This guide has been designed so that the language is clear, concise, brief and easy to follow.

The best way to use the guide is to first read and review all of its contents, while internalizing the advice that corresponds to your year specific year in college. As you progress through each year, you will be able to answer the questions provided for your year. Answering these questions allows you to chart your progress toward each year’s objectives.

By the end of your senior year, you should have completed all of the questions in the guide and will hopefully have the pleasure of answering the final question. Let us begin the journey by investigating why graduate school should be your desired destination.

ELEMENT I:
Mastery of Self

Introduction Introduction Introduction Introduction

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Don’t Succumb to Complacency

Engage in Your Annual Personal Assessment I

Your Final Personal Assessment

Chart Your Own Course

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Engage in Your Annual Personal Assessment II

First Generation Students and Graduate School equals Tough Decisions

Surround Yourself with Supportive Individuals

Engage in Relationship Management

Do not be Afraid to Spread Your Wings

Be Proactive in Your Pursuit of Success

Continue to be Deliberate in Your Endeavors

Being a First Generation Student will Contribute to Success

Evaluate Your Family Situation

ELEMENT II:
Mastery of Your Academic Future

Strategy and Interest in Course Selection are Key

Tailor Your Course Selection to the Completion of Major Requirement

Complete Major and Minor Requirement

Research Graduate Institutions and Program

Assessment of Academic Strengths and Weaknesses

Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses is Ongoing

Build Your Own Research Agenda

Pay Attention to Applications, Deadlines, Documents and Details

Preparation for and Performance in the Classroom

Bumpy Transitions are not a Death Sentence

Excellent Letters of Recommendation are Crucial to Your Application

Cultivate Excellent Study Habits

Reinforce Excellent Study Habits

Your Statement of Purpose Must be Perfect

Study Groups May Help but They are Not for Everyone

Prepare to take the GRE

You must have a Stellar Writing Sample

Visit the Programs You Have Selected

ELEMENT III:
Mastery of the University Environment

Familiarize yourself with Key Individuals in your Department

Early Visits to Administrative Units Can Pay Dividend

Assume Leadership Positions

You have Realized the Benefits of Mastering Your Environment

Needing Counseling Services does not Mean You are a Failure

Cultivating Relationships with Professors may also Pay Dividends

Be Aware of the Tutoring Programs Offered by Your University

Become One with the Library

Take a Tour of the Library and Other Research Facilities at Your University

Get Involved in Student Organizations

Investigate other Aspects of the University Environment

Think about Studying Abroad

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