There’s a sense of accomplishment to it, much like making it into your chosen degree, with application essays guided by sample graduate school essays. When you qualify into your favored university – armed with experience, knowledge, sample graduate school essays, and wits – it feels like you’re on top of the world. How much more if you survive through the university’s academic challenges and make it with honors? Although you probably didn’t list this down in your sample graduate school essays as one of your goals, it seems natural to become a member of honor societies.
Honor societies are not just social circles; they are celebrations of achievement. Being a member comes with a few perks:
1. Sense of achievement: Being a member of an honors society affirms your academic achievement. There is a sense of accomplishment and recognition what your expertise, as well as your hardships just to make it through university.
2. Academic and professional resources: Honor societies are made up of elite members of the academe and count several notable professionals in their league. As such, when you become a member, you immediately gain access to information about your degree and the professional paths you can take.
3. Resume booster: Apart from letting potential employers know more about you, resumes are there to impress. A note on your membership into an honors society is a surefire way to do this.
4. New network: Honor societies include those in the national network, as well as those who have moved on with their professional careers. This opens up a far bigger network of colleagues for you.
5. Publication: Honor societies are often the first resource for exemplary articles regarding the university’s different degrees. School publications turn to them for this resource, giving you the opportunity to get published.
6. Career boost: The contacts and information you gain by being a member of an honors society adds to the training and knowledge you gain from being in the university. It gives you the edge when you go after the career that you want.
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It is hard enough to qualify for the select graduate programs of the top universities in the country. You have needed ample preparation and training, sample graduate school essays, and everything else that the school required. You pass your application essay, largely based on tips culled from sample graduate school essays. You make it through and qualify for a coveted spot. But then, there is one thing all this work and sample graduate school essays did not prepare you for: politics in the academia.
Politics is everywhere. It is not just in the corporate setting, nor in political parties and organizations. Politics is also ever present in the academe. The power struggles among colleagues and co-workers remain. Alliances and antagonism foster a conflicted work setting that may not be good for the overall work environment.
Here are some ways to skirt politics in the academic setting:
1. Transparency: Politics beget hidden agendas. Hidden agendas beget fake dishonest co-workers. While these people may do their best to ruin your repute, do not join them in their deceit. Remain true to yourself and everyone else.
2. Discipline: Try your best not to give in to shallow deceitful practices. If you think people are gossiping about you, do not do the same. Discipline your tongue. Talking against people is not the best defense to the political attacks of others. If anything, it may only prove that you are like them. Refrain from talking ill about other people.
3. Flexibility: Be open to others who have differing opinion and personalities. This will not only broaden your point of view; you will also potentially encourage harmony within your work place.
4. Humility: Competition may tempt you to brag about yourself, to impress your colleagues or just to suit the ego. Whatever the case, refrain from self-promotion. Just do a great job, and people will naturally take notice.
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Graduate programs in humanities and literature are most often stringent about qualifications and requirements. For your application essay, it would be best to refer to sample graduate school essays for drafting guidance. Sample graduate school essays can give you an idea what these top humanities and literature universities are looking for in their students. At the same time, sample graduate school essays increase your chances of getting into the school and graduate degree of your choice. The competition for slots in the humanities and literature programs of these schools can be so much – you may need all the help you can get.
Here is the list of the most reputable graduate programs in Humanities and Literature:
1. Harvard University
The university offers a very diverse humanities program. Harvard’s Humanities department deals with literature of several cultures, including East Asian, Tibetan, Himalayan, Near Eastern, and of course European. It also indulges in the Classics. The humanities program deals with both literature and culture so you get education at several tiers. You likewise have degree options in comparative literature and film.
2. University of California – Berkeley
The graduate programs in humanities at the University of California, Berkeley offer a broad range of specializations. They have language programs in Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Slavic. They offer Art degrees, and contrasting degrees in History of Art and Urban Design. You can also focus on the Classics, if that’s your cup of tea.
3. Stanford University
Stanford has one of the highest-ranking academic programs worldwide. This reflects in the university’s extensive graduate programs in Fine Arts, Humanities, Languages and Literature. Stanford University’s Humanities department includes programs in Drama, History, English and Division of Literature, cultures and Languages.
4. Yale University
Yale is graduate degrees in Humanities and Literature offer a variety of programs, including those that focus on African and East Asian Studies. It likewise boasts of a mixed language and literature program, with degree courses in Slavic Languages and Literature, and Italian Languages and Literature.
5. Princeton University
Princeton University has exemplary graduate programs in humanities and literature, with the option to focus on Near Eastern studies.
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Admission into the top 5 graduate programs in social sciences can be very competitive. You may need sample graduate school essays to guide you in drafting your required graduate essay. Sample graduate school essays take into consideration the different requirements of these programs. At the same time, sample graduate school essays give you an idea what these schools are looking for in their students.
Here is a list of the top 5 Graduate Programs in Social Sciences:
1. University of California, Berkeley
The university has been consistently placing on the top five of programs in the social sciences. This goes the same for their graduate school in Social Sciences, which has continually ranked on top. When in the University of California, Berkeley, you will enjoy a culturally diverse student body.
2. Yale University
Yale University offers several graduate programs in the social sciences. Their graduate department has several ready-information on these programs, and the life a graduate student can expect in the university.
3. Stanford University
Stanford University is acclaimed as one of the best schools for graduate social science studies. They have six social science departments: Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, Economics and Communication. All these belong to the largest school body n the university, the School of Humanities and Sciences.
4. Harvard University
The social sciences belong to Harvard’s School of Arts and Sciences. The university can give non-degree status to its graduate students of social sciences. If your just need to finish your dissertation, you can qualify as a Visiting Fellow.
5. Princeton University
Princeton University boasts of a close collaborative relationship between the professor and his/ her students. The university likewise has a good environment for furthering your studies. They offer financial support to qualified students. At the same time, there are opportunities for joint and interdepartmental degrees for those who may want to expand their fields of expertise.
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The fields of science and engineering are behind some of the best innovations we enjoy and benefit from today. So for those who aim to be acclaimed scientists or expert engineers, graduate programs may offer great opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Based on the list provided by the United States’ 2008 rankings, here are the top five schools that offer the best engineering and sciences graduate programs.
Stanford University
Stanford University is said to be one of the best if you plan to take up Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs. It is also recognized as one of th best schools for Computer Science degrees. The 2006 to 2007 enrollment also featured a high number of graduate school enrollees. This only proves how competitive Stanford University is when it comes to its graduate programs.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Also known as MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is among the most reputable academic institutions when it comes to engineering courses. But aside from engineering, MIT also earned recognition for its other course offerings, especially in the field of sciences. Part of its success comes from having specialized science degrees, with renowned scientists and expert engineers as mentors.
University of California – Berkeley
University of California – Berkeley or UC Berkeley strongly supports innovation. But aside from modern technology, UC Berkeley is also known for its highly esteemed faculty. Among its greatest pride are its alumni who became part of the construction of Hoover Dam and the famous Golden Gate Bridge as well as the development of microelectronics.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Up to 3,559 graduate students were enrolled in the engineering program of Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 2007. Georgia Tech students are not only geared toward academic excellence but also toward social and physical development courtesy of sports clinics and other social organizations.
University of Illinois (Urbana – Champaign)
The University of Illinois earned recognition in 2007 as the fifth best academic institution to offer engineering graduate programs. Based on its numerous graduate programs in the field of engineering and science, Physics with a focus on Condensed Matter is ranked number one. The civil engineering graduate study is also deemed as one of the top programs of the University of Illinois. All programs made it to the top 20, with Industrial/Manufacturing at number 16.
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When you say PhD, what come to your mind are tons of paperwork, endless research hours, and rigorous work schedules. While these are true, the rewards you’ll get from having a PhD may outweigh years of graduate studies. Getting a PhD is perhaps one of the most rewarding for a true-blue academic professional. But aside from personal rewards, others pursue having a PhD also for the career boost it may serve.
Grounds for higher income and better career salary
With a PhD, you may rise to higher positions or even be considered automatically for promotion. Expect to have better career opportunities to come your way. Offers may not only come from the company you’re working for but also from other industries. By specializing in a particular field of study, your expert knowledge and skills are considered worthy investments for different workplaces. You may also explore other opportunities through consultancy services or easily shift to another field. With all these, you’ll surely enjoy a bigger paycheck as well as better employee benefits.
The rewards of learning
The learning process is in itself rewarding to those who have completed their PhD. By specializing in their field of interest, such as applied or pure science, arts, and humanities, those who earned their PhD titles are considered true-blue experts. They may conduct their own studies or spearhead a special project that centers on discoveries, proofs, and validation of a study. With higher academic title to back you up, you’ll have less trouble when it comes to funding or sponsorship. You’ll also earn the respect of your colleagues and of other people.
Traits to have
For you to earn your PhD and be a so-called expert in your field, you should possess highly desired traits such as high literacy skills, strong motivation, persistence, industry, and passion for learning.
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Pursuing higher learning can be taxing on your finances. Fortunately, there are institutions offering student loans to individuals who are strapped for cash. While this may seem like the answer to many a student’s prayers, it’s the payback that have graduating and new graduates struggling in debt. Different ways to pay back loans however, are available for review even before you sign up for one.
The deferment option
Most loans have deferment options which allow students to postpone payment for a certain time period. Look into plans and providers that give consideration to the applicants’ needs. It’s tough enough to earn just how much to cover one’s basic expenses, that paying back a student loan is another burden to shoulder.
Longer loan term
Though this option means having to pay off your loan for a longer time period, it’s relatively easy on the pocket. A longer loan term allows you to pay off a significantly smaller amount every billing period but the the whole payment is extended. However, due to this lease on your payment, some providers might charge an additional fee or higher interests. Do your computations and see if a longer loan term with interest will be beneficial for you.
Lower loan rates
The interest rate is another factor to look into. Scout for the best loans that promise the lowest interest rates. Choose a good loan term that offers low interests. Avoid loans with high interest rates , as these can leave you in debt even after you’ve paid back the initial amount that you borrowed.
Debt repayment services
Debt and credit counselors offer their services to people who have money management and debt issues. They can take care of scheduling your payments and even manage some of your finances. However, caution should be exercised when employing the services of debt repayment agencies.
Community work
Working your debts off also applies for payment of your student loans. Organizations and even schools offer this option where you could do volunteer work such as volunteering for Teach for America, Americorps, and other public service groups.
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You’ve learned the value of time in college. And just like any commodity, you’ve wished you had more of it. Now that you’re in grad school, with all its harder subjects and taxing requirements, you wish you knew where and how to pull more time for your own. Just like how one learns how to budget money, managing your time should have been one of those things you’ve mastered right out of college. However, if you’re a working professional juggling grad school and a family, here are a few pointers that can certainly help you out.
List it down
Juggling a career with grad school? You probably tend to slack off in one aspect or the other. To combat this, make separate lists of things to do. Jot down the schedules for each activity and make a calendar of events. Getting organized allows you to see things more clearly, and you have an ordered set of tasks that you just need to go through. However, if a large volume of work happens to coincide with an important paper, devise ways to accomplish both. You may start doing the paper earlier so as not to miss out on that project at work.
Learn how to rank
After listing down important events at work, in school, or even in your social life, sit down an put them in order based on importance. Check the dates of each activity and see if one coincides with another. However, don’t miss out on social activities either. Put your activities in order by prioritizing events that would have significant effects on your work or studies.
Learn to strike a balance
In connection with ranking, one must learn how to determine which events or tasks to put more effort on. Though doing excellent in all fields is exemplary, there are just some things that can make do even with just a little effort. If you’ve gauged that a certain academic paper has a greater impact on your GPA than, say, a short article in an elective class, spend more effort and time on the paper.
Have room for flexibility
Though you’ve set yourself a calendar that just about lets you do things, other items might come up. To avoid your whole month’s planned activities crashing down on you, do your work or assignment as soon as you can. Instead of scheduling to do a certain project a week before its deadline, do it immediately. Not only will you have time for sudden events, you’ll have free time that you can use up in anyway you want to.
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Regardless of the reputation of the institution you work for, being a research or teaching assistant still poses dangers of being sexually harassed. This is because of the power relations involved in holding a job as a subordinate of a professor or lecturer. There are lots of gray areas on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, so to help you steer clear of situations that could potentially lead to sexual harassment, here are a few tips:
Be conscious of both the professor’s actions and yours
A common argument that perpetrators make when faced with accusations of sexual crimes is that the woman or the complainant was allegedly “asking for it” or “showing she wanted it, too.” This part can get a bit tricky, as confirmation or rebuttal of such claims relies on subjective interpretation. Avoid making sex jokes and sharing intimate information. Not only can this be interpreted wrongly, it’s also unprofessional to do so. If your professor does something, anything, that can be remotely considered sensual or sexual and makes you uncomfortable, speak up.
Discomfort and uneasiness are not just the telling signs of sexual harassment. If your professor coerces you in any way to engage in intimate activities, that is considered sexual harassment. This can come in the form of threats on your job (“I guess I can always hire another TA if you’re not comfortable…”) or more direct blackmail. Also, sexual harassment need not involve physical acts. Verbal sexual harassment is also common in the workplace. Use of lewd and obscene language when talking or referring to you is sexual harassment. The same is true with spreading rumors of sexual nature about you to the extent that it affects your professional relationship with your boss and colleagues.
Know the specific tasks the job involves and be prepared
As with any other job, you should do research and inform yourself on the benefits and risks before applying for the post of teaching assistant. Working for a respectable and renowned institution and professor doesn’t ensure your safety from being sexually harassed. Holding a job as a teaching or research assistant entails working closely with an academic superior, and this may mean late nights grading exams, doing student evaluations, and sharing opinions – instances which may inadvertently lead to precarious and awkward situations.
Knowing in detail the tasks involved in your job will help you draw lines between professional and personal favors. This way, you can say no if your boss asks a personal favor from you that makes you uncomfortable. Universities and colleges have different academic cultures, so make sure you look into the institution’s procedures and regulations on professor-teaching assistant relations before you apply.
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Most colleges and universities require students to finish an internship in able to graduate. But aside from it being a mere graduation requirement, a college internship can also help you gain an edge when applying for grad school. This is because admissions committees of grad schools look for demonstrated skills and interest in the field or major that the student is applying for. Below are more reasons a college internship is beneficial to those planning to pursue graduate studies:
An internship proves your concrete interest in the field
Having a college internship shows that you’re passionate enough about the field of study because you sought out a way to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained in college. Going that extra mile to apply and practice your knowledge on that specific academic discipline not only shows your genuine interest in it, but also that you’re goal-oriented and focused enough to pursue an internship in that field.
A completed internship shows determination and high level of responsibility
Aside from genuine interest and focus, having completed a college internship also shows that you know how to set priorities and stick to them. Anyone can easily quit halfway through an internship once the duties involved therein and work load at school become too hard to juggle. By successfully completing an internship, you send a message to admissions committees that you have the determination and time management skills to get through grad school and persevere to get that higher educational degree.
An internship doubles as a relevant work experience in your resume
A college internship also enhances your resume in that you’re automatically granted with a relevant work experience to include in your resume. Most grad school admissions committees favor applicants who have demonstrated the skills needed to survive in the cutthroat world of professional field practice. Having that internship as a work experience in your resume and grad school application shows that you’ve tackled real world situations and trials in applying the knowledge you gained in college.
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