Hey everyone! I’m just a high school senior thinking way into the future about grad school. I figure if I have this bucket load of advice for incoming freshman highschoolers for getting into a great undergrad, that the same might be true for students getting into grad school. Is there any advice or “should’a, would’a, could’a” moments that you either recommend or wish you had done in order to get into the school of your dreams?
btw: my major that I plan to study is neuroscience.
Get great grades. Get research experience. Build strong relationships with several profs. You need 3 recommendations for grad school (and if one of your profs leaves or something, it can be an issue – so cultivate four if you can).
Try to find a mentor. I don’t just mean building strong relationships. See if you can find someone in your department who you really trust who has experience with your areas of interest, or at least the current state of graduate school admissions in your area of interest. Have in depth conversations with them about your field, your plans, and let them help guide you. Ask lots of questions and do a lot of research while keeping an open mind. Harvard might be a dream school, but they might not have the program you want or profs studying your area of interest. Don’t settle all your hopes and effort on one program. Find several you’re thrilled about the possibility of attending.
Your mentor might not always be right, but they can point you in the right direction and be honest with you about your potential and options.
Use sites like these to learn more about grad programs, experiences, admissions, etc. Make sure you know what you’re getting into and likely outcomes and placements.
Of course there are also the basics. Keep your grades up, get research or work experience depending on the type of grad program you’re looking at, build relationships with faulty members, etc.