A College Students Guide to Applying to Grad School

A College Student's Guide to Applying to Grad School For some college students, the eventual completion of their four-year degree signifies not a sigh of relief or an entry-level position with a company, but instead more school! For these individuals, applying to an advanced degree program contains its own unique set of challenges and expectations. If you are one of these students, here are three tips to help you along your path to graduate school. 1. Examine your decision to attend graduate school then examine it again Pursuing a graduate degree upon completion of your Bachelors is not an inherently poor choice. It is, however, a decision that can prompt a surprising number of negative reactions from family, friends, and professors. While the majority of these responses will ultimately be of little consequence to you, two are valid. First, does your intended field of study prefer its applicants to possess real world experience? Certain programs, such as business management and creative writing, feel professional expertise and time outside the college bubble can deepen the impact and success of their curricula. In some instances, this is a suggestionin others, a requirement. Second, are you prepared to devote an additional two to seven years to academia? Both a Masters and a Doctorate degree require intense devotion to a given subject. Do you have the necessary drive and focus immediately following four years of college? Or would a gap year do you well? You may also want to take a look at this information to determine if grad school is the right option for you. 2. Develop a schedule that balances your various graduate and undergraduate commitments If you are still confident in your decision to attend graduate school, congratulations! Young graduate students often lend enthusiasm and a uniqueness of perspective to their programs. Note, however, that the application process can be grueling. Organization and time management are imperative for success. Here are the best classes for grad school admissionsthat you may want to take a look at as well. Typically, graduate school applications are due late in the fall semester or at the start of the spring semester. If possible, schedule difficult undergraduate classes in the latter half of the yearor, if you decide upon graduate school as a junior, complete them then. Designate one or two days per week to create and polish your personal statement, resume, etc. Adhere to this arrangement. A graduate school is unlikely to accept you if your grades plummet as a result of your application preparation, so give equal focus to your undergraduate commitments to avoid this predicament. These are some great tips on how to write an application essay for grad school. 3. Establish and abide by important wellness measures It is very likely that your senior year of college will be a stressful one. For the majority of prospective graduate students, this potential reality is well worth weathering. Walking at graduation can be especially meaningful with an acceptance letter in hand, as well as the comfort of a clear future. To minimize the effects of stress, eat well and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Do not allow yourself to work late into the night on an application or assignmentthe quality of your effort is liable to be poor, as a result. Instead, arrange meals with friends. Socializing is excellent for your state of mind. Reserve weekends or other periods of time for recreation you enjoy. See a film or sporting event, or visit a new city. And exercise often. Physical exertion sharpens your senses and relieves tension. Best of luck with your applications!

What Is the AP Capstone Program

What Is the AP Capstone Program For years, high schools across the globe have offered Advanced Placement (or AP) courses that allow students to engage with college-level curricula and potentially earn college credit. However, AP Capstoneis a new diploma program that supplements these courses and focuses on scholarly research and teamwork. Implemented by the College Board in the fall of 2014, the program is currently available in a handful of schools, with an eye toward expanding into others. It consists of three components: AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP classes. 1. AP Seminar AP Seminar is a foundational course, which means that it is often a student's first experience in the AP Capstone program. Students typically take this class during their sophomore or junior year of high school. AP Seminar asks enrolled students to investigate multiple issues from a variety of viewpoints. During this course, students' writing abilities are developed in an environment that emphasizes scholarly discussion and evidence-based arguments. Its three primary assignments are: 1.) a team project and presentation, 2.) an individually written essay and presentation, and 3.) a written exam. The investigation of real-world issues is strongly encouraged. 2. AP Research The AP Research component, which is typically taken during junior or senior year as the second part of the AP Capstone program, is an opportunity for students to conduct a year-long research project. Over the course of this year, students will develop independent research skills that can assist them in their undergraduate careers. These are some tips on how to choose your AP Capstone project. The AP Research class culminates in a scholarly academic thesis, with the central topic selected by the student. During the year, students work with a mentor to research and write their thesispaper. This paper is approximately 4,000-5,000 words in length. Here are 3 thesis stuggles and how to overcome them.Students must also complete a public presentation, performance, or exhibition that relates to the paper, as well as an oral defense. 3. Four AP courses In addition to completing AP Seminar and AP Research, students in this program must choose and complete four other AP classes. They can be taken during any high school semester or year, and they are flexible in regard to individual interest. (In other words, one student may take four completely different courses than another student in the AP Capstone program.) These are a few tips on when you should start taking AP classes. If students wish to receive the AP Capstone diploma, they must earn a score of 3 or higher on the exams for these four classes. They must also earn a 3 or better in AP Seminar and AP Research. Here are 3 common mistakes to avoid on AP exams. Students who receive scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research alone will earn an AP Seminar and Research Certificate. The AP Capstone program is currently supported by dozens of colleges and universities in Canada and the United States. With AP Capstone, students can prepare for higher education in a rigorous and interdisciplinary environment. They can also enter college with increased knowledge and experience in teamwork, communication, writing, studying, and research. If you are interested in the AP Capstone program, speak to your guidance counselor about its availability at your school.