in MATLAB/Simulink to help understand the complex interactions of aircraft subsystems, engines, and energy domains. This modeling technology is currently unavailable to airframe or engine manufacturers, and it is infeasible to build aircraft simply to test out these interactions. My work will eventually evolve into designing advanced control algorithms for aircraft systems that will hopefully improve performance and reduce energy.
As a quick recap, the first three steps I discussed in applying to graduate programs revolved around getting started early with researching possible programs, making sure to take the GRE early, and contacting potential recommendation letter authors. Now to continue:
4) Application writing and tips
If you are applying to a handful of schools, I would suggest making a spreadsheet to keep track of login usernames/passwords, URLs, sent GRE scores & transcripts, due dates, etc. This really helped me keep track of what I needed to do for each program. I started making accounts and filling out the background information on applications at the beginning of October, around the same time that I contacted my recommendation letter authors. Most applications are basic and do not require much writing. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves, and do not be afraid to “brag” about them on your application – just avoid sounding snobby.
5) What your personal statement says about you
This can vary from school to school, but in general the readers are looking to see if you have the right motivation for attending graduate school. What is the right motivation? This often takes a little self-reflection. Keep in mind that graduate school is not grade 17. It is not a continuation of undergraduate education, nor is it similar to undergrad.
Graduate school requires students to become more independent, self-motivated, and the realization that often there is no right/wrong answer (like we are trained to think on homework, tests, etc.). It is very important to recognize this if you want to go to graduate school. Now I will admit some M.S. programs are non-thesis and very similar to undergraduate education, so keep that in mind if you apply to such a program.
If you recognize the differences between undergrad and graduate education, and the goal of advanced education, then it is important to convey this through your personal statement. Reviewers will be impressed by an applicant that understands how graduate school differs from their previous education and is ready to take on the challenge.
6) Unforeseen fees and hurdles
These costs can add up quickly. Plan wisely and make sure you make any necessary budget adjustments. Fees can range from $20 to over $100 (especially schools like MIT and Stanford). Also, the KU transcript service is not instantaneous, and can rack up the cost if you wait until the last minute and need to overnight a transcript (whoops, made that mistake once).
Once you submit your application, the notification period can vary drastically. I heard from Illinois in less than a week, Stanford took a month and a half, while most other schools were about two months.
My final advice and what I believe can be the overall key to successful graduate school application: organization and time management. Make sure you keep on top of the application process, and set enough time aside. If anyone has any questions, or wants further advice, feel free to drop me an email: [email protected]
As a final comment, with Big XII tournament action starting next week, I thought I would make the following suggestion: at some point in your career at KU, travel to see KU basketball play away. I had the opportunity to see the Jayhawks beat North Carolina State and North Carolina last March, and it was an awesome experience. If you don’t care about basketball, then at least try to make it to one game!
Rock Chalk,
Matt Williams