Below are some general bits of information about graduate school. If you're just starting to think about it, are unsure of the process, or just want to read some thoughts on it, have a read.
intelligence, independence/confidence, commitment, literacy/numeracy, time management/organizational skills, curiosity, enthusiasm, passion, ability to think, diligence, and motivation
These traits were summarized from a survey of graduate supervisors at the University of Otago (there are also pitfalls identified and it wouldn’t hurt to see those either).
Other characteristics I think are important include:
ability to write and communicate verbally, ability to think on your feet and problem solve creatively (especially if you’re doing field work), ability to set and focus on a goal, and the ability to “play well with others.” Science is very collaborative and being able to communicate with others, assist where needed, play your role, and keep a positive attitude is essential.
Okay, so you really want to go to grad school, you have a notion of what you’d like to work on, and you’re sure you are committed??
(TL;DR It’s more involved than submitting the online application form; this section was adapted from Dr. Allison Pfeiffer's similar page)
If you have a handle on this part and are interested in working in our lab, skip to the part on the previous page specific to what I ask of prospective students.
Summer-Early Fall (1 year before you plan to start Grad School):
Do your homework!
Soul search and consider your desired field of interest (a certain location? a particular set of tools you're interested in? a species you want to work on?)
Ask professors and/or grad students for advice and suggestions for potential advisors
Research potential advisors, look at their websites, read their papers, consider contacting their current students
Fall (or earlier):
Contact potential advisors. You should send emails to potential advisors asking if they're planning to take students, identifying your research interests, and asking what work they would be interested in having a student work on.*
Email advice:
Keep it succinct, clear, and to the point (<500 words*)
Proof read!
Attach your CV (similar to a resume--lots of online resources for making a good one) and a significant piece of writing (thesis , paper, op-ed to the newspaper) for which you were the lead author
Make it clear that you know what their research is about and how your interests align
Let them know if you were referred by one of their colleagues
Ask brief, pertinent questions: Are you taking students starting Fall 20XX? Do you have funding to continue your work on XXX? Would you be willing to discuss potential projects with me via Zoom or phone?
The potential advisor may not respond quickly or at all. They may say they lack funding or the time for new students. They may tell you that you're not the kind of student they're interested in (perhaps they need someone who does hydrodynamic modeling for their current project, but you're more of a GIS person). These are all normal responses. Don't take them personally.
If they respond and are potentially interested in having you as a student, ask to Zoom or have a phone call with them. If you're close enough, you can set up a meeting.
*See previous page about what I like to see in an initial email
Winter:
Write, submit applications, wait!
Applications for graduate school are similar to undergraduate applications (personal statement, transcripts, reference letters, etc.), although a good application will outline a vision for a research project with a particular faculty mentor.
By this point, you should have had several conversations with potential mentors and should think hard about what research is of interest to you and who you have a rapport with. Ask current students if the work you want to do seems like a good fit, if they're making good progress, and what the strengths and weaknesses of the potential advisor are—we all have them, and sometimes knowing what you’re getting into can help you decide if you want to pursue an opportunity or not.
While you await your acceptance letter, know that there are many reasons faculty members can’t take students, even ones they’ve communicated with extensively. First and foremost is funding. Professors often start talking to potential students in the proposal submission or review phase; if the proposal is not funded, your lack of acceptance has little to do with how well you measured up, but rather we just simply can’t pay for your program. In the sciences, you are likely to have some financial support either through a teaching assistantship (TA) or research assistantship (RA). This provides you a stipend in exchange for the work you do; it will not be much, but typically it covers your tuition (if that is not waived by the institution) and provides you with basic living expenses (honestly, it won’t cover the dive vacation to the Maldives you’ve been dying to take though). For this reason, graduate students cost a grant money, and in order to have a space for you, we need to have a research grant or teaching assistantship support through the university or department that can support you.
If you apply for and are awarded fellowships, scholarships, etc., it greatly increases your chances of being accepted as a student--it shows initiative and helps with some of the costs. While not required, it never hurts to go after things for which you are qualified.