|
|
Is
Graduate School in Your Future?
The Honors Program provides advice and
support for Calvin College students who are considering graduate school
and careers in academic life. Originally supported by grants from the
Pew Younger Scholars Program and now from the Lilly Vocation Project,
these resources include a reference library on graduate schools and admissions
requirements in the Honors Program Office (Hiemenga 318), a packet of
written information, annual workshops for seniors on writing an effective
graduate school application, current information on the Graduate Record
Exam (GRE)
and major graduate fellowships (fellowships
to explore), information on undergraduate research opportunities,
a network of grad school contacts, and financial support for department
reading retreats, interaction with visiting scholars, GRE preparation
materials, and participation in scholarly conferences.
HOW
CAN WE HELP YOU PREPARE FOR GRAD SCHOOL?
| 1. |
By presenting to you the calling of Christian service
in academic life and giving you a realistic understanding of the challenges
which are involved, the need for Christian scholars, and the many
benefits of an academic profession. |
| 2. |
By scheduling programs, meals, and conferences at which
you can interact with university scholars, recent Ph.D.'s, and Calvin
alumni who are in graduate school. These programs can improve your
understanding of the realities of graduate school and academic life |
| 3. |
By providing practical advice about graduate schools,
such as how to research and select the ones to which you apply; how
to know which are the best in various disciplines; how to prepare
for the GRE's; how to craft a competitive application. |
| 4. |
By helping you identify bibliographical and electronic
resources which are useful in researching various graduate schools
and prospects for employment. |
| 5. |
By giving you current information about major graduate
fellowships and helping qualified candidates in the application process. |
| 6. |
By putting you in touch with Christian scholars and
graduate students in many disciplines at many of the universities
you might consider. Using this network can definitely work to your
advantage. |
| 7. |
By reimbursing you for the cost of books or software
to prepare for the GRE (up to $50). |
| 8. |
By subsidizing your expenses from participating in
scholarly conferences (up to $150). |
| 9. |
By funding departmental activities such
as field trips, meals with scholars, or retreats which serve the needs
of prospective graduate students. |
SUGGESTED TIMELINE
for applying to graduate school
(assuming no time off after graduation)
Junior year:
- research your areas of interest and graduate programs in your field
- discuss the application process and your prospects with advisors
- Summer: take the GRE general test, if possible,
to allow time for a retake, if necessary
- Summer: obtain university application forms for admission,
fellowships, & financial aid
- Summer: register for GRE subject test, if necessary
- Summer: draft or upgrade the writing sample you will submit with your
applications
Senior year:
- September: discuss grad schools and letters of recommendation
with your advisors
- September: check application deadlines for admission
& fellowships & plan your strategy
- October: take GRE subject test, if necessary
- October: revise your writing sample and personal
statement & ask advisors for reactions
- October: apply for major fellowships, if appropriate
(Fulbright, Javits, Mellon, etc.)
- November: polish your writing sample / personal statement
in consultation with advisor
- November: request letters of recommendation and
provide addressed envelopes and forms
- December: finish & mail applications, double-check
your letters of recommendation
- February-April: make campus visits to schools where
you have been admitted, if possible
- April: make your decision after consultations with advisors, friends
& grad school contacts
USEFUL
LINKS to grad school resources:
www.jobweb.com/students.aspx?/folderid=92
- Jobweb guide to grad schools
www.kaplan.com/
- Kaplan’s website, with advice and info on test preparation
www.petersons.com/graduate/
- Peterson’s website
www.review.com/graduate/index.cfm
- Princeton Review’s website
www.schoolguides.com
- comprehensive guides to Ph.D., M.A, professional programs, & financial
aid
www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/beyond/bcrank.htm
- US News’ grad school rankings
www.calvin.edu/admin/career/grad_school/
- Calvin’s Career Services site, with many links to valuable resources
For more information
contact:
Prof. Ken Bratt or Jana Stob
Honors Program
Hiemenga 318
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
or e-mail:
kbratt@calvin.edu
stobja@calvin.edu
|
