So You Wanna Get into Grad School . . .
Graduate Schools
Unlike generic undergraduate admissions, applying to a grad school program in the life
sciences usually requires personal contact with potential advisors. This can
come before
formal application procedures are initiated. Many schools require that you have
a professor who has agreed to be your advisor. For example, read over the
info about applying to the
University of Tennessee:
http://fwf.ag.utk.edu/Academics/gradappinfo.htm
Often you are expected to declare a specific interest right away. If you are not sure what you want to study, then you may not be ready for graduate school. Spending time working can help focus your interests and provide you with valuable experience.
Hints:
1. Talk to your professors. Without their help, getting into graduate school is nearly impossible. They will put you in touch with potential programs and advisors and guide you through the process.
2. Read through the recent literature in your field. Follow-up on authors doing research that is of interest to you.
3. Take your GREs now, even if you are not interested in grad school. You will do better with the topics fresh in your mind. This is especially true for subject GREs.
4. Plan on being financially supported in grad school. Most programs offer teaching and research assistantships and waive tuition fees. Many require that you have financial support before they officially admit you. If you are expected to support yourself, look elsewhere.
Other advice can be found at:
http://www.phonydiploma.com/graduate-school-advice.aspx
The above reflects personal experiences. Don't rely on it alone!