The New Academic Checklist You Need

I have gotten a lot of questions regarding my educational career and what "path" I took to "get where I am today." I love getting these questions but can only give generalized advice for what I know has worked for myself and some of my peers.

I also want to point out first and foremost that I'm not a licensed career coach or advisor, not to mention what my career path looks like is a) not what I pictured for myself at all and b) will differ from yours just because we are different people!

​Considering pursuing an undergraduate university degree or taking it a step further and doing graduate school? Here and some IMPORTANT things you should know before, during, and after applying!

Let's just talk real quick...

I don't know about you guys, but when I was little I saw tons of movies that depicted university in a certain light: heavy courseloads, out-of-control parties, lots of making out with hot strangers. In my family, when we talked about university, it was emphasized just how big of a huge commitment it was and what sort of high expectations were attached to it.

"It will be extremely demanding but a rewarding experience," I once remember my Abuelo telling me when I was at the breakfast table with him one morning. He was discussing my wanting a PhD... at the age of seven. 

Back in the day the line was that if you went to university you were guaranteed a job in that field by the end of your four years. Us millenials know that it doesn't do that at all, but it does sometimes act as a stepping stone in an increasingly competitive job market.

If you enjoy the intellectual challenge, can see yourself dedicating multiple years of your life to a certain field/topic, and aspire to publish/teach/research then this may be a wonderful opportunity for you! If not... then there is no shame in skipping out on university. It is not for everyone, and that's okay!

ASk yourself these questions Before applying:

1. Do you have somewhat of an understanding of what kind of job you hope to maintain afterward? Having a career path in mind helps you not waste time (and money) while in university. (Many people find out/narrow down their career path while in college so don't worry!)​
2. Are you prepared for the rigors of university financially and emotionally? It's hard. Really hard. Can you afford it? Are you in a good headspace to enter that world/have support to help you? 

Your time at university can help you develop the expertise and connections required to kick-start a career, move up a level, or enter a new field. But make sure to consider all your options before applying for a university: what actually matters to you? What are you interests? What would your ideal employment prospects/earning potential be?

What to look for in the university hunt

As you begin to research universities and their programs, one thing that helped me keep track of everything was a spreadsheet! I would gather all of the information I needed there (including program specialities, professor contact details, requirements, and deadlines). Here were some things I looked out for:

• Cost and availability of financial aid. There's no way around it- pursuing a university degree is expensive, but tuition and other costs can vary substantially from program to program. For example, I absolutely loved the University of Miami (it was my first choice when I first started looking around) but the high cost even with scholarships made it so I had to be realistic about what I could afford. I knew that it would take me a really long time to pay back the loans so I scratched it off my list. The university I ended up going to was more financially feasible and I liked a few more things about it!
• Location. Where your school is located at is super important, especially since you'll probably be living there for a few years. Hate the big city? Probably don't go to a university in one. Don't like quite town suburbia? Maybe go to another school that isn't there. If possible, try to visit the university to see if you like it and the surrounding area.
• Course structure. First, if you are looking for a specific degree - does this school offer it? If so, does it focus more on theory or research? Determining what specific approach a program takes to your field of study and if you like that is key on whether you will succeed here or not. 
• Faculty. This can’t be stressed enough because you will be working with these academics (probably quite closely) for a few years. Researching the faculty in the department you are interested in could help you figure out whether a university is right for you.
• Facilities. Depending on your research project and discipline, you might need to have access to a specific piece of technology or special library collections. Does a school have access to these? Or is it possible to get access to these? Researching the facilities (specialized or general) a university has may help you decide whether to pick school X over school Y and school Z. 

You've picked a school and are ready to apply - now what?

​You've narrowed down what school you see yourself at for the next few years... now what do you do? Whether you're in high school applying for an undergraduate university or someone with a bachelor's degree applying for graduate school, you want to make sure you have a few things handy.

• Visit. I strongly suggest that if it is possible (finance- and time-wise) that you should visit the university before applying/committing. (I think I visited 3-4 times myself for my undergraduate, kind of winged it for my Master's, and visited the university for my PhD before applying) 
• Start early. The application process for universities can be lengthy, so make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to gather all the materials you need before any deadlines and avoid a last-minute rush.
• Make sure you have met all the requirements! Make sure to fill out the application form completely. Apply for fellowships and other financial aid sources. Be sure to proofread and be sure to contact the program coordinator to make sure you have met all the requirements.
• Ask your professors/teachers for a letter of recommendation. Ask this early in the applications process so they have as much time as needed to prepare the letter. I asked my year 10 Advanced Placement biology teacher for a recommendation since I believe she saw how passionate I was about pursuing a career as a marine biologist. When she agreed to give me a letter, I provided: 

1. a copy of my transcripts
2. a copy of my resume
3. a copy of my personal statement (why I wanted to go to the university and how I think I could benefit/contribute)
4. examples of when I did very good in her class (i.e. how I scored consistent A's in her exams or when I did a 45 minute presentation on sharks that was only supposed to be 5 minutes but people were so enthralled they kept asking questions)
5. the name of the person the letter needed to be addressed to
6. a pre-stamped envelope with the address of the school already written

          She joked, "You should get into the university just for your organization alone." 

• Have a well-written personal statement. Some schools require specific information to be included, so make sure your essay or proposal covers all of that. And don't use one personal statement for all applications- tailor to each each graduate program. How do you see yourself benefiting from attending their school and why? How would you make a strong contribution to their program? 
• Contact the professors you would like to work with ahead of time. For graduate school, you sometimes need to have talked to professors ahead of time before applying to work under/with them. This can either be done by e-mail or phone call! Make sure you have read up on their academic background and read some of their work so that you can reference it (who knows, it might help inspire you come up with a project). During this meet up you should discuss your aspirations and goals.
• Prepare your resume/CV. Some programs do require you to submit a resume or curriculum vitae. Either create one or update yours.
• Request your official transcripts from your school. Do this as early as possible!
• Gather everything necessary and mail them in! Make sure to do this before the deadline and check with the school after a few weeks to see if they have received your application and all other materials​.

Some tips for your written works

• Tell your story - show off your uniqueness and passion
• Be clear, concise, and compelling
• Cite specific examples (e.g. accolades, awards, interests, etc.)
• Demonstrate your familiarity with the university's specific program and why it's a good match for you​
• Remember your audience: who is going to read this?
  

A few more things...

• Have you taken all the tests? Some schools with ask for standardized test grades (such as ACT, SAT, HSC, and more...). Graduate schools may also ask for GRE or GRE subject area tests. Go to your local library or hop on the internet to get access to some practice materials for these exams so you aren't blindsided when you need to do these. Take these tests well before the application deadlines so you can re-take them if necessary. Once you are happy with your score, send it to your chosen university and make sure that it is received.
  
• Prepare yourself for an interview. Some universities ask for an in-person or video interview to see if you are the best candidate. Look up standard questions asked in these scenarios and practice with friends and family. Don't forget to dress professionally the day of AND BREATHE!

Did You make it? Congratulations!

remember, once you're there...

• Be proactive – take responsibility for your own university experience(s)! Think about what you really want from university and identify opportunities to attain those goals. Create a schedule/plan where you track your specific program requirements (e.g., courses taken, comprehensives, research, thesis, etc.) and follow it. Build on skills you know that will help you in the workforce: organization, research writing, adaptability, budgeting, coding, etc. Take workshops on everything you can, such as how to write a grant proposal.
• Don’t wait for things to happen! Take the initiative to find the faculty members within your department and build relationships with them. Schedule meetings with your supervisor and have a purpose for each one (i.e. agenda). Try to collaborate with faculty and peers- both within your department and maybe out of it, too. Apply for fellowships, scholarships and research grants!
• Participate in the intellectual community that you are now a part of. You don't have to just attend seminars and lectures within your department, go beyond your program and see what is out there! And don't forget to present at conferences and seminars. 
• Think about the “next stage” —develop a professional development plan with career planning advisors within your school (or maybe out of it). And while you are thinking about the future, don't forget to live fully in the present. Seek balance and support in your life. Remember that you should have friends outside of graduate school - it helps get you out of that "academic bubble." 

Know your program requirements and timelines

They usually look something like this...

​Masters Students

• Coursework
• Comprehensive or qualifying exams
• Research thesis or major project 
• Public presentation and/or defense of thesis or project

Doctoral Students

• Coursework
• Creating Supervisory committee
• Research proposal approval
• Comprehensive exam 
• Dissertation completion and defense

I hope this little guide helps you get started! as always, do your own research for your unique situation. buena suerte, amigxs!