Preparing for Graduate School

Why would I go to graduate school?

A career in research (basic or applied) is the goal of most people who seek advanced degrees in the sciences.

A doctoral degree (PhD) qualifies you to lead a research team, either in an academic, industry or government setting. Academic positions also involve teaching (less at a major research institution, much more at an undergraduate college like North Central) and mentoring of graduate students, undergraduates and/or post-doctoral students in research.

A master's degree (MS) is usually not sufficient if you want to be in charge of the research but can get you more responsibility and a higher salary in a government or industry position.

How do I prepare for a research career?

A master's degree typically requires two to three years of study and research after you graduate from North Central. How long it takes to get a PhD depends on your program and how well your research goes (!), but plan on 4-6 years. Most PhD programs in science do not require you to earn a master's degree first, and most will pay you (as a teaching and/or research assistant) to go to school!

Many research positions, especially at universities and colleges, also require 2-4 years of additional research experience as a "post-doc"--a paid, semi-independent PhD researcher working with a more experienced mentor.

How do I get into graduate school?

Graduate schools are very selective about admissions, and of course the best programs are the most selective. Each school and even each program sets its own specific entrance requirements, so make a list of schools you're interested in and look up the details for each one. However, there are six important elements for any graduate school application:

Grades. A strong GPA will make a favorable first impression. A student with a GPA less than 3.0 is unlikely to be accepted to a PhD program.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are also very important in the initial screening process. The general exam (mathematics, verbal and analytical writing sections) is required for almost all graduate programs. The math and verbal sections are similar to the SAT. Subject tests (in Biology, Biochemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry or Physics) are required for some graduate programs.
Courses you have taken should show that you're well-prepared in your area.
Application and Recommendations. Each school will have its own application form; many applications can be completed online. Most will ask for an essay describing your interests and goals. Applications are usually due in January, but admissions committees often start considering them long before the deadline, so get yours in before Christmas break if you can. Strong letters of recommendation are very important, especially letters from anyone you've worked with on a research project.
Experience is essential! Most graduate programs will not accept you if you have no research experience, so plan on doing summer research at least once and keep going if you can. If you're not certain that graduate school is for you, a year of experience as a research technician--especially in a university research laboratory--after graduation can help you decide.
Interviews usually happen in February or March. If a school likes you, they will pay to bring you out for a visit that is a combination of interviewing and recruiting. You'll meet with the faculty in your department, and they'll ask you about your research experience and give you a chance to learn about their research. They will be watching for you to show your interest and ability by asking intelligent questions about their work!

What should I major in?

Choose a major that is appropriate for the specific field of graduate study you're interested in. If you're a biology major, choose the BS degree. The table below lists some graduate programs that you could get into with a science degree from NCC:

NCC Major	Graduate Programs
Biology	Anatomy, Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Biostructure, Botany, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Conservation Biology, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Biology, Epidemiology, Evolution, Fisheries, Forestry, Genetics, Genomics, Immunology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Nutritional Sciences, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Public Health, Soil Science, Virology, Zoology
Biochemistry	Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biostructure, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Developmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Genetics, Immunology, Medical Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Nutritional Sciences, Pharmacology, Physiology, Toxicology
Chemistry	Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Geology, Medical Chemistry, Oceanography, Pharmacology, Soil Science, Toxicology
Physics	Aeronautics, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Engineering, Geology, Oceanography, Medical Physics, Physics, Soil Science

What courses should I take?

A BS in Biology or a BS or BA in Biochemistry will provide excellent preparation for a graduate program in the life sciences. Once you decide on a specific field, you will need to learn about specific requirements for programs in that area and customize your program to meet them. Your academic advisor or other faculty members in your area can help you decide what courses would help you most.

What resources does North Central have to help me?

Spend some time talking to those faculty members whose interests most closely match your own. They have been through the whole graduate school process and can help you identify schools with good programs in your area, prepare an application or get additional experience. You may also want to look at the "Ask an Expert" Web page to find NCC graduates who are in graduate school or in research careers.

Where can I get more information?

Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor as you plan your research career!

The GRE
Suggestions on writing a personal statement
AAAS profiles of graduate programs
Search for graduate schools by program, name, location, etc.
CUR Registry: get info from grad schools seeking students with research experience

Career info:

Career resources: