APPLYING TO

GRADUATE SCHOOL
LET THE GAMES BEGIN

BACHA 2014
SAM GHIKA, REA KYANI, & COREY ALLEN

INTRODUCTION
About Us
Sam Ghika
Framingham State University & Northeastern University
RA, Peer Mentor, SGA
Graduate Assistant for Residential Life: FYE/LLC

Rea Kyani
Florida State University, MassArt, Northeastern University, & MIT
RA, OL, Tour Guide, Torchbearer
Graduate Assistant for Residential Life: RA Training, Selection, & Development; Graduate Intern for
Student Activities and Leadership

Corey Allen
Suffolk University, Northeastern University, Emmerson College, & Wentworth Institute of Technology
ADD INTO INTO STUDENT AFFAIRS
Resident Director for Residential Life

UNDERGRADUATE
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Undergraduate
Experience

Functional Area for

Transferrable Skills/Experience

RA/Housing Experience

Student Government Association

Alternative Spring Break

Admissions Tour Guide

Orientation Leader

Residential Life

RSA/Student Leadership

Community Service Center

Student & Family Orientation Services

Greek Life

Peer Mentor/Advisor

Admissions

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Advising Center/Career Center

HOW AWESOME IS IT THAT THIS

COULD BE YOUR CAREER?!
Many student leaders fall in love with their extra curricular activities
Many students do not know that there is a field where you could expand
your Student Affairs Experience
Did anyone enter college knowing they wanted to enter this field?

GOING TO GRADUATE
SCHOOL RIGHT AWAY
Pros

Cons

Still in school mode

More likely to get a job after you graduate

Can apply undergraduate experiences to grad school

classes/assistantship

No professional work experience

Continuing school without a break can be draining

Not sure what area you want to go into

WAITING TO GO TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL
Pros

Cons

Have more time to gain experience

Have time to decide what area of Student Affairs you want to focus on

Build up your resume

Typical track post graduation

Some full time positions offer tuition remission involved

Might have a difficult time getting back in school mode

Comfortable in a position and avoiding going back to school

The busier you get, the less time you have to dedicate to school

THE GRE
Prospective Graduate Students take the GREs
English, Math, and Writing sections
Around $160.00
Take GREs at least one month before you want to send applications
Upon completion, the GRE allows you to send your scores right away

THINGS TO CONSIDER
Cost of the program
Location of school
Curriculum
Acceptance rate
Cost of living
Admission requirements
Program requirements

BEING PROACTIVE
Take the time to visit different schools
Contact Program Directors or Admissions and set up an info only meeting
Attend Open Houses/Info Sessions
Talk to an experienced Student Affairs Professional about your search
Attend conferences (like BACHA)

APPLICATION PROCESS
Number of schools you apply to
Application fees
Updating your resume
Strong cover letter
Recommendations

RESUME
1 Page Resume Recommended
Have multiple people look over your resume
Include strong action words

RESUME
Example A
Ran bi-weekly meeting with Hall Council
Facilitated bi-weekly meetings with 8 Hall Council members in order
to brainstorm building wide programming ideas
Example B
Worked with NUPD when incidents occurred
Collaborated with Northeastern University Police Department when
necessary to maintain a safe and secure community within the
residence hall

COVER LETTER
Statement of purpose
Highlights some of your experiences or skills
Expanding on your resume
Usually 1 page long around 500 words broken up by paragraphs
Make sure you proofread it

RECOMMENDATIONS
Schools usually ask for 2-3 recommendations
Ask someone who you think can write you a favorable/robust
recommendation
Asking early to give them enough time to write it; follow up if necessary

FEELING STRESSED?
Dont overstress
You applied to college, but applying to graduate school is a little different
Give yourself enough time to search by starting early
Set goals for yourself and stick to them
It can be a stressful process, but use your support systems

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Going to Graduate School is definitely a lot to think about
Talk to your RDs and other Student Affairs Professionals at your schools
Look at different programs online
Take the time to visit schools
Find out what is important to you and you will find the right fit

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS,
CONCERNS?
Samantha Ghika s.ghika@neu.edu
GA for Residential Life at NU: FYE/LLC
Rea Kyani r.kyani@neu.edu
GA for Residential Life at NU: RA Selection, Training, & Development
Graduate Intern for Student Activities & Leadership at Massachusetts
Institute of Technology
Corey Allen c.allen@neu.edu
RD for Residential Life at NU: West Village A Residential Complex

APPLYING TO
GRADUATE SCHOOL
LET THE GAMES BEGIN

BACHA 2014
SAM GHIKA, REA KYANI, & COREY ALLEN