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Located in the Administrative Building, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers resources and advice to those starting graduate school, looking for a graduate program, or curious about graduate school. (Sadie Briones<\/a>)<\/p>\nWhile most students are counting down to winter break, a growing number of seniors at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are looking ahead. With graduate school applications open, more students are choosing to pursue advanced degrees over going straight into the workforce.<\/p>\n
This process often involves managing test scores, crafting personal statements, requesting letters of recommendation and meeting funding deadlines, all while finishing undergraduate coursework. To support students through these steps, UTEP offers resources ranging from academic advising and fellowship guidance to grants and workshops that help applicants navigate their next steps.<\/p>\n
For Ivan Acedo Aguilar, a computer science graduate studying for a masters in AI and international student, applying to graduate school was a strategic choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs an international student, getting a job is quite difficult. Right now, in the current marketplace, it\u2019s difficult, and as an international student it\u2019s even more difficult, because companies need to pay for your work visa\u2026 in most cases they are only hiring people with master\u2019s and above,\u201d Aguilar said.<\/p>\n
As one of only 141 R1 institutions nationwide, UTEP ranks in the top 5% of U.S. universities for research activity according to UTEP\u2019s website. A designation that encouraged Aguilar to stay with UTEP.<\/p>\n
Maryanne Long, Ph.D., Director of Post Doctoral Affairs and Graduate Fellowships, recommends that students begin searching for funding opportunities at least a year before graduation and stay alert for deadlines.<\/p>\n
Assistant Dean at the Graduate School, John Indiatsi, Ph.D., said that beyond email notifications and campus events, students are welcome to come ask for information directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Graduate School is here to serve our students, both undergraduate and graduate,\u201d Indiatsi said. \u201cIt\u2019s about leadership potential and one\u2019s ability to collaborate, build networks and communicate. You should always know that graduate school is an option, even if not immediately, somewhere down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nearly 60% of UTEP\u2019s graduate students are university alumni, according to Indiatsi. Additionally, the Fast Track program allows undergraduates to take graduate-level courses that count toward both bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees. An option that Aguilar took advantage of in preparing for his master\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I was a part of the fast-track program, it was pretty straightforward, I just needed to submit my transcript. I didn\u2019t need any recommendation letters; I had some professors vouch for me,\u201d Indiatsi said.<\/p>\n
For others, the path to graduate school looks different. Matthew Shaw returned for a master\u2019s in English and American Literature after 15 years working as an electrical engineer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn some ways I wish that it had been a shorter time, but I think there\u2019s some value in taking time between your bachelor\u2019s and your graduate program.\u201d Shaw said.<\/p>\n
Located in the Administrative Building, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers resources and advice to those starting graduate school, looking for a graduate program, or curious about graduate school. (Sadie Briones<\/a>)<\/p>\n