ATTN: Graduating Seniors!!!

Preparing for Graduate School

Graduation is quickly approaching and many of you plan to continue your journey of higher education by applying to graduate school. There are a few things that you must have in order to begin preparing for entrance into Graduate School.  For most graduate schools, depending on the program of study, usually there are a limited number of spots available in a program. In such cases, only the most highly qualified candidates are offered admissions. The decision to admit an applicant is based primarily on a combination of the following criteria:

1.     Quality of undergraduate and previous graduate work,

2.     GRE/GMAT Scores,

3.     Letters of Recommendation,

4.     Evidence of potential success for graduate studies, and

5.     Available space in the program

Application for admission into the Graduate School at Alabama A&M University includes the following:

1.     Completed official application for admission to Graduate Studies and a non-refundable application fee. 

2.     Two official transcripts from each collegiate institution you have attended which must be mailed directly to the School of Graduate Studies Office, Alabama A&M University, P.O. Box 998, Normal, AL 35762.

3.     Official test scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are required for all programs except for the MBA which requires the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores.

4.     Two letters of recommendation on official “Letter of Recommendation” forms as provided by the University.

5.     Details on any professional work experience.

6.     Applicants must demonstrate adequate academic preparation in their proposed area of study.

7.     Other requirements may be specified by the particular degree program to which you are applying.

To be admitted unconditionally, applicants must:

1.     Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

2.     Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5

3.     Submit a minimum score of 400 on the verbal and 400 on the quantitative portions of the GRE. MBA students are required to have a minimum GMAT score of 350.

4.     Meet all program-specific requirements.

The time to begin preparing for graduate school is NOW! Begin contacting the University Testing Center to inquire about signing up to take the GRE. Information concerning tests, dates, and procedures can be obtained from the Testing Services Office. To register for a test, please visit 200 Buchanan Hall or call 256.372.5645.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA

Jasmine’s Guidebook for Students on Academic Probation

Once the implications of probation are fully comprehended, most students find it quite sobering. However, all is not lost. The following steps were created to assist you in getting off of Academic Probation:

1.)  Meet with an academic adviser to receive strategies for a more successful semester. Talk with a Bulldog Academic Resource Connection Specialist (BARC) by calling Janet Jones at 256.372.8089 or by calling Dawn Miles at 256.372.5494. The University requires ALL students on academic probation to register with the Office of Retention and Academic Support (ORAS). Please call 256.372.5491 for more information on ways to get off probation.

2.)  Retake failed courses immediately with another instructor. This allows you to substitute your first attempt grades with second attempt grades. The Academic Specialists are trained professionals who will help you develop an Academic Success Plan. This plan encourages students to repeat courses you have failed. Although, you might not be excited about having to repeat classes, doing so is the quickest way to improve your GPA. As a result of being familiar with the material and using your notes, handouts, and tests from the previous semester you will be well prepared for the course the second time around.

3.)  Project this semester’s GPA and analyze what efforts will be required to attain those grades.  Some ways to ensure that you increase your grades is to make sure that you are attending all of your classes, completing assignments in a timely manner, and lessen your social activities. Attendance is key in grasping material! It is also an important factor that is related to receiving financial aid for the semester. Too many absences can result in loss of financial aid or a failed course. Completing assignments at the highest level possible and submitting them on time is a sure way to increase your grades as well. Although college is exciting and offers an endless list of fun extracurricular activities, reducing your social activities is necessary to increase and maintain a good GPA as well. Learn to manage your time. The negative consequences of not managing your time can be irreparable. Increase your study time! It is recommended that students spend at least 2 hours of study time for each hour they spend in class. Enrolling in fewer credit hours, if you work more than 20 hours per week, will help your GPA as well.

4.)  Develop a long-term academic plan, one that includes Summer school to replace the loss of units due to failed courses. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bennett or an ORAS Academic Specialist to help you devise an effective strategy. The Specialist will thoroughly review your academic record, compute your semester needed GPA to achieve the GPA required for your classification, develop an Academic Success Plan that will help you to return to good academic standing, and provide continuous support throughout your journey to graduation.

5.)  Take advantage of advising, tutoring, SI and mentoring by visiting the Office of Academic Support Services (OASIS). Through a close relationship with your advisor and Academic Specialist, you will quickly get off probation. Call 256-372-5487 to receive more information on getting a tutor or visit the Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN) in 100C Buchanan Hall.

6.)  Meet with the specific faculty for each course to review the syllabus, course expectations, and assignment timeline. Ask for clarifications from the faculty in any area of the course that is problematic. Begin to develop a close relationship with your instructors. Be sure to ask for assistance during class. Not asking for assistance in the appropriate time can result in a downward spiral in your academic success.

Jasmine, OASiS GSA