Relax and unwind before the semester begins

Before your first year of graduate school begins you should try and take some time to relax and enjoy the summer. This will be the last summer you fully have to yourself for a while so make the most of it! I was advised by friends who are currently enrolled in the Occupational Therapy and Communication Disorders Masters Programs at Stockton to fully enjoy this summer, boy oh boy were they right! You want to go into your first semester of graduate school refreshed, relaxed, and ready to go! 

I would recommend to take a summer vacation if you can, it doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy. For example, last week my family and I went to North Carolina for a week. My week consisted of relaxing on the beach and by the pool, spending time with my family, being adventurous by taking my sister parasailing for her birthday, and overall it was a carefree/stress free week with the people who matter most in my life!! This was exactly what I needed before coming back to reality to officially start working as a Graduate Assistant and begin classes!

-Jessica

How to Finance Your Graduate Education

Congratulations, you have officially been accepted into Graduate School and are on your way to the next chapter in your life! Now you are probably thinking to yourself, how the heck am I going to afford this? Have no fear, there are many ways to help reduce the cost of Graduate School and help with payments!

Ways to cut the cost of Graduate School

• Graduate Assistant Positions- Every college/university is different however, a Graduate Assistant usually is a person who serves in a support role (assistantship) while completing post-graduate education.  The individual typically assists professors with instructional responsibilities as teaching assistants, obtain academic research responsibilities as research assistants, aids coaches with an athletic team, or is employed by other university departments (such as housing, academic advising, or other offices) in an entry-level capacity. Rather than receive an hourly wage a Graduate Assistant may work hours that will go towards paying their tuition, receive a stipend, a reduction on tuition, or a reduction/free housing.  It is important to note each school and each program are different. A Graduate Assistantship is also a great resume booster and networking tool for a student. Here is how to apply for a Graduate Assistant Position at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, http://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/page.cfm?siteID=73&pageID=273.

• Scholarships/Grants/Fellowships- Do your research and look for scholarships and different grant programs that you may be eligible for.                                                                                                                                     
• Stockton offers Foundation Scholarships- The scholarship program, made possible by both College funding and private donations to the Stockton College Foundation, provides awards to outstanding freshmen, upperclassmen and graduate students. Awards to upperclassmen and graduate students are determined by a presidential-appointed Scholarship Selection Committee. This Committee includes representatives of the faculty, administration, and Board of Directors of the Stockton College Foundation. Students may apply to the Scholarship Program on an annual basis. Successful applicants exhibit high academic achievement as well as leadership and service to the College and community. Award recipients maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and are fully matriculated students. To apply for scholarships, please fill out the General Scholarship Application found by visiting the College Foundation. 

Ways to Pay for Graduate School

• Out of pocket/payment plans- this is an option for people who can afford to either pay the whole payment for each semester, or pay in monthly increments.

•  State/Federal Loans- When you fill out your FAFSA it is important to be 100% honest! At the Graduate level you will fill out your FAFSA with YOUR INFORMATION, this will help to greatly increase the aid you receive. www.fafsa.ed.gov

• Private Loans- Private Loans sometimes have lower interest rates then State/federal. However, you usually need a cosigner for a private loan and should do your homework first.

Last but not least…….

Ways to stay on a budget while in Graduate School 

1.    Bring your lunch/dinner/snacks instead of buying them at school.
2.    Stay at school and do your homework instead of driving home excess amounts. (You will save gas this way, which means more money in your pocket).
3. Go to Stockton’s gym instead of paying for a membership somewhere, (ITS FREE)!
4. Rent your books from the bookstore/online and be sure to shop around for deals. 
5.   Have nights in with your friends instead of going out all the time.
6. Plan ahead for big events/expenses.
7. Only use your credit cards for EMERGENCIES or school needs! Ask yourself how much you really need something.
8. Start your Christmas shopping EARLY and look for deals (this may be the first time ever I go black Friday shopping). 
9. Be sure to go out and enjoy yourself every once in a while (you are definitely going to need the break), just be mindful of your spending! Staying on a budget for 2-3 years is a small price to pay when you look at the long term rewards!

                                                                                                                                    -Jessica

Tips on Applying to Graduate School

Before you even begin……

1.      Take a Deep Breath

2.      Remember how much you want this

3.      Make sure you stay organized

4.      Keep a Sweet treat in the kitchen for those stressful days

5.      Find something to distract you from the stress/nerves like: a TV show, the gym, hanging with friends, anything you like and do this at least once a week!!!

6.      Remember you can do anything you put your mind to and keep focused on the goal =)

To start….

1.      Look into the schools you want to apply to and make a word document with their deadlines, admissions requirements, and address! This will help you in the long run. Organization is your best friend! Don’t be afraid to apply to schools far away or a lot of schools. (How competitive your program is will be a deciding factor on how many schools you apply to).

2.      Research if you are required to take the GRE’s, MAT, or GMAT for your program. Register for your test early, and remember not everyone is a great standardized test taker (I personally stink). Go in with an open mind the first time and try your best. Treat yourself to drinks, ice cream, or a nice dinner after!

-Tip for the GRE’s: if you know where you want to apply send your scores the day you take your test. You will save yourself $100 because you can send them to four schools. Each time you send your scores it $25.

3.      Ask your recommenders if they will write your letters of recommendation early, you want to give them plenty of time! Make them a folder with your resume, description of what you want to go to grad school for, un-official transcripts, the schools and their deadlines you are applying to, along with envelopes with an address and stamp for the school. This makes their lives easier, which ultimately makes yours easier. Less hassle for them means the better your letter could be, the quicker they could send it out, and the more appreciative that person is of your organization.

4.      Start writing your resume and personal statements! Bring these to the career center to get looked at. Christy Cunningham is AMAZING at Stockton!! Go early though, September-October would be great! Each school is different and will require different essays. Also be on the lookout for two essays for some schools

Tips:           -The hardest thing to do is write about yourself, don’t get discouraged!

- Make your personal statement unique and different!

- Add meaningful experiences, research topics that interest you, and things that make you a unique candidate. Schools want to see what you can bring to their program.

- You have to think like this; if there are 300 applicants applying for 30 spots, why should they pick you?

5.      For very competitive programs like Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy start the process early!! Some schools use general applications such as CSDCAS, OTCAS, and PTCAS. Start these applications very early on. In addition, when you are submitting them I would recommend to do so at least two months before your deadline. It can take some time for your application to be verified from them and sent to your school.

Final Advice

-          Stay organized

-          Submit your best work, proofread everything AT LEAST twice. Then have someone else proofread it!

-          Take your time, do not rush through the application process.

-          Go see the schools you’re applying to! A school can look pretty and sound great online however, seeing it first-hand and speaking with faculty can completely change your mind!

-          Apply to a random school down south or out west, do not be afraid to take a chance.

-          Remember you can do this, this is step one to your dream career!

 I hope you find this information helpful =)

-Jessica