On October 30th, I attended a Howard University Graduate School Application Workshop, during which I learned all of the in's and out's of preparing for and completing a grad school application. We focused on 11 topics, including:
Picking Graduate Programs
Engagement/ Reaching Out
Funding Opportunities
Personal Statement
GRE
Letter of Recommendations
Cover Letter/ Resume
Autobiographical Sketch
Official Transcripts
Writing Sample
Gap Year
The most helpful topics for me to learn about were personal statements, GRE, and gap year. From what was spoken about relating to personal statements, I learned that I should aim for 6-7 drafts, that highlight my "aha moments" for grad school interest and what I have to offer. I should also direct two paragraphs at the end toward the researchers with which I am interested in working. I now know that before I wright my personal statement, I need to focus in on my research interest(s). After the talk, I looked more into the GRE, and its requirements for Psychology graduates. Now, I have planned, generally, where and when I will take it, as well as how I can begin to prepare myself. Before this workshop, I had 0 intention of taking a gap year, but the panelists were able to put the magnitude of Ph.D. programs into perspective for me. I now am considering masters programs, working, and gap years.
Though I already had a sense of what I needed to do in terms of planning, reaching out, funding, transcripts, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and my resume, it was helpful for them to lay out exactly what will be expected of me from a more versed point of view.
After attending this workshop, I will be sure to attend as many more graduate school related informational panels as possible throughout my next six semesters here at Howard University. I am more excited than ever for whatever Ph.D. program I end up at, and the journey it will take to get there.
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