1、Pursuing Post-bachelor Study at a Top U.S. University,Ping Wang Seigle Family Distinguished Professor & Chair of Economics Washington University in St. Louis,Washington University in St. Louis: http:/www.wustl.edu Prof. Ping Wang: pingwangartsci.wustl.edu,Outline,General admission guidelines in top
2、U.S. graduate programs Preparation and application tips Academic and personal adjustments to pursuing a post-bachelor degree in a foreign country A new academic elite member: Washington University in St. Louis Open floor,General Admission Guidelines,When: at least one week ahead of the deadline Whic
3、h: choose schools with good reputation of the specific graduate program of interest as well as of the university as a whole upward trend in faculty productivity private university (well endowed, with professors strong in both research and teaching) comfortable location (safe + reasonable cost of liv
4、ing + culture) 雖有都會盛，卻無喧嘩聲 What: admission committees pay special attention to: Adequate English proficiency (speaking/writing) Strong course/test performance Professional and informative recommendation from reputable scholars Good sense in research Sufficient knowledge in the program applied,Import
5、ant Information about Yourself,Resume: personal contact education (high school & college) exchange experience related to academics (if any) job experience (if any) academic performance (GPA, major GPA, test scores) academic publications honors and awards leadership activities (academic only) Persona
6、l Statement: your background your qualification (dont be shy about your quality, but never exaggerate) your plan for graduate study that builds on your strength and matches the specific school you are applying your post-graduation plan,Test Score needed,GRE: for general program 3 parts: Verbal, Quan
7、titative and Writing Application: China: http:/ Hong Kong: http:/ Test format changes in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korean from September, 2007GMAT: for business school Similar to GRE structure Application: http:/ Score needed,LSAT/MCAT: for law/medical schoolTOEFL: iBT since 2006 Application: htt
8、p:/www.toefl.org required for non-native English speaker Some school accept IELTS as substitute to TOEFL,Recommendation,2 or 3 letters of recommendation Referees: reputation VS recognition Provide your CV and personal statements/statement of purpose Left about 2 weeks time for referees In fact onlin
9、e submission is NOT convenient to most of the referees In case of paper recommendation, provide with envelopes and correct address labels (at least correct postal/zip code),Personal Statement,1 to 1.5 page length Explain your shortcoming shown in material, eg GPA, year of absence Elaborate the mater
10、ial to differentiate yourself with other applicants Write a specific personal statement for your favorite schools and safety schools Give information the ad-com needed to justify recommending your enrollment under any challenge,Timeline,Decision release,Deadline,GRE: paper part,TOEFL,GRE: computer p
11、art,Find referee,Prepare for GRE, Gather the document,Apr,Summer,Oct,Nov,Dec,Feb,Personal Adjustment,Language Barrier English study groups, English conversion classes Host family program Do not worried about your accent Loneliness Make friends by all kinds of means, i.e., participate in different ac
12、tivities Active VS passive attitude Contact professors instead of waiting professors to contact you Culture Differences Be more confident, not to be too modest Get out of your comfort zone Do not always stay in a small group of people with similar cultures or speaking the same language,Academic Adju
13、stment,Decide early which direction you would like to go Academic or Industry Sufficient preparation of choosing the right advisor Laboratory rotations/join professor-led study groups Talking with different professors to know their specialty The personality of the professors, the efficiency of supervision, funds raising capability Your preference Small or big research groups Independent researcher or need more guidance from your advisor Interest is the most important,
