Seniors Work Hard to Apply to Grad Programs

By Ennya Chavez

            With many under stress due to the end of the semester, some seniors are facing additional work of applying to graduate school, which includes writing personal statements, getting letters of recommendations from professors, and submitting their transcripts.

            Jesus Noriega, a senior majoring in biochemistry, has applied to PhD programs and wants to concentrate on lab and research work in the future.

            “It has been a little bit of a struggle,” he said.  “You don’t know where to start.  Once you know how to start, you can figure it out yourself.  [However,] the hardest steps are the first steps.”

            Noriega says that the advice and support he received from his peers and professors has helped him stay well informed on his application process.

            Teresa Garay-Ramirez, a junior majoring in psychology, has been accepted to Dominican’s graduate program in Trauma-Informed Leadership.

            “I know [the program] would provide [a lot] for my career path,” she said.

            Garay-Ramirez will begin her graduate studies in the spring semester as the program allows her to apply to both undergraduate and graduate courses.

She also had plenty of help from TRIO, a program designed to help students guide through their academics.  The program serves students who are first generation, low income, or have a documented disability.

            Susy Saltijeral, assistant director and a TRIO staff member, has been working hard to help students apply to grad schools.

            “Prioritizing and organizing becomes the most important things,” she explained.  “When I meet with students, I help them identify their priorities. I think it is important to outline the different steps and help them before they submit [their] applications.”

            Sisi Gomez, a senior majoring in psychology, is currently applying to PsyD programs and is passionate about spreading awareness on mental health.

Despite additional work during her semester, Gomez did not give up on applying to grad schools to reach her goal in pursuing a higher education.

            “If you don’t try, you’ll never know,” she said.  “You [have] to apply and see because that passion was placed in your heart for a reason, so why not go for it.”

echavez2@my.dom.edu

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