5. Which faculty, and what research are you most interested in?
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6. What have you done/learned at CI that helped you in your graduate school endeavors?
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During The Fair
General tips and advice:
□ Attend the fair to learn more about graduate school programs and requirements. The sooner you know what they are looking
for the more prepared you will be to submit an application that reflects the skills and qualification programs are looking for.
o Note - attending the fair and learning about programs does not require you to submit applications. A goal for the fair
could be simply learning about various programs and opportunities available to you.
□ Eavesdrop. Listen to the conversations of other students and the graduate school representatives.
Volunteer to help with the fair. Student volunteers can help graduate school representatives during the event, which can provide a
different perspective and allow you to observe and learn more about various programs.
Recommended questions to ask representatives:
□ How do most students fund their graduate education?
□ Does your program offer scholarships or assistantships?
□ What is your graduation rate?
□ What kind of students thrives in your program?
□ What are your placement rates and types of jobs
obtained by recent graduates?
□ What characteristics are specific to this program and
distinguish it from similar programs?
□ What planned practical experiences are included (e.g.
internships)? Ask for examples of internship placements.
□ What is the ratio of students to faculty?
□ What is the relative importance of admissions test
scores, undergraduate grades, recommendations,
statements on applications, experiences and other
requirements?
□ Does the department prefer applicants immediately out
of undergraduate programs or do they prefer applicants
with work experience? What kind of experience are they
looking for?
□ How are mentoring and advising relationships
established? Are advisors assigned?
□ May I contact you with further questions?
After The Fair
□ Organize & Reflect - Review brochures and business cards you’ve gathered and make additional notes on the graduate
schools and programs you’ve visited, and decide which ones you would like further information from or to apply to.
□ Continue Research - Be aware that requirements and deadlines can change. To ensure information you gathered at the fair is
still applicable, it is important to check the website of the specific program(s) you are interested in regularly for updates.
□ Follow-up – As needed, stay in touch with the graduate school representatives of programs that interest you most. Do not
hesitate to ask questions that may not be clear on their application or website information. Remember that your inquiries are
also an opportunity to show your interest, professionalism, and qualifications as a candidate for their program – ensure your
correspondence is specific, courteous, and professionally written.
Graduate & Professional School Fair Information:
For a list of participating university programs or to register to volunteer at Career & Internship Fair visit: go.csuci.edu/cdsweb
Career Development Services
Student Life | Division of Student Affairs
California State University Channel Islands
One University Drive, Bell Tower 1548 | Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 437-3270 (office) | (805) 437-8899 (fax) | career.services@csuci.edu
