With only a few weeks remaining in the semester, it's time for many upperclassmen to seriously consider their post undergraduate life.
Although some students may be entering the workforce permanently, many will pursue their master's degree in graduate school.
Kathie Mattox, associate director of Auburn's Honors College, offered tips for students considering applying for graduate school.
Mattox said she recommended students begin by going to different colleges to see what graduate degree programs were available.
Additionally, students should begin applying for fellowships by the end of their junior year.
"There are a lot of fellowships that can almost pay entirely for grad. school for you plus your living expenses," Mattox said. "So, when you get a stipend from campus to be a graduate teaching assistant, or research assistant, you can get some of the colleges to pay about $1,200 per month for your living expenses, and they will also waive your tuition."
Some fellowships also pay part of health insurance expenses.
Mattox said she encouraged students interested in pursuing science and engineering degrees to speak with Ken Thomas, Post Doctoral Fellow of the Honors College, about applying to the National Science Foundation for money.
Several Auburn students have successfully received the National Science Foundation fellowship, which offers students $100,000 for grad. school.
Students may use the money at whatever graduate program they choose to attend.
According to Mattox, Auburn University has tried to increase support for students interested in graduate school after undergraduate graduation.
An ambassador program has been set up to recruit future graduate students for Auburn.
Students who would like more information about grad. school are encouraged to stop by Harper Hall.
Additionally, George Flowers, dean of the Graduate School and George Crandell, associate dean of the Graduate School, said they welcomed students to talk with them if they have any questions or concerns regarding graduate school.
Thomas said he reminded students though faculty members would like students to attend grad. school at Auburn, their foremost concern is finding the best place for each student to attend.
"They want you to stay at Auburn, but they just want you to go to grad. school in general," Thomas said. "Going there doesn't mean that they're going to force you to stay at Auburn, They're going to try and help you to find a grad. program that's best for you."
The decisions surrounding students' grad. school attendance vary for each individual.
Alexander Strickland, junior in history and political science, said he plans to go to grad. school immediately after finishing his undergraduate degree.
For Strickland, the location of graduate school is the biggest factor in his decision process, though fellowships and his GRE score are also important.
Strickland said he hoped to hone his research and writing schools in grad. school.
"I'm already taking a lot of classes about that here at Auburn, but I feel like there's a lot more I can learn and a lot better I can get at it," Strickland said.
Cailin Kelley, junior in elementary education, said her finances are the biggest concern.
Kelley said she plans to attend grad. school after she teaches for a few years.
Kelley said graduate school could only improve her teaching techniques.
"Teachers should be seeking constant professional growth," Kelley said. "After I've been teaching, I should go back and see what I can learn from my experiences, as well as what can be offered now that I've done it for a few years."
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