This guidebook has been developed to help undergraduates
understand and prepare for entering graduate school in the sciences or
engineering.
The lives of people around the world have been enriched
through science and engineering. New discoveries and applications f knowledge
will continue to develop as long as we have people who are willing to gain
the education and persevere to make todays dreams and crazy ideas, tomorrows
realities.
Request Information about Ph.D.
programs at Baylor College of Medicine
Beyond the Beakers (single pdf file - 2.7MB)
Individual
Chapters in smaller PDF Files (~0.2 MB)
Chapter One: Research and
Work Experiences
Types of Undergraduate Research/Work Opportunities
Applying for Summer Research/Work Programs
Communicating with
Choosing a Project/Lab
Expectations of Research Program Participants
Making the Most of Your Research/Work Experience
Finalizing Your Work
Capitalizing on Your Research/Work Experience
Chapter Two: Doing Your Best
on the GRE
General Information about the GRE
Reasons to Prepare for the GRE
What is a Good GRE Score?
Resources to Help You Prepare for the GRE
Preparing for the GRE
The Computer Adaptive Test: CAT
Strategies to Improve Your Scores
Chapter Three: Building
Logical Thinking Skills
Logic problems
Chapter Four: Making the
Most of
Understanding What Kind of Relationship You Want with a
Gathering Information to Choose a
Approaching Individuals about Mentorship
Working Effectively with Mentors
Moving Away from Mentoring that Becomes Messy
Chapter Five: Data
Management
Responsibility of Data Acquisition
Systems of Data Acquisition
Organizing Your Lab Notebook
Making Corrections to Lab Notes
Guidelines for Computer Records
Concerns Regarding Computer Records
Results of Bad Record Keeping
Keys to Reliable Record Keeping
Chapter Six: Reading the
Scientific Literature
General Pointers for Effective
Locating Papers
Publication Myths
Reading Objectives/Reading Approaches
Analyzing Components of a Scientific Paper
Chapter Seven: Avoiding
Plagiarism/Copyright Infringement
What is Plagiarism?
Avoiding Plagiarism
Mechanics of Citation
Common Questions about Citation
Traps to Avoid in Citation
Chapter Eight: Writing
Research Proposals
General Pointers
Common Components of Research Proposals
Common Barricades to Efficient Writing
Practical Considerations
Fellowship Applications
Purpose of fellowships
Budget restrictions
Length of award
Finding fellowship information
Preparing application materials
Writing a proposal
If the fellowship is awarded
If the fellowship is not awarded
Chapter Nine: Writing
Scientific Abstracts
General Pointers
Organization and Content of Abstracts
Common Mistakes
Chapter Ten: Creating
Effective Figures
General Guidelines for Creating Figures
Ways to Present Data
Specific Pointers for Setting-up Figures
Chapter Eleven: Posters
with Pizzazz
Planning Your Poster
Poster Preparation
Comparing Poster Formats
Presenting Your Poster
Chapter Twelve: Oral
Presentations
General Pointers for Effective Speaking
Common Components of Scientific Presentations
Preparing a Scientific Presentation
Characteristics of Effective Speeches
Presentation Skills
Mentally Preparing for a Presentation
Chapter Thirteen: Attending
Conferences and Networking
Meeting Other Scientists/Engineers
Chapter Fourteen: The
First Steps Toward a Successful Application
Application Components
Writing Personal Statements .
Describing Research/Work Experience
Chapter Fifteen:
Interviewing for
Purpose of
Helpful Hints Before Your Interview
Helpful Hints For Interviewing
Overcoming Shyness in an Interview Setting
Sample Interview Questions
Social Events as a Part of the Interview
What to Avoid in Interview Situations
Helpful Hints After the Interview
Chapter Sixteen: Choosing
the
Research Interest and Environment
Contact:
mailto:gradappboss@bcm.edu