If there is even a small possibility that you might be interested in graduate or professional school, these tips may be helpful:
- Keep your grades up: The average minimum admission to most graduate and professional schools is 3.0
- Don’t take too many classes per term. Focus on doing well in fewer classes.
- Find out about getting tutoring in classes where you are not necessarily doing badly but would benefit from support.
- Consider retaking classes in which you earned a D or F if you are prepared to put in all the effort required to earn an A or B.
- Look at study techniques and time management skills.
- Ask for help from professors, tutorial centers.
- Choose classes you really like.
- Evaluate non-academic reasons that prevent maintaining a high G.P.A. and determine what steps you can take in your personal life to remedy those (working fewer hours, improving study environment, assistance with relationship issues, etc).
- Consider the costs/benefits of graduating later than planned to raise your G.P.A. to a high level.
- Sharpen your writing skills: It is important to build your vocabulary and know how to articulate concisely.
- Get Practical Experience
- Many majors at Defiance College require a Senior Capstone Project so take advantage of this opportunity to conduct research
- Approach a professor you took a class with and ask if you can assist with a research project s/he is working on. Perhaps you can earn academic credits in your department and have it listed on your transcript
- Look on the web for paid summer research opportunities
- Ask advisors about research opportunities
- See if there is an internship coordinator at your department.
- Ask department staff about potential internships
- Ask professors and other students about potential internships
- See if Career Development lists internships in your field.
- Set aside money for the process: tests and application costs
- Network: with professors, administrators, professionals, and friends about your area of interest.
Graduate School Timetable  |
