What should I do in my undergrad to make myself impressive for top tier grad?

Graduate School
1

<p>I guess this question is just general and can apply to any professional school. But in any case I am still very curious. What should an undergrad do to appear as a outstanding student when applying for higher education? What opportunities in school should he exhaust? GRE scores, GPA (I would assume 3.5+), research/internships (can anyone fill me in on how I can find some around my school and what exactly I do), LOF (2 +?)</p>

<p>Would studying abroad help? Should I do it? where can I find?</p>

<p>also, I attend a 4 year institution where I commute to and from class. The opportunities here are very limited compared to private and state schools. Am I at a disadvantage? Should I transfer to seek out these opportunities or no? Only advantage I can think of by staying are the many local jobs available since its a BIG city.</p>

<p>Would it matter if I attended a local school versus those big state/private school when I apply for grad?</p>

<p>Would job recruiters emphasize more on grad, undergrad or both? Reason I ask is I didn't do so well my first year. </p>

<p>Going back to original question, since I'm already into my third/nearly fourth year Accomplishing NOTHING, What exactly should I do to better my chances.</p>

2

<p>First of all, I want to say that not everything you do in college should be based on what would make you “appear as an outstanding student.” Enjoy yourself and do things you want to do. There are many students who make lots of friends, work part-time, join Greek life, spend most of their time doing ECs, and still get into grad school or good jobs.</p>

<p>Given that, obviously you want the highest GPA and GRE possible. Research experience is most important to traditional MA and PhD programs; professional programs will value the experience but not as much (as in, it’s not required). You can find research experience by asking professors. Internships are usually found searching the 'net and going to the career center. Studying abroad won’t necessarily help or hurt you wrt to graduate admissions, unless you are interested in language programs or IR/international affairs something of that nature.</p>

<p>Should you transfer? It depends on where you go and the opportunities there. If you can get great internships in your off time even though it’s a small school, then stay. If you go to grad school, your undergrad performance will matter little.</p>