The LSA Graduate School Exploration Symposium

Join us for an interactive workshop to discover the what, why, and when of grad school:

• What is grad school all about?

• Why might you choose to go? 

• When and how should you start preparing to apply?

Whether you’re a first year student wondering how to start getting ready for grad school apps or a senior thinking about returning to school in the future, this workshop will help you identify your personal next steps in making the decision to apply. 

There are hundreds – if not thousands – of programs that are offered in a variety of disciplines across grad school degrees. So how do you make the best choice for yourself and your future? 

In this panel, explore your options for your educational journey and identify programs that meet your needs. We will cover specific topics like how to read grad school curricula and websites, how to fund grad school without debt, and how to navigate grad school as a first-gen and BIPOC student. 

Are you considering taking a gap year? What are the pros and cons of doing so? Specifically, how do you design a gap year that works for your needs and develops your skills to pursue your path? Join us in this panel to find out more.

If you already know that grad school interviews are in the cards for you, come prepare for them with us! In these mock interview sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice the interview process with a skilled interviewer in the discipline of your choice. You’ll receive high-quality feedback and get valuable experience to advance your grad school journey.

What are some ways that you can prepare for grad school? What is the difference between pursuing research, volunteering, shadowing, or an internship, and what is the value of each in different fields or different types of institutions? How do you identify which opportunity is right for you? Discover how to “test the waters” to make more informed decisions later on. 

In this panel, we will explore ways to strategically build an application by considering program deadlines and other application components: resumes and CVs, personal and research statements, portfolios, etc. 

Join us in this panel with admissions representatives and applications experts from institutions across the United States to learn more.

Your personal statement is more than a requirement—it’s your chance to tell your story as you pursue graduate studies with purpose. How personal is too personal? What actually matters to admissions committees? Join admissions professionals and faculty as they demystify the process and share practical guidance to help you craft a statement that strengthens your graduate school application.

Talking to faculty early on in your grad school exploration journey is key in gathering information, receiving strong recommendation letters, as well as getting a general idea about what grad school in a particular field of your choice may look like. But you may wonder:

• How do I approach faculty in my field while an undergrad?

• What questions should I be asking? 

• Can I cold call/email faculty in my area of interest? 

In this panel, faculty will shed light on some of these questions to help you discover if grad school is right for you. 

Funding and standardized tests are often sources of stress or confusion for those considering grad school. In this panel, we will lay out the A to Z’s of standardized tests for grad schools, talk about waiver possibilities, programs that no longer require tests and funding graduate school more generally.  You will leave with concrete steps on how to tackle them in preparation for an application. Come explore what is possible!

Feeling like an imposter is a common phenomenon for grad school students, including First-Gen, BIPOC, and other minoritized students. What does imposter syndrome mean and how can we address it?

In this panel, current grad students and imposter syndrome researchers will discuss their experience and approaches to help you pursue your graduate studies and advance your career with confidence. 

A traditional, drop-in style fair. Participating institutions will be tabling in the LSA Building and will be available to offer information about available programs.

Participating programs and institutions:

Business & Public Policy

• Columbia University, Columbia Business School

• Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business

• Northwestern University, Master of Science in Law

• University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

• University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy

• University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

• University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

• University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce

Health Sciences, Medicine & Public Health

• Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine

• Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine

• Ponce Health Sciences University, Doctor of Medicine

• Rush University, College of Health Sciences

• University of Medicine and Health Science, MD Program

• University of Michigan, School of Kinesiology

• University of Michigan, School of Public Health

• University of Minnesota, School of Public Health

• Wayne State University, Office of Biomedical Graduate Programs

• Wayne State University, School of Medicine

Information

• Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College of Information Systems

• University of Michigan, School of Information

Other Disciplines

• Lourdes University, Graduate Admissions

• Oakland University, various graduate programs

• University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability

• University of Michigan, Marsal Family School of Education

• University of Michigan-Flint, Office of Graduate Programs

• University of Notre Dame, various graduate programs

Resources

• University of Michigan, Office of Financial Aid

LSA students can register for the Symposium on LSA Engage. After registering for the event, you will receive more information via email about how to sign up for specific workshops and sessions.

All LSA students are welcome to drop by the Grad Fair portion of the Symposium. However, you must register for specific sessions in order to attend them. Session capacity is limited—don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive personalized support from grad school representatives.

Please bring your MCard to check in to the event. We also encourage attendees to bring note-taking materials.

Note: there will not be a coat or bag check at the event.

Come as-you-are. Who and what you are is professional!

Preparation is not necessary, but reflection always helps!

The Hub’s "Explore Graduate School" Canvas module includes tools to support as you prep and reflect.

This event is for currently enrolled LSA undergraduates. We encourage non-LSA undergraduates to explore the Career Services offices in your college.

Visit the University Career Center to get started.