The search for grad school

[milleniumgypsy]

Well, I've been looking into grad schools. I need to get into one with funding, so I've just been looking at ads looking for research assistants and teaching assistants. Since this is what I need anyway, I'm assuming that's the best route for me to go. I could go and apply to a bunch of grad schools and possibly get in without funding, but that seems like a waste of money. If I don't get funding, the only thing getting in is going to do is help my ego I guess because I'll be getting something other than rejection. Is this a bad way to go though? Would it be possible for me to get into a school and then have them offer me a previously unadvertised TA or RA position? I don't know. I'm on a rather limited income (yayz unemployment checks being not much more than a pittance and not living anywhere near other jobs), so I don't want to just throw money at grad schools for applying and money at MTU for transcripts for no real good reason.

In a way I feel I'm limiting myself, but still. I don't have piles of money to be using on a fruitless endeavor.

Has anyone on my F-list done this yet? I know you've already done the grad school thing Michelle, but I don't know how often you check lj.

I'm also trying to get better at trying to sell myself to schools. I'm not a bad writer, and am rather good at writing fiction. But when I'm applying for stuff I end up being uber formal, aloof, and probably rather dull. I need to get enthusiasm to show, without coming off as a loon. But I'm not sure at how to do that. :/

Any help? *big puppy eyes*

Comments

[vixenvixen.livejournal.com]

Well, what do you want to go into for grad school? More biology? Have you taken the GRE test? That is a requirement for almost all schools. Do you have any idea where you might want to go? I would suggest contacting the departments/profs of the places you are interested in before applying.

[invsagoth.livejournal.com]

Hey there!

What I want to do is go to grad school for more biology. Something to get me into studying fish and such.

I've taken the GREs already, my scores weren't OMG fantastic but they seem to be in the range most places are looking for.

I have a very rough idea of where I'd like to go. I'm looking at school in Georgia, Oregon, and Alaska. But basically I'd go anywhere that would accept me that has some sort of marine biology/fisheries program and can use me as an RA or TA.

I never thought to contact the profs/depts before I applied! How would I go about doing that? I don't want to come off sounding like a loony person. hehe

Btw, thank you for commenting! *hugs* :)