Notes from Professor Kirby:

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Some quick notes from the Monday meeting:

1. technical degrees (e.g. M.Eng) have more coursework and usually a project.  They are good for getting jobs and usually pay off in terms of long-term earning potential.  They are often suitable for coupling with MBA programs or the like.

2. research degrees (e.g. PhD) are focused on research.  They are required for research jobs.  Whether they pay off in terms of money is unclear (they delay entering the workplace for 4-5 years), but they enable a certain type of career.

3. your UG advisor is your best source to help you understand (a) how grad school can shape your career (b) what schools and programs you are likely to be admitted do and (c) how the process works.  If you bring your resume to your advisor, he/she should be able to give you a reality check re what your options are.

4. applications are typically due some time between nov 15 and jan 15, so start thinking about this now.  You will need a transcript, GREs, a statement of purpose and usually 3 recommendations.  These things cannot be put together in a day or a weekend.  The biggest mistake students make is that they do a shoddy job on their applications.

5. Application usually costs $100 or so per school–make your UG advisor help you pick which applications are worth the money.

6. many people are interested in grad school, many are not.  Grad school is neither good nor bad.  It is enabling for many people and many career paths.  It is unpleasant and a waste of time for others.  Your UG advisor should be your best resource to help you determine the difference between the two for you.  In fact, of all the things you want to know about (classes, jobs, registration, grad school, etc) THIS is the topic in which your UG advisor knows more than your friends and more than Nanette and more than Emily.  Use your advisor!

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