Networking

Start building a personal network of faculty, grad student instructors, staff, friends, family and employers to call upon for support. Get to know your course instructors from the first meeting.

Freshman Get to know faculty and graduate students teaching your courses. Utilize faculty office hours and ask focused questions about course content. Sophomore Expand your network. Visit faculty during office hours. Ask faculty questions about graduate school and recommended summer activities. You may wish to call upon them later for a letter of recommendation. Transfer As a transfer student you must immediately start networking if you are serious about graduate school. Make sure that faculty and GSIs know you well by visiting during office hours. Junior Visit prospective schools that you may apply to for graduate school. Start making a list of potential graduate programs that are a good fit for you. Senior Ask members of your network to review your essays and provide input. Determine whether recommenders are willing to write positive letters for you. Line up your recommenders early and submit your materials to them with ample time before the deadline.