General Question

Glow's avatar

How do I make myself become more qualified for a graduate assistantship?

Asked by Glow (1366points) May 18th, 2010
6 responses
“Great Question” (2points)

I am getting closer to the end of my undergrad degree, and I noticed that I may not be able to afford my grad degree, due to the fact it would require me to move. I have heard that graduate assistantships (TAs) can really help to pay for school and living expenses and I was thinking that this is my best way into grad school (aside from fellowships).

So, how do I become more qualified for an assistantship? Do I need a certain GPA? I have volunteer experience teaching, would that help? What can I do NOW to make myself more qualified when the time comes?

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Answers

stranger_in_a_strange_land's avatar

Any kind of teaching experience would be a definite plus. The GPA requirement would vary from one school to another and probably have more weight in getting into the program rather than becoming a TA.

Glow's avatar

Yeah, I have a great volunteer opportunity teaching kids again for this summer, and I plan to get more. I am hoping that this will increase my eligibility. My gpa isn’t stellar though, only a 3.0, so I was worried that might hold me back :/

stranger_in_a_strange_land's avatar

You can’t do much about the GPA now, it’s history. The teaching experience is all you can do now. I think it will help you.

YARNLADY's avatar

See if you can find the actual requirements for becoming a TA and make sure you work on qualifying for it.

janbb's avatar

It really depends a great deal on what field you are going into in my experience. If you are going inot the sciences, there is a lot of money given for stipends, TAs and RAs. In the Humanities, not as much.

La_chica_gomela's avatar

Any opportunities to tutor or teach in your field as well as research experiences will contribute positively to your academic CV and of course your chances of attaining a desirable placement. In many schools and departments, serving as a TA is just one of your requirements for being a grad student there, but obviously it depends on the program.

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