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How to Grad School: A Guide for High Schoolers and Undergrads

Thinking about graduate school? This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing for and succeeding in graduate studies in aquatic and environmental sciences.

Slide 1: Welcome! 🎓

So You're Thinking About Grad School?

Graduate school can be an amazing journey that: - Deepens your expertise in a field you're passionate about - Opens doors to research and leadership opportunities
- Prepares you for careers in science, academia, industry, and policy - Connects you with a community of researchers and mentors

But it's also a big commitment! Let's explore what you need to know.

Slide 2: What Classes Should You Take? 📚

Building Your Foundation

Core Science Classes: - Biology: Ecology, marine biology, molecular biology, genetics - Chemistry: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry - Math & Statistics: Calculus, statistics, quantitative methods - Physics: At least one year for understanding physical processes

Specialized Courses for Aquatic Sciences: - Oceanography or limnology - Fisheries biology - Environmental science - Hydrology or water chemistry

Don't Forget: - Writing-intensive courses - Communication is crucial in science! - Computer science or bioinformatics - Data analysis skills are essential - Research methods courses - Foreign language (helpful for international research)

Pro Tips:

✅ Take challenging courses - grad schools want to see you can handle rigorous academics
✅ Maintain a strong GPA (aim for 3.5+ for competitive programs)
✅ Don't just take required courses - explore topics that excite you!

Slide 3: What Degree Programs Should You Apply To? 🏫

Types of Graduate Degrees

Master's Degree (MS/MA) - 2-3 years - Good for: Career advancement, research experience, stepping stone to PhD - Options: Thesis-based (research-focused) or coursework-based

Doctoral Degree (PhD) - 4-7 years
- Good for: Research careers, academia, leadership roles in science - Intensive research focus with original contribution to knowledge

Research Areas in Aquatic & Environmental Sciences:

  • Marine Biology & Oceanography
  • Fisheries Science
  • Aquaculture
  • Conservation Biology
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Climate Change & Ocean Acidification
  • Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
  • Environmental Policy & Management

Finding the Right Program:

  1. Research first, program second - Find faculty doing work you find exciting
  2. Consider location - Field work opportunities, climate, cost of living
  3. Look at funding - Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships
  4. Program culture - Visit labs, talk to current students
  5. Career outcomes - Where do graduates end up?

Slide 4: What Are Useful Research Skills? 🔬

Laboratory Skills

  • Molecular techniques: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing
  • Microscopy: Identifying organisms, histology
  • Chemical analysis: Water chemistry, pH, nutrients
  • Field sampling: Proper collection and preservation techniques

Computational Skills

  • Programming languages: R (statistics), Python (data analysis), bash (command line)
  • Data management: Organizing, backing up, and sharing data properly
  • Bioinformatics: Analyzing genomic data, phylogenetics
  • Statistical analysis: Experimental design, hypothesis testing

Field Work Skills

  • Safety protocols: First aid, boat safety, SCUBA certification
  • Equipment operation: Water quality meters, nets, underwater cameras
  • Navigation: GPS, charts, tide tables
  • Species identification: Local flora and fauna

Communication Skills

  • Scientific writing: Papers, grants, reports
  • Presentations: Conferences, lab meetings, public outreach
  • Data visualization: Creating clear, compelling figures
  • Collaboration: Working effectively in teams

How to Develop These Skills:

✅ Undergraduate research - Most important!
✅ Summer internships (REU programs, field stations)
✅ Volunteer in labs during the academic year
✅ Take relevant coursework
✅ Attend workshops and training programs
✅ Join student research groups

Slide 5: How Do You Apply to Graduate School? 📝

Timeline (Starting Junior Year)

Junior Year: - Spring: Start researching programs and faculty - Summer: Gain research experience, attend conferences

Senior Year: - Fall: Take GRE (if required), request transcripts, submit applications - Winter/Spring: Interview season, make final decisions

Application Components

1. Research Experience ⭐ Most Important! - Publications (even as co-author) - Conference presentations - Research projects with clear outcomes

2. Letters of Recommendation (Usually 3) - Research supervisors who know your work well - Professors from relevant courses - Professional mentors

3. Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose - Why this field? Why this program? - Your research interests and career goals - How your experience has prepared you

4. Academic Records - Transcripts from all institutions - Strong GPA in relevant courses

5. Standardized Tests (Check requirements!) - GRE (Graduate Record Examination) - Some programs dropping this requirement - Subject GRE (if required for your field)

6. CV/Resume - Research experience, publications, presentations - Relevant coursework, skills, awards - Teaching or outreach experience

Application Tips:

✅ Apply broadly - 6-12 programs is typical
✅ Contact faculty ahead of time - Email potential advisors
✅ Visit programs if possible - Meet students and faculty
✅ Apply for fellowships - NSF GRFP, EPA STAR, etc.
✅ Start early - Applications often due in December/January

Slide 6: The Graduate School Experience 🎯

What to Expect

First Year: - Coursework (usually 2-3 classes per semester) - Lab rotations (try different research groups) - Teaching assistant duties - Developing research proposal

Years 2-3 (Master's) / 2-5 (PhD): - Focus shifts to research - Comprehensive exams (PhD) - Thesis/dissertation research - Conference presentations - Possible publications

Final Year: - Writing thesis/dissertation - Job market preparation - Defense of research

Funding Your Education

  • Teaching Assistantships: Teach labs or lead discussion sections
  • Research Assistantships: Work on funded research projects
  • Fellowships: Competitive awards (NSF GRFP, EPA STAR)
  • Grants: Apply for research funding for your projects

Challenges and Rewards

Challenges: - Long hours, uncertain outcomes - Steep learning curve - Balancing coursework and research - Mental health and work-life balance

Rewards: - Contributing new knowledge to science - Developing expertise in your passion - Mentoring relationships - Travel opportunities for fieldwork and conferences - Job satisfaction and career flexibility

Slide 7: Career Opportunities After Grad School 💼

Academic Careers

Professor/Faculty (PhD required) - Research universities (R1): Focus on research + some teaching - Teaching universities: Focus on teaching + some research
- Community colleges: Teaching-focused

Postdoctoral Researcher (PhD required) - 2-5 years additional training after PhD - Develop independence, publish papers, apply for faculty jobs

Government Careers

Federal Agencies: - NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - USGS (US Geological Survey) - National Park Service - Fish and Wildlife Service

State and Local: - Departments of Natural Resources - Environmental consulting - Water management districts

Industry Careers

Environmental Consulting - Impact assessments, restoration projects - Regulatory compliance

Aquaculture - Fish/shellfish farming operations - Feed development, breeding programs

Biotechnology - Environmental monitoring tools - Pharmaceutical development from marine organisms

Data Science - Environmental modeling - Climate analysis - Fisheries stock assessments

Non-Profit Sector

  • Conservation organizations
  • Environmental advocacy
  • Science communication and education
  • Policy think tanks

Science Communication

  • Science writing and journalism
  • Museum education
  • Science policy
  • Outreach and public engagement

Salary Expectations

Entry Level (Master's): $40,000-70,000
Mid-Career (PhD): $60,000-120,000
Senior Level: $80,000-200,000+

Varies significantly by sector, location, and specialization

Slide 8: Getting Started - Action Steps 🚀

For High School Students:

  1. Take challenging science and math courses
  2. Look for local research opportunities (museums, field stations, universities)
  3. Participate in science fairs and competitions
  4. Consider marine science summer programs
  5. Volunteer with environmental organizations

For Undergraduates:

  1. Connect with faculty - Visit office hours, express interest in research
  2. Apply for summer research programs (REU sites, field stations)
  3. Join professional societies (student memberships are cheap!)
  4. Attend conferences - Great for networking and seeing cutting-edge research
  5. Start building your CV - Document all your experiences

Questions to Ask Yourself:

  • Am I passionate enough about this field to dedicate 2-7 years to intensive study?
  • Do I enjoy problem-solving and working with uncertainty?
  • Am I comfortable with the lifestyle and career prospects?
  • Do I have the academic preparation needed?

Resources at University of Washington:

Slide 9: Final Thoughts 💭

Graduate School Is Not for Everyone - And That's OK!

Consider grad school if you: - Love learning and asking research questions - Want to become an expert in a specific area - Enjoy working independently - Are passionate about contributing new knowledge - See yourself in a career that requires advanced training

Alternative paths: - Industry positions with Bachelor's degree - Professional certifications - Technical training programs - Gaining experience first, then returning to school later

Remember:

  • There's no single "right" path to a successful career in science
  • You can always change directions - many successful scientists have non-linear career paths
  • Your undergraduate years are for exploring - try different research areas!
  • Seek mentorship - Find faculty, graduate students, or professionals who can guide you

Slide 10: Questions & Discussion 🤔

Common Questions:

Q: Do I need research experience to get into grad school?
A: For research-focused programs, yes! Start as early as possible.

Q: What if I don't know exactly what I want to study?
A: That's normal! Use undergrad to explore different areas through courses and research.

Q: How important is the GRE?
A: Many programs are moving away from requiring it. Check specific program requirements.

Q: Should I take time off between undergrad and grad school?
A: Can be valuable for gaining experience, but maintain connections to academic community.

Q: How do I know if a graduate program is a good fit?
A: Visit if possible, talk to current students, and research the faculty and their work.

Connect With Us:

This presentation is part of the Roberts Lab outreach efforts. For more information about graduate school opportunities in aquatic and fishery sciences at the University of Washington, visit our lab resources.