2020 Graduate & Professional School Fair

Tuesday, October27th

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

 

NOT SURE WHAT TO DO?

Dress nicely. First impressions matter, even virtually.

Come prepared. You’ll get much more out of your conversations with school representatives if you’ve taken the time beforehand to inform yourself a bit about the schools that most interest you.

Introduce yourself in a friendly manner.  

Ask lots of questions.  Remember, that’s why the representatives are here!  They want to answer your questions, both general questions about graduate or professional school study and specific questions about their respective school, its strengths, and your options.

NOT SURE WHAT TO ASK?  CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS:

About the Admission process:

·   What is the selection process? What is the makeup of the admissions committee?

° Is selection made by the faculty of the specific department to which you are applying?

° Is selection made by a single faculty member or a committee?

° If selection is made by a faculty member, is the selection based on the faculty

members ’desire to become the applicant’s graduate supervisor?

• How much weight does your school/program assign to the different parts of the application     packet—a student’s GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, GRE (or other) test scores, research experience, etc.?

• What other factors are considered when a student is evaluated for admittance?

• What does your institution especially like to see in a prospective student?

• What is the best thing I can do to offset a weakness in my application packet?

• Do you interview students in person before making a decision about acceptance?

About funding and financial aid:

• What opportunities are available for financial aid?

• Do you offer assistantships or fellowships?  How can I apply for them?

About students at the school:

• Where do most of your students come from? What schools/states?

• What kind of academic background do they typically have?  (ask only if you’re referring to a

particular program—not the entire student body)

• If I visit your school, will there be opportunities available for me to meet with current graduate

students?

• Where do most students live?  Is on-campus housing available for graduate students?

What if they ask YOU a question?

Be prepared to talk about your plans—if you know what they are. What kinds of programs are you interested in? Why do you interested in their program?

If you are undecided and just inquiring, that’s okay! Just tell them that. What better way to learn than by talking with people involved in the process?

Be sure to thank the representatives!  Remember that while they’re representing their schools, you’re representing Elon University, and your good impression will not only make you look better, it will also encourage their participation in future fairs!