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Show Feature cont. Coleman agrees. Its a significant investment, she said. According to the Career Resource Center, its not too early to begin the acceptance process a full year and a half before the anticipated starting date. Application dates can range from August before senior year to late spring or summer of senior year. The Career Resource Center suggests researching programs, investigating financial aid options and registering for admittance exams during ones junior year. Most graduate programs require scores from a graduate admissions aest. The standardized tests are a big obstacle. Think about them in advance, said Zarkin, The score of the tests really drive everything. All admittance exams may be taken nearby at the University of Utah. It is important for students to register early since many take six weeks or longer to send results. Due to the emphasis placed on these tests, many students choose prep courses as a means to get ready. These courses are offered throughout the year in a variety of locations including the University of Utah. Howso practice ever, course costs range from $500-$80- 0, exams and exam prep books are a more economically friendly way to prepare for the exams. Prep books are readily available in the Career Center library as well as in most bookstores. Most graduate programs also require an essay or personal statement from applicants. Put time and thought into its development, says the Career Resource Center Website. The essay is meant to be a glimpse into your interest in a particular field and your professional goals. To help get started with the essay or for help with revisions, visit the Writing Center located in Giovale Li- tions and are encouraged to apply during spring of their freshman year. Do your homework and definitely explore graduate programs, said Coleman. Westminster alumni are currendy attending graduate school across the country, including Northwestern, University of California-Berkel- ey, University of Utah, and Northern Arizona. Its really good for people to go to different places and different parts of the country in order to see how other people think, said Zarkin. It gives you broader perspectives. Westminster alumni may also find their ideal graduate program within the college. Students are attracted to Westminsters graduate programs for the same reasons they are attracted to the undergraduate programs, said Davis. The ten graduate programs offered at Westminster include Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Professional Communication brary. After all the preparation, there is the task of figuring out how to pay for graduate school. Some options are fellowships and assistantships which pay for your tuition while also providing a stipend in return for teach ing one or two courses. Unfortunately, the stipend for most students is right on the cusp of what you can live work as anon, said Fogo. He suggested part-tim- e other means of funding. Tim Dolan provides fellowship advising at Westminster for students interested in exploring this option. Loans are another possibility to fund graduate programs. But Fogo warns to be careful. Dont borrow so you still more than you need but dont under-borro- w have to worry about money, he said. Ultimately, finding the right financial aid options takes research. People are just not aware those resources are out there, said Davis. Fogo suggests making a visit to the Career Center an important step in the process of preparing for graduate school. More information about their services can be found online at westminstercollege.edu careercenter. "THERE ARE NO MORE "MY DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK" EXCUSES.'" Looking back, some of my favorite professors were the ones that really challenged me, said Coleman of her undergraduate experience. At the beginning of the Westminster MPC Program, new challenges surface during Colemans transition from undergraduate to coursework and expectations. graduate-lev- el Fogo described the differences between undergraduate and graduate student expectations. Students do most of the talking, he said. They do not just sit passively and take notes. You are expected to develop knowledge beyond what is presented in class. Some programs are organized like undergrad programs but are more advanced, Zarkin said of the significant role students play in graduate classes. For instance, students lead seminars in the classes. At that point, you are presumed fully to be an adult. There are no more my dog ate my homework excuses, said Fogo. (MPC). Im shocked at the level of personal attention that I receive, said Coleman. I sat down with Helen Hodgson, the director of the MPC program, to plan out what classes I should take. In many programs, you may never see the director of your graduate program. Letters of recommendation are huge, said Sofarelli of the application process. Speak to your recommend-e- r. Give them ideas to represent you well. According to the Career Resource Center, many graduate programs ask for three to five letters of recommendation. Also, the Career Center will keep a personal graduate school file for students to assist in sending out these letters to an applicants school(s) of choice. "IT'S A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT OF TIME AND MONEY." The process of applying and preparing for graduate and professional programs might seem like a daunting task. Allow the possibility that the process could take time, said Zarkin. Admittance exams, prep courses, and personal essays can be expensive as well as time the process, consuming. After recently completing SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 |