Advice from Saint A’s seniors entering graduate programs

Catherine Muldoon

  1. Which college/university will you attend for the graduate program/etc?

Boston College

  1. Which program is it?

A master’s of education in curriculum & instruction with a concentration in chemistry.

  1. What was the process of applying to a graduate program?

It was long and took a lot of effort, but if you start early enough it is manageable. The process is worth it!

  1. Would you give any advice to underclassmen about the process?

Start the summer before your senior year! See what your program requires in terms of prerequi-sites, and if you need to take the GRE. Write drafts of a personal statement and resume and ask if career services or your professors would be willing to take a look at them and give you feedback. I asked all of my references during the summer and it allowed them the chance to work on my recommendations before the craziness of the semester in the fall & spring. Make sure to ask anyone that you need assistance from with enough time to spare. Remember that your recommenders are using their own time to help you succeed, so make sure to thank them.

  1. Did anything particular that you learned at Saint A’s inspire you to seek this program?

The chemistry department inspired me to pursue teaching chemistry during my freshman and sophomore years here. Then I began a double major in secondary ed and loved what I was learning, so I decided to continue my studies in education. I am very grateful to eve-ryone in the chemistry and education departments for all of their support and guidance in helping me decide what career I’d like to pursue.

Elizabeth Gallagher

  1. Which college/university will you attend for the graduate program/etc?

University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston)

  1. Which program is it?

Gerontology PhD program

  1. How was the process of applying to a graduate program?

The process of applying to graduate programs is very long and tedious. I would that say I put in over 4 hours a week for about 2 -3 months filling out applications, writing essays, having my es-says edited at the ARC, and sending official documents. Not to mention the countless hours studying for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) throughout the summer and fall.

  1. Would you give any advice to underclassmen about the process?

Study for the GRE all summer before senior year and schedule your test for late August or early September. Also, get started on your essays throughout the summer.

  1. Did anything particular that you learned at Saint A’s inspire you to seek this program?

There were many aspects of my education at Saint A’s that helped shape the path I wanted to pursue in graduate school. For example, my course in Adulthood and Aging Psychology, the mentorship of Professor Rickenbach of the Psychology Department who holds a PhD in aging studies, my service learning experience at an Alzheimer’s unit, my internship experience at The Arbors at Bedford, and my NH-INBRE student research grant which examined couplehood in older adult spousal caregivers. These experiences were all part of my education at Saint A’s that led me to pursue a career in aging research and policy.